Latvia's Foreign Ministry: EU must achieve full defense readiness immediately
At an EU General Affairs Council meeting, Latvian Foreign Ministry state secretary Dace Melbārde called for the EU to immediately reach full defense readiness and keep pressure on Russia. She also outlined Latvia's priorities for upcoming EU budget talks.
Dace Melbārde (JV), parliamentary state secretary at Latvia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, attended a European Union General Affairs Council meeting on Tuesday, where she urged member states to immediately achieve full defense readiness by fully utilizing existing defense instruments. She pointed to Russia's growing aggression as the reason for the call.
Support for Ukraine and sanctions
Melbārde called for continued comprehensive support for Ukraine, with particular focus on air defense and the country's needs for the coming winter. She also urged maintaining and increasing pressure on Russia by introducing new sanctions, ensuring uninterrupted renewal of existing individual sanctions, and avoiding unjustified removal of individuals from sanctions lists.
Discussing the agenda for the upcoming European Council meeting, the Latvian representative stressed that Ukraine must remain among the top priorities, citing both Russian attacks on Ukraine and growing unconventional attacks against EU member states.
Budget talks and Latvia's priorities
In discussions on the EU's multiannual budget for 2028–2034, Melbārde highlighted Latvia's priorities, focusing on security and defense as well as the challenges Latvia faces as an EU border country on the eastern flank. She also noted the need for a level playing field for Latvian farmers and sufficient funding for strategically important infrastructure projects, including the Rail Baltica railway.
During the visit, Melbārde met with representatives of the Irish presidency of the EU Council to explain Latvia's position on the next EU budget. She also took part in a meeting of the so-called "Friends of Cohesion" group, coordinating a joint approach to the budget negotiations with 16 other EU member states and emphasizing the central role of cohesion, common agricultural and fisheries policies in driving convergence and economic growth.
The Council meeting also addressed rule-of-law issues within the EU and in four candidate countries — Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia — as well as the European Commission's 2027 work programme.
