Need to enhance EU military assistance in support of Ukraine emphasized at meeting of EU defense ministers

RIGA - Karina Ploka, Parliamentary Secretary of the Latvian Ministry of Defense, emphasized this week at an informal meeting of European Union (EU) defense ministers in Ireland the need to continue improving the EU’s military assistance operation in support of Ukraine, the Ministry of Defense informed LETA.

At the meeting, Ploka emphasized the need to continue improving the EU’s military assistance operation in support of Ukraine, as well as to ensure continued financial and military support for Ukraine. The Parliamentary Secretary confirmed that in 2026, Latvia will provide military support to Ukraine amounting to more than 0.25 percent of its gross domestic product, and has contributed EUR 17 million to NATO’s List of Ukraine’s Priority Needs initiative.

At the informal meeting of EU defense ministers, officials also discussed the growing importance of space technology in the defense sector and the EU’s ability to adapt to its development, the security situation in the Middle East, as well as maritime security issues.

Informal meetings of EU defense ministers are typically organized by the country holding the EU Council presidency. Ireland currently holds the presidency.