Latvia will emphasize at European Council need to accelerate implementation of defense projects aimed at strengthening Eastern Flank

RIGA - At the upcoming European Council meeting, Latvia will emphasize the need to accelerate the implementation of European Union (EU) defense projects aimed at strengthening the Eastern Flank, according to an informational report prepared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), which received support from the government on Tuesday.

In Latvia’s view, it is essential that both EU-level defense projects via the European Defense Project of Common Interest (EDPCI) to strengthen the eastern border- namely the Eastern Flank Watch - as well as the drone and anti-drone capability project, Decoder, are implemented.

At the European Council meeting to be held in Brussels, Belgium, on June 18 and 19, the heads of state or government of the EU member states will assess the progress and implementation of previous European Council conclusions, the progress in implementing the European Defence Readiness 2030 Roadmap, as well as discuss further support for Ukraine, including the peace process, Ukraine’s integration into the EU, and maintaining pressure on Russia.

In Latvia’s view, the EU must continue all forms of support for Ukraine, strengthen the resilience of Ukraine’s economy and society, and bolster the country’s ability to defend itself. At the same time, Latvia will advocate for increasing pressure on Russia, and its international isolation - including in the fields of sports and culture - and the containment of the Russian economy. Latvia also supports the launch of accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, opening all chapters.

In the EU’s discussions on the Middle East, the focus is expected to be on the Iran-U.S. peace talks and the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon. Latvia plans to emphasize that stability in the Middle East region is a cornerstone of global security and that Iran must not be allowed to continue threatening civilians, civilian and industrial infrastructure, or restrict international trade routes.

Given the need to reduce the EU’s economic dependencies and address the growing trade deficit with China, the EU plans to continue discussions on strengthening the EU’s global competitiveness. EU leaders are also expected to address internal aspects of the Single Market, as well as the impact of the crisis in the Persian Gulf region on energy prices and disruptions in supply chains for critical raw materials.

Latvia supports maintaining pragmatic relations with China, with an emphasis on balancing asymmetrical economic relations. Similarly, Latvia supports measures that promote the diversification of critical raw material supplies, reducing dependence on a single or limited number of third-country suppliers. In Latvia’s view, alongside the implementation of the EU’s global competitiveness goals, work must continue on improving the Single Market and ensuring fair competition conditions both internally and globally.

The EU is scheduled to discuss its multiannual budget for 2028-2034, progress made in the area of migration, and the fight against illicit drugs. The agenda also includes issues regarding the 2026 European Semester Spring Package, support for Armenia following the June 7 elections, and Russia’s efforts to influence their outcome. The agenda also includes the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.