On 9 October, President Edgars Rinkēvičs met at the Riga Castle with the European Union Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius. The meeting focused on strengthening defence and resilience across Europe in the face of Russia’s ongoing hybrid activities. The parties discussed European Union initiatives and available funding instruments for the security of the eastern border, including the accelerated deployment of drone and counter-drone solutions.
“The development of Europe’s defence capabilities and military industry is in the common interest of all Member States. Increasing production capacity and ensuring priority capabilities, including airspace protection, is an urgent task that requires both immediate and long-term investment. The European Commission plays a crucial role in providing the necessary funding instruments to accelerate the defence readiness of European countries,” emphasised E. Rinkēvičs.
The President highlighted Latvia’s firm commitment to significantly increase investments in strengthening its defence capabilities, as well as cooperation among the countries of the region to reinforce the external borders of the European Union and NATO with Russia and Belarus. At the same time, E. Rinkēvičs urged the European Commission to prioritise the allocation of funding for measures to bolster the eastern border security, thereby ensuring the overall preparedness of the European Union against military and hybrid threats.
Both parties agreed that Russia is attempting to test the unity and resolve of the European Union and NATO Member States, both in investing in their own defence and in providing the necessary support to Ukraine. “The European Union must continue to apply pressure through sanctions in order to reduce Russia’s income and resources and thereby limit its ability to pursue military aggression in Ukraine,” the President stressed.
During his visit to Latvia, the European Union Commissioner for Defence and Space A. Kubilius will also participate in the 2025 Riga Conference session on strategic investments in Europe’s defence industry.
