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On Friday, October 10, Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa met with the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola. The officials discussed strengthening the European Union’s security, promoting economic competitiveness, and continuing support for Ukraine.
“Our conversations with the President of the European Parliament are always open, respectful, and focused on tangible results. Only by acting in unity and with purpose we can strengthen security, foster growth, and increase prosperity in Latvia and across Europe,” said the Prime Minister.
During the meeting, the officials discussed the progress of proposals to reduce bureaucracy in the European Parliament and joint actions to enhance Europe’s competitiveness.
“I know that Europe has a great deal of untapped potential. We cannot allow capital to lie dormant in accounts – it must work for the benefit of people and businesses. Like a river freed from dams, the economy too must be allowed to flow more freely, driving innovation and creating new opportunities,” said Siliņa.
They also discussed the joint development of the defense industry and readiness for new potential threats, including challenges posed by drone technologies. “In recent years, Europe has become more vigilant and determined, but now it is time to take the next steps – to strengthen the military industry, defense capabilities, and preparedness,” the Prime Minister emphasized.
The officials also spoke about progress in Ukraine’s path toward EU membership and discussed the European Commission’s proposed solutions for using frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine.
The President of the European Parliament also visited Latvia last year as part of her tour ahead of the European Parliament elections. The Latvian Prime Minister particularly highlighted Metsola’s active engagement with young people and her ability to connect with diverse groups in society, thereby strengthening trust in European values.
After the meeting, Siliņa and Metsola visited the Ādaži military base, where the President of the European Parliament had the opportunity to see firsthand the measures taken to reinforce NATO’s allied presence in Latvia.
