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Prime Minister of Latvia Evika Siliņa welcomed Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal and Lithuanian Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas in Rīga on Friday, 30 May. The meeting was held within the framework of the Baltic Council of Ministers, with Latvia holding the presidency this year.
"This year, Latvia assumes a leading role of coordinating cooperation between the three Baltic States, and today’s meeting reaffirms our commitment to address the key issues facing the region, together. Our development and security are closely linked – we share a common past, present, and future. Together, we aim to reach 5% of our GDP for defence spending, we stand united as NATO allies, and we remain steadfast in our support for Ukraine. We are bound by shared values and stand united within the European Union," said E. Siliņa in her address to the Estonian and Lithuanian delegations.
The matters discussed in the meeting included the Baltic States’ security and defence, as well as the progress of regional infrastructure projects, including RailBaltica.
“We traditionally share the same view on the necessity for the presence of NATO in our region — across the Baltic Sea, in air, and on land,” said Prime Minister Evika Siliņa, highlighting the shared vision of the Baltic States and efforts to increase defence spending both nationally and within the Alliance. The Prime Ministers also reaffirmed their commitment to further support Ukraine.
The Heads of Government also focused on the strengthening of the Baltic States’ external borders in response to increasing pressure of migration, which continues to be sustained by authoritarian regimes. Prime Minister E. Siliņa expressed her gratitude for the support of Estonia and Lithuania and cooperation with Latvian border guards. The Prime Ministers also discussed cooperation in the Baltic Sea and coordinated action to fight against Russia's 'shadow fleet'.
In regard to key infrastructure projects and their progress, the Prime Ministers reaffirmed the strategic importance of RailBaltica for the region. “This is not just a transport link – it is an integral part of our region’s military mobility and plans for economic growth. It is essential for the Baltic States to maintain close cooperation at all levels to ensure that the project is implemented in a coordinated and efficient manner,” said Prime Minister Evika Siliņa.
The leaders of the Baltic States exchanged information on the latest progress of the project in each country, and agreed to strengthen cooperation in the context of the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework, as well as to coordinate efforts on joint procurement and other related matters.
