Rinkevics: EU Competitiveness Is a Strategic Security Issue

Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics took part on Thursday and Friday in a meeting of the Arraiolos group in Brdo near Kranj, Slovenia. The group is an informal gathering of presidents of European Union (EU) member states. Rinkevics said the EU's competitiveness is a strategic security issue. This matters because the bloc's priorities will shape its economic and security decisions in the period ahead.

According to presidential adviser Martins Dregeris, who informed the news agency LETA, presidents and leaders from 12 EU member states attended. They discussed the EU's strategic priorities, strengthening security and promoting competitiveness.

Competitiveness and regulation

Rinkevics believes the EU must invest in technology and the development of artificial intelligence, and avoid overregulation. In his view, a balance is needed between protecting citizens' rights and giving European companies room to grow and compete globally.

Security and support for Ukraine

The Latvian president said that in an increasingly complex global environment, security and defence should be among the EU's main priorities. He called for stronger defence capabilities, a stronger defence industry and stronger security institutions, so the EU can respond more effectively to growing threats, particularly those from Russia.

Rinkevics noted that EU security is closely tied to Ukraine's security. Support for Ukraine of every kind should therefore continue, especially in autumn and winter, when Russia intensifies attacks on Ukrainian civilian and energy infrastructure.

Enlargement

The president confirmed his support for the integration of Ukraine, Moldova and the Western Balkan countries into the EU, stressing that enlargement is also a question of the EU's credibility. At the same time, he acknowledged that admitting new members may require political reform of the EU.