European solidarity must be reflected in support for EU's eastern border states - MP

RIGA - European solidarity must be demonstrated through support for the European Union's (EU) eastern border states, Evika Silina (New Unity), Chair of the Saeima European Affairs Committee, said Monday at a meeting of the Conference of Parliamentary Committees for Union Affairs of the European Union (COSAC) in Dublin, Ireland.

As LETA was told by the Saeima press service, Silina noted that Latvia supports all three priorities of the Irish Presidency: values, security, and competitiveness. At the same time, she believes that European solidarity must also be expressed through practical support. "As a country on the EU's eastern border, Latvia protects all of Europe; therefore, targeted support is needed for border regions, whose competitiveness is significantly affected by the security situation," Silina emphasized.

According to Silina, the unity of the member states must first and foremost be demonstrated through unwavering support for Ukraine, as it is defending not only its own freedom but also the security and shared values of all of Europe. "We must continue to provide Ukraine with comprehensive military, financial, and political support, while maintaining and intensifying pressure on Russia, the aggressor state," Silina stated in her address to the meeting.

During a debate, the Latvian MP commended the progress made in the EU enlargement process, including the closure of negotiation chapters with Montenegro and progress in negotiations with other candidate countries. At the same time, Silina emphasized that Ukraine and Moldova need even more active, encouraging, and practical support to implement reforms on their path toward full EU membership.

Silina noted that Latvia's eastern border is not just Latvia's national border - it is the border of the entire EU. She noted that border regions have been facing particular security and socioeconomic challenges for several years. "The next EU multiannual budget must therefore provide adequate and targeted support to the countries and regions that protect the EU's external border and whose competitiveness is directly affected by the geopolitical situation," said Silina.

She emphasized that Europe's security cannot be separated from its economic and technological competitiveness. Europe must strengthen its defense readiness by developing a strong, innovative, and competitive defense industry, increasing production capacity, and creating a faster and more efficient procurement system.

According to Silina, startups also play a crucial role in developing Europe's defense capabilities. "We must create an environment in which European companies can attract investment, develop new technologies, and expand right here in Europe, rather than being forced to seek growth opportunities elsewhere," Silina noted.

The chair of the Saeima European Affairs Committee is currently on a working visit to Dublin, where she is participating in the COSAC Chairpersons' Meeting, which is organized every six months by the country holding the presidency of the EU Council.

The meeting, hosted by the Irish Parliament, focused on the work program of the Irish Presidency, particularly on parliamentary cooperation and strengthening democratic resilience. Participants of the meeting also prepared the agenda for the COSAC plenary session. The agenda includes discussions on the implementation of the Irish Presidency's program in the Council of the EU, EU enlargement and the future of neighboring countries, mitigating the effects of climate change and adapting to them, a just transition to a sustainable economy, the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, as well as the development of a safe and secure digital single market.