Latvia to advocate increased European support for Ukraine at European Council

RIGA - At the European Council meeting to be held March 20 and 21 in Brussels, Latvia will advocate an increase in European support to Ukraine, according to an information report prepared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and available on the Legal Acts Portal.

The MFA notes that the Ukraine-Russia segment of the meeting is expected to discuss the provision of comprehensive support to Ukraine, in particular to ensure that Ukraine is in the best position to negotiate an end to the war and to maintain pressure on Russia.

The Middle East section, on the other hand, could discuss the current situation in the region, as well as options for further European Union (EU) involvement in mitigating the immediate crisis and achieving a long-term solution to the conflict.

The competitiveness section is expected to include discussions on reducing administrative burdens and energy prices, as well as progress towards a European Savings and Investment Union.

In regards to European defense, further discussions are expected on the provision of additional funding to strengthen European defense and on the defense capabilities that need to be developed jointly, following the decisions taken at the extraordinary European Council on March 6.

Under the EU's Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), a discussion is expected on the priorities and structure of the multiannual budget, while under migration a discussion is likely on progress in implementing the European Council's decisions to date on migration, in particular on cooperation with third countries.

In addition, the issue of sustainable ocean governance could also be discussed with a view to the forthcoming UN Ocean Conference and the European Pact for the Oceans, as well as multilateralism, including cooperation with the UN.

Latvia will stress at the meeting that it is vital for Euro-Atlantic security that a just and sustainable peace is achieved in Ukraine. Latvia will also advocate an active role and engagement of the EU in resolving the crisis in the Middle East, working closely with regional and key global partners.

Latvia also intends to support the need to reduce administrative and regulatory burdens, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises. Latvia will take the position that a rapid build-up of the EU's defense technological and industrial base is essential for the EU's overall preparedness.

It is also intended to indicate that Latvia's priority areas for negotiations on the next MFF are security and defense, including the socio-economic security of the eastern regions, cohesion policy, the Common Agricultural Policy and support for the Rail Baltica project. Latvia will also support the expansion of cooperation with third countries to find new solutions for migration management.