Security is guiding priority of government' work - PM

RIGA - Security is the guiding priority of the government's work, Prime Minister Evika Silina (New Unity) stressed in her address at the conference "Where are you going, border region? A vision for the development of the eastern border region in 2040".

Silina did not attend the conference in person, so Saeima Vice Speaker Zanda Kalnina-Luksevica (New Unity) read the prime minister's address at the conference.

Silina said that security is the government's main guiding priority. She stressed that the government is currently working on next year's budget, which will be "a security budget aimed at ensuring that everyone in Latvia, especially in border areas, feels safe".

Silina said that the military presence in the border area is being reinforced, with defense systems being deployed "as a clear signal of commitment to protect every inch of the country and NATO territory". She stressed that security is not only about technology and infrastructure - it is also about people's quality of life, education, job opportunities and an well-kept environment.

The prime minister noted that her government is working hard to develop the border region, regularly visiting the area and listening to the people living there. She stressed that only through conversation can decisions of public importance be taken.

Silina informed that the European Union (EU) has started negotiations on the new multiannual budget, which includes specific support for the Eastern border regions. Latvia is already preparing a development plan to promote life in the border region by providing jobs, education and infrastructure. Work is also underway on a new fund for entrepreneurs to facilitate access to capital and boost job creation.

She added that the European Commission will soon publish a roadmap on "European Defense - Preparedness 2030", in which strengthening the Eastern border will play a special role. Silina stressed that European leaders value Latvia's experience and expertise in this area and there is a common understanding that the defense of the Eastern border is a shared responsibility of the whole of Europe.

It has already been reported that the Saeima is today holding a conference to evaluate the action plan for the growth and security of Latvia's eastern border regions.

Conference "Where are you going, border region? A vision for the development of the eastern border region in 2040", organized by the Latgale Region Subcommittee of the Saeima Human Rights and Public Affairs Committee in cooperation with the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the European Commission's Representation in Latvia, Latgale Planning Region and the Council on the Implementation of the Resolutions of the Latgale Congress.