“Time to act with greater resolve! It is time for the European Union and for every leader to do more and to take on additional responsibility for security, not just in Ukraine, but also in Europe and the world at large,” emphasised Daiga Mieriņa, Speaker of the Saeima, on Thursday, 30 January, in her address at the annual foreign policy debate at the Latvian parliament. Speaker Mieriņa underlined that Latvia has already become an example for many European countries due to its leadership in tackling significant geopolitical issues.
“We can see that the aggressor is not slowing down; it is trying to sink its claws into its neighbours in the South Caucasus and elsewhere and drag them into its sphere of influence; and it is trying to obscure Europe and NATO member states with a fog of disinformation,” noted the Speaker of the Saeima.
Mieriņa highlighted the need to further strengthen Latvia’s security and defence at all levels. “We must stand ready and able to deter the aggressor’s hybrid attacks in every sector”, stated the Speaker of the Saeima, stressing that the frequency of such attacks continues to grow and there is no reason for hope that they should cease anytime soon. In addition, Mieriņa drew particular focus on the need for Finland, the Baltic States, Poland, and Ukraine to cooperate more closely and in better coordination, as these countries are part of the Union’s external border region. These attacks constitute threats to the EU and NATO, and we should all jointly implement mechanisms of action to ensure safety of navigation and secure submarine communications in the Baltic Sea, the Speaker emphasised.
The Speaker of the Saeima underscored that the funding allocated for defence objectives, amounting to 3.45 percent of Latvia’s GDP, must be spent wisely and responsibly. “It is a prerequisite for the development of our domestic military industry, which will secure investments in infrastructure, jobs, and our people,” said Mieriņa, recognising it as an opportunity for international cooperation and growth of our companies.
Speaker Mieriņa drew special attention to Rail Baltica as a project important both for connectivity and military mobility. “As soon as the war ends, European standard gauge railway connections and ports should be made available for regional transport and logistics routes,” expressed Mieriņa. In addition, it is necessary to develop the Baltic Sea-Black Sea transport corridor, and decisions over the evolution of the EU external border region are only possible through coordinated cooperation among countries.
Mieriņa pointed out that support for Ukraine must be targeted and effective. “We must never forget that today Ukraine is also fighting for the future and security of Latvia and entire Europe.” The Speaker also noted that Ukraine’s sovereignty cannot become a bargaining chip.
“Freedom, independence, and democracy are the values of our people,” underlined the Speaker of the Saeima. “Impunity and brutal aggression of dictators cannot become the norm. Even the mere thought of reconsidering the internationally recognised borders of any state is completely out of the question. Latvia, being one of the leading countries in resolving geopolitical issues, must cooperate with the democratic powers all around the world,” noted Mieriņa.
Speaker of the Saeima highlighted the Latvian diaspora as an integral part of our foreign policy, as they promote our country and our culture abroad and can provide business opportunities for entrepreneurs back home. “Support for the diaspora should be coordinated better, more easily accessible, and without bureaucratic hurdles,” stressed the Speaker.
Daiga Mieriņa called for continued efforts and urged to lead others by the example of our deeds, so that our region, the European Union, and the entire world would become more secure and stable.
Saeima Press Service