NATO troops require additional spending

RIGA - The Defense Ministry said it will need additional funds to host NATO forces in Latvia, while calculations on total costs are still being drawn up, ministry spokesman Kaspars Galkins announced, reports LETA.
The ministry indicates that Latvia must provide adequate support and infrastructure in connection with the presence of allied forces in Latvia. In order to achieve this, the ministry will require investments and additional funds. For this reason, the Defense Ministry submitted an informative report to the government listing the priorities connected with the National Armed Forces development plan.

The ministry’s report indicates that providing support for partner countries is a priority that will secure an adequate presence of allied forces in Latvia.
However, specific costs are yet to be calculated.
Galkins confirmed that consolidating military surveillance and security services is one of the ministry’s main priorities; therefore, additional funds will be also allotted from next year’s budget. The potential amount of funding is currently not being revealed.

Latvia is still unable to secure 2 percent of GDP for defense spending; however, the recently-passed State Defense Funding Law stipulates a gradual increase of the defense budget, reaching the target by 2020.
The ministry spokesman refrained from commenting on whether any changes will have to be made in the budget or if additional funds will be requested after the costs for hosting foreign troops are calculated.