Competitiveness of the EU is a matter of strategic security - president

RIGA - Competitiveness of the European Union is a matter of strategic security, President Edgars Rinkevics said during a meeting of the Arraiolos Group in Slovenia on Thursday and Friday.

Rinkevics believes that the EU must invest in development of technology and artificial intelligence and prevent overregulation, striking a balance between the protection of citizens' rights and the ability of European companies to grow and remain globally competitive, the president's advisor Martins Dregeris told LETA.

The presidents of 12 EU member countries attended the informal meeting, during which they discussed the EU's strategic priorities, strengthening security, and promoting competitiveness.

The president of Latvia emphasized that, in an increasingly complex global environment, security and defense must be among the EU's top priorities. He stressed the need to strengthen defense capabilities, the defense industry, and security institutions so that the EU could respond more effectively to growing security challenges, particularly from Russia.

The EU's security is closely linked to Ukraine's security, and therefore all forms of support for Ukraine must continue, especially during the fall and winter months, when Russia intensifies its attacks on Ukraine's civilian and energy infrastructure, said Rinkevics

Rinkevics reaffirmed support for integration of Ukraine, Moldova, and the Western Balkan countries into the EU. At the same time, he acknowledged that political reform within the EU may be necessary to admit new member states.