Latvian Political Monitor

I highly appreciate Ukraine's progress in implementing reforms under the conditions of a full-scale war, which strengthens the trust of international partners and is critically important for support to Ukraine. About this, while meeting with finance ministers of other countries at the meeting of the Ukraine funding coordination group https://t.co/yXOatx3fbJ

@rolandsozolins But logically, I have something to compare with. After 4 years of work in the National Security Commission, having seen and discussed in closed meetings, now finally there is visible progress in Latvia's ability to take care of our security.

@rolandsozolins Please read the messages correctly - “Thank you to the National Armed Forces and our NATO allies for professional, precise, and decisive action.”

🛡️ The foundation of national security is public trust in Latvia. Trust in the state's ability to act when needed. Today, a drone that entered Latvia's airspace as a result of Russian electronic warfare was successfully neutralized. This is proof that our defense system is finally working, decisions are being made, and Latvia's security is being protected. Trust in the state begins when people see that the state is able to protect its borders, its airspace, and its people. Thank you to the National Armed Forces and our NATO allies for professional, precise, and decisive action. 🇱🇻

During the meeting with the State Secretary of the Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries, Vegard Græsli Venneland, we discussed regional security and economic cooperation issues. The need to continue support for Ukraine was also emphasized in the conversation.

Having fought against the occupier's troops for more than 4 years, Ukraine has developed its military industry to a level that the rest of Europe, including Latvia, often has something to learn from. Meeting with Ukraine's Finance Minister Sergii Marchenko, we discussed Ukrainian achievements in this field.

Given the complex geopolitical situation, it is important to pay increased attention to the security of states, meaning both military defense and investments in cyber security and the fight against disinformation. We discussed these issues with Moldova's Deputy Prime Minister Eugen Osmočesku https://t.co/c9r6XEz8Cn

The United Kingdom is a good ally for Latvia, and currently it has a leading role in European security. It is also important that free market relations continue between this country and the EU, including Latvia. A valuable conversation about that with the UK Finance Minister @RachelReevesMP https://t.co/nTWE6WP5av

The EBRD annual meeting in Riga is not just about economy, growth and new strategies. It is also about values. Latvia stands firmly alongside Ukraine. Russia's war of aggression continues, and it demands from us not only words but also action. Ukraine remains at the centre of our priorities

🏛️ Today in Luxembourg we met in the circle of European Union justice ministers. The most important issue for Latvia was Russia's responsibility for the war in Ukraine. It is in Latvia's interest to ensure that Russia pays for the damage caused to Ukraine, that war criminals are held accountable, and that aggression does not become an acceptable instrument of international relations. That is why work was advanced on establishing a special tribunal and an international compensation mechanism. The goal is simple – that the aggressor cannot evade responsibility. Here, we Baltic ministers urged our colleagues to act much faster. An important issue was the protection of children's rights in Europe. Nowadays families live, work, and move between different countries. Therefore it is important that children's rights are protected regardless of which European country the child is in. Latvia's position is clear – the child's interests must be central in all decisions. Thank you to our Lithuanian colleague who raised the issue of European historical memory. Namely – for Latvia and the Baltics, this is not a theoretical issue. Our countries have experienced occupation, deportations, and propaganda. That is why we defended the need to prevent the distortion of history in Europe and attempts by aggressor states to justify their crimes. Member states also supported the planned Justice program of 798 million euros in the EU's multi-annual budget. This means that we will be able to work with great dedication on creating a digitalized justice system, which will promote judicial cooperation and access to justice for each of us. In short – all these discussions are united by one goal – a safer Latvia 🇱🇻, a stronger Europe 🇪🇺, and clear rules that protect people, not aggressors.

During the EBRD annual meeting, I met with representatives of the US Treasury. There are already companies in Latvia that use the opportunities provided by EBRD, especially in regions such as Lēdurga and Liepāja. The use of EBRD instruments is important for the development of the military industry. https://t.co/F7uBNOdLpP

The new government has been approved in the Saeima, and now there is intensive work ahead to ensure responsible, effective and targeted use of funds, so that state funding provides a real contribution to Latvia's security, economic development and quality of life of the population.

It would be logical if @EvikaSilina resigned herself, but that has not happened, the Saeima must vote—better a terrible end than terrors without end; There has been a large gap between the army and the political leadership of @AizsardzibasMin; Seeing what is happening with drones, people feel unsafe https://t.co/XqQ3fUeTzB

📍 @AndrisSpruds's resignation will not do anything bad to national security; 📍 The Defense Ministry's operations under Sprūds show that it is not ready for a real attack; 📍 @VARAM_Latvija and @VDAA_gov_lv have destroyed trust in state IT systems, and that is dangerous https://t.co/XILUHF9Ego