Security challenges and tensions in EU eastern border regions require broader EU support - Rinkevics

RIGA - Security challenges and tensions in the European Union's (EU) eastern border regions require broader EU support, President Edgars Rinkevics said on Tuesday.

Today, following an invitation from Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda, Rinkevics, together with Estonian President Alar Karis, participated in in a joint meeting of the Baltic presidents with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, in Vilnius.

As Russia's full-scale military operations in Ukraine continue, security challenges at the EU's eastern border are growing, Rinkevics emphasized. Strengthening security and civil protection, ensuring public welfare, and maintaining and promoting economic activity are all priority tasks for clearly demonstrating the EU's united stance, he said.

The presidents of the Baltic countries agreed that these priorities must be reflected both in the EU's multiannual budget for the upcoming period from 2028 to 2034 and in immediate EU support programs.

Rinkevics also thanked von der Leyen for the clear stance against Russia's lies and disinformation campaign, as well as for the EU's support to date. Particular attention during the discussion was devoted to accelerating the growth of Europe's defense industry, promoting the development of Europe's military capabilities, and integrating lessons learned from Ukraine's fight against Russian aggression into Latvia's preparedness for crisis situations.