Security funding, military maneuverability, agricultural support, and regional priorities in the European Union's long-term budget are among Latvia's key concerns, according to Silina.
Latvia Pushes for Increased EU Support in Multiannual Budget Negotiations
The European Union's (EU) multiannual budget negotiations are underway, and Latvia is making its priorities clear. The country is focusing on four main areas: security and defense, cohesion and common agricultural policy, infrastructure connectivity, and boosting competitiveness.
Latvia's emphasis on security and defense is well reflected in the European Commission's (EC) proposed budget. The defense budget is set to increase fivefold to EUR 131 billion, with up to EUR 100 billion allocated to support Ukraine. This significant increase aligns with Latvia's focus on this priority.
In addition to defense spending, the EC's proposal includes a EUR 451 billion competitiveness fund for clean technologies, the digital economy, defense, food safety, and innovation. This fund could potentially benefit Latvia's ambition to boost investment and infrastructure, such as the Rail Baltica project.
Specifically regarding infrastructure, Latvia plans to use new EU funding to accelerate the construction of the main Rail Baltica line, aiming for a cross-border rail connection by 2030. The EU funding from the Commission’s proposal will allow for faster progress on key segments of this rail project.
Prime Minister Evika Silina of Latvia is actively participating in these negotiations, ensuring that the country's interests are represented. The Latvian government is also advocating for the preservation of equalized cohesion funding after 2027, which is crucial for regional development and support for border areas, such as those adjacent to Russia and Belarus.
Finance Minister Arvils Aseradens of Latvia, however, opposes the merging of cohesion and the Common Agricultural Policy into a single allocation. He argues that this could compromise the effectiveness of these crucial policies.
The negotiations are expected to be long and difficult, with the European Parliament and Member States set to discuss and amend the draft budget proposed by the EC. The EC's proposal is a first step, indicating that further discussions are expected.
The EC plans to focus more on defense and competitiveness spending in the proposed budget, which could provide Latvia with the resources it needs to bolster its security, invest in infrastructure, and compete effectively with other member states. The outcome of these negotiations will be crucial for Latvia's future in the EU.
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