The President of Latvia, Edgars Rinkēvičs, and the Minister of Defense, Andris Sprūds, expressed a unified opinion on the necessity of amending the law on state defense funding, according to which, starting from 2027, defense expenditures in accordance with NATO criteria must be at least 5% of gross domestic product (GDP).
As reported by the LETA agency, the President's advisor on communication, Mārtiņš Drēgeris, stated that on Wednesday, a meeting took place at the Riga Castle between the head of state and the Minister of Defense. The parties discussed the utilization of defense funding, including investments in the development of the National Armed Forces (NAF) in accordance with NATO goals, ensuring Latvia's role as a host country for allies, as well as strengthening the defense industry.
The President emphasized that the historically largest defense budget must be utilized purposefully, effectively, and without delay.
"It is clear that at the meeting of heads of state and government of NATO countries in July this year in Ankara, each European ally must demonstrate real progress in fulfilling the commitments made at the Hague NATO summit. Close transatlantic cooperation today and in the future is based on Europe's ability to confidently take on more responsibility," Rinkēvičs emphasized.
The President and the Minister noted that it is necessary to strengthen regional cooperation in the Baltic region and develop close ties with Scandinavian countries, promote a common understanding of threats within the European Union and NATO with corresponding military capacity building, as well as continue support for Ukraine.
Among the priority tasks that the Ministry of Defense and the NAF must complete within the set deadlines, the President again emphasized the need to develop the "Sēlija" military training area - both to ensure the professional service and training of the National Defense Service personnel and to expand the infrastructure for receiving allied forces.
Moreover, Rinkēvičs highlighted the importance of direct and timely dialogue between the Ministry of Defense, the NAF, the population, and local governments on the eastern border in connection with the deployment of counter-mobility infrastructure.
Interagency coordination and cooperation on issues related to national defense are also of significant importance for ensuring national security, the President noted.
