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On Wednesday, 26 August, Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs met with the President of the European Council, António Costa, to discuss the security situation on the EU’s Eastern Flank, the next EU multiannual budget, support for Ukraine and the instrumentalization of migration.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister emphasized that the European Council will have to take key decisions that will shape Europe’s future towards the end of this year.
From Latvia’s perspective, one of the most important issues is the security of the EU’s Eastern Flank and ensuring that this is adequately reflected in the EU’s budgetary priorities. Latvia has significantly increased its investment in national defence. This year, 4.91% of gross domestic product (GDP) has been allocated to defence, while from next year onwards at least 5% of GDP is earmarked for defence. Since 2022, Latvia has allocated nearly EUR 1 billion to strengthening its eastern border. The specific circumstances of the EU’s eastern border must be taken into account both in the allocation of national funding and in access to EU funds.
“Latvia lies on the external border of the EU and NATO, and we face threats from Russia and Belarus on a daily basis. This is not just Latvia’s border – it is the external border of the entire European Union and NATO. Therefore, due consideration must also be given to the specific situation in our region in the EU budget negotiations. Investment in Latvia and other Eastern Flank countries is also an investment in the security of Europe as a whole,” the Prime Minister pointed out.
The Prime Minister also pointed out that security risks affect Latvia’s economy and that the European Union must show solidarity, be secure and economically competitive. “A strong economy is a prerequisite for being able to invest sufficiently in both defence and the welfare of our citizens,” the Prime Minister stressed.
The talks also covered fair competition, including the need to ensure more equitable direct payments for Latvian farmers. Latvia’s position is that, in the next EU budget period, it is unacceptable for Latvian farmers to continue receiving one of the lowest levels of support in the EU.
A significant part of the talks was also devoted to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and European support for Ukraine. The Prime Minister shared the conclusions from his recent visit to Kyiv and spoke about what he had witnessed there, which confirmed how vital it is to continue supporting Ukraine in its fight for freedom and independence. In the Prime Minister’s view, discussions on the transfer of Russia’s frozen assets to Ukraine should be resumed.
The visit of the President of the European Council to Latvia forms part of his annual tour of EU Member State capitals, during which he meets with national leaders to discuss national priorities and jointly prepare for key EU decisions.
