On 19 February, President Edgars Rinkēvičs chaired a meeting of the National Security Council at the Joint Headquarters of the Latvian National Armed Forces. The meeting addressed the current and planned capabilities of the National Armed Forces, as well as the necessity to secure funding for increasing national defence expenditure to 5% of GDP in the coming years.
The Council unanimously agreed that it is in Latvia’s interest for all Allies to ensure fulfilment of NATO requirements for the development of national defence capabilities, thereby equipping the Alliance with the necessary forces and capabilities to execute regional defence plans in response to the long-term threat posed by Russia. The Council discussions also highlighted the clear messages from the US administration regarding the fair burden-sharing of the defence spending as a prerequisite for the continued US presence in Europe, which is strategically significant for effective deterrence and defence.
The Council heard reports from the Minister of Defence and the Commander of the National Armed Forces regarding the current capability provision and planned development of the National Armed Forces over the coming years, with a focus on addressing critical capability gaps in the nearest term. The Council also received information from the Minister of Finance on scenarios for increasing defence funding within the state budget and potential sources of financing.
The Council unanimously emphasised the need to continue strengthening NATO’s presence on the eastern flank, and to maintain comprehensive support for Ukraine. These principles remain fundamental for Latvia in any discussions concerning European security guarantees for Ukraine in the context of ending Russia’s military aggression.
The meeting also included briefings from state security institutions on the current situation.