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“The brutal aggressor has been waging war in Ukraine for more than three years. Russia is our shared long-term threat. Its behaviour has remained unchanged for centuries. We must strengthen our defence capabilities, develop our military industry, and reinforce the resilience of our societies,” stated Speaker of the Saeima Daiga Mieriņa on Monday, 12 May, addressing participants at the Conference of Speakers of the European Union Parliaments in Budapest, Hungary.

The conference was opened by László Kövér, Speaker of the National Assembly of Hungary, and Viktor Orbán, Prime Minister of Hungary. Remarks made by Prime Minister Orbán provoked widespread disapproval among participants, as he juxtaposed support for Ukraine with Hungary’s need for energy resources from Russia. In contrast, during the speech delivered by Ruslan Stefanchuk, Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, the speakers of EU Member State parliaments rose to their feet and expressed support and solidarity with Ukraine’s struggle for freedom and independence with loud applause.

SpeakerMieriņa stressed the importance of maintaining sanctions pressure. She also warned that the enemy threatens not only physical borders but also minds. “An educated and critically thinking European – that is our response, that is our future,” she said. “We must be aware of the dangers we face, but also recognise the enormous strength that lies in our unity and collective action. Let us act today so that we are safe and strong tomorrow.”

She called for enhanced European competitiveness and the safeguarding of democracy. “Europe must come closer to its citizens,” she urged. Mieriņa also emphasised that the future of the European Union lies in continued enlargement. While this process must be merit-based, the doors of Europe should remain open to any country that aspires to embrace its values and ideas.

Reflecting on Latvia’s accession to the EU 21 years ago, Mieriņa described it as a major achievement. “We continue to view EU membership as a guarantee of security,” she said, calling for stronger trade links and closer people-to-people connections.

The Conference of Speakers of the European Union Parliaments is an annual platform for the exchange of views, information, and experience. It brings together speakers of EU Member State parliaments, the President of the European Parliament, and speakers of the parliaments of EU candidate countries.

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Saeima Press Service