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National parliaments are an integral part of building a strong future for Europe. By drawing more on experience and insight of national parliaments, we can ensure a closer connection with our citizens and their needs, said Speaker of the Saeima Daiga Mieriņa during her meeting with President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola on Friday, 10 October.

Security and defence remain shared priorities for all EU Member States. D. Mieriņa and R. Metsola agreed that, in light of growing global challenges, strengthening Europe’s defence capabilities is of critical importance. This topic was also discussed in the context of the EU’s next Multiannual Financial Framework, highlighting the need for simpler financing programmes to facilitate access to funding for strengthening defence capacities.

Latvia borders the aggressor states – Russia and Belarus – yet the war in Ukraine affects the entire continent, and therefore it is even more important to reinforce our eastern border, which is also the eastern frontier of both the European Union and NATO, said Speaker of the Saeima.

D. Mieriņa and R. Metsola also particularly emphasised support for Ukraine. As Speaker of the Saeima noted, to help Ukraine, three things are crucial from Europe: swift decision-making, financial resources, and weapons. Latvia is fulfilling its commitment to allocate at least 0.25% of its GDP to military support for Ukraine and will continue to do so.

Speaker of the Saeima also highlighted the importance of the Rail Baltica railway project, stressing that it will benefit not only the Baltic States but the whole of Europe, including Ukraine. This railway connection has strategic importance for our common security and defence. Although the project was initially designed for other purposes, today due to changing geopolitical circumstances its role has become even more significant. The Rail Baltica project is important not only in terms of regional connectivity but also as a key element in strengthening military mobility, emphasised D. Mieriņa.

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Saeima Press Service