Next EU multiannual budget must ensure level playing field for all EU farmers - Rinkevics

RIGA - The European Union's next multiannual budget must ensure a level playing field for all EU farmers, President Edgars Rinkevics said at a meeting with Ilze Juhansone, Secretary-General of the European Commission, at the Riga Castle on Monday.

The parties discussed the European Commission's vision for the EU Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028-2034, EU support for military mobility projects to strengthen the country's eastern border, the implementation of a stricter EU migration policy, and EU enlargement, the president's advisor Martins Dregeris informed LETA.

"Latvia stands for ensuring equal competitive conditions for all farmers in the European Union. The new EU multiannual budget must allocate funding for the implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy and for the equalization of direct payments," said Rinkevics.

Given the threats posed by Russia and Belarus and other security challenges, it is essential to earmark sufficient funding for security and defense, including additional support for EU eastern border states, emphasized Rinkevics.

The president noted Latvia's contribution to strengthening the EU's eastern border and combating illegal migration. Rinkevics called on the EU to implement a strict migration policy and advocated for enhanced control of the EU's external border and restrictions on migration flows.

When discussing EU enlargement, Rinkevics expressed support for the European integration of Ukraine, Moldova, and the Western Balkans.