Russian representatives should not be given opportunity to enjoy tourist vacations in EU countries - Foreign Ministry

RIGA - Russian representatives should not be given the opportunity in any format - whether in the arts or sports - to spread their propaganda or enjoy tourist vacations in EU countries, Foreign Ministry Parliamentary Secretary Artjoms Ursulskis told the EU General Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg on Tuesday.

The Council's agenda included issues such as the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework, draft conclusions of the European Council meeting on June 18-19, progress on the simplification of EU legislation, EU Council's 18-month - the trio presidency comprising Ireland, Lithuania and Greece - work program, the current situation in Hungary with regard to EU values and the 2026 European Semester process.

During the exchange of views on the draft conclusions of the European Council meeting on June 18-19, Ursulskis welcomed the opening of the first clusters of negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova and called for the remaining clusters to be opened as soon as possible. He also called for the timely approval of the 21st package of sanctions against Russia, thereby maintaining pressure against the aggressor.

He emphasized that it is also important to continue isolating Russia - Russian representatives should not be given the opportunity in any format - whether in the arts or sports - to spread their propaganda or enjoy tourist vacations in EU countries, and former Russian combatants should not be allowed to enter the EU.

In a discussion on the upcoming EU Multiannual Financial Framework, Ursulskis noted that the negotiating box document proposed by the Cyprus Presidency does not sufficiently reflect Latvia’s priorities, particularly regarding security and defense, support for the eastern border region and fair competition for farmers.

Ursulskis noted that cuts in the fields of defense and security are currently not only unacceptable but also dangerous, referring in particular to reductions in the defence component of the European Competitiveness Fund and in the Connecting Europe Facility.

In a discussion on the progress of the simplification of EU legislation, Ursulskis emphasized Latvia’s support for further simplification, given the process's positive impact on promoting the competitiveness of Latvian businesses both within the single market and globally.

Marking the EU Council's 18-month - the trio presidency comprising Ireland, Lithuania and Greece - work program, Ursulskis highlighted Latvia's key priorities: continuing comprehensive support for Ukraine, strengthening EU security and defense, EU enlargement, competitiveness, sustainable growth and societal resilience.

Representatives of the member states also received an update on the current situation in Hungary with regard to EU values and, as part of the 2026 European Semester process, approved recommendations to member states on economic, social, employment, structural and budgetary policies.