In response to security and economic challenges, Europe needs to play a more active role in the world to defend its interests. This was underlined by Prime Minister Evika Siliņa at the European Political Community Summit in Budapest on 7 November.
The Summit brought together 47 leaders of the European Political Community to discuss Europe's security challenges, including Russia's aggression in Ukraine and economic security.
"Europe needs to be more proactive to defend its interests in the fields of both security and economy as the geopolitical situation in the world is changing. This implies closer and more active cooperation not only within the EU, but also with other European countries. The solutions at European level can provide a strong response to our common security and economic challenges. Russia's aggression in Ukraine continues. Latvia can use its example to encourage other countries to strengthen their security, to support Ukraine and reduce economic ties with Russia," said E. Siliņa.
E. Siliņa also chaired a discussion focusing on economic security during the Summit. The leaders of Armenia, Estonia, Georgia, Moldova, Portugal, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine and the NATO Secretary General took part in the discussion. The participants stressed that peace and stability are prerequisites for economic security. This calls for closer cooperation between countries and greater investment in defence. E. Siliņa underlined in her conclusions shared at the closing session of the Summit that the countries need to closely cooperate to ensure security and prosperity in Europe. Stronger sanctions are required to prevent Russia from regaining the strength to continue the war in Ukraine.
E. Siliņa also held a bilateral meeting with the President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani Sadriu, within the framework of the Summit. The officials discussed Kosovo's aspirations to, within the framework of the Summit. The officials discussed Kosovo's aspirations to accede to the European Union and to become a member of the Council of Europe. The Prime Minister stressed that Latvia has always supported Kosovo's integration into Europe. Latvia is currently providing peacekeeping support in the Western Balkans, with Kosovo hosting Latvia's largest military mission abroad.
This was the fifth European Political Community Summit. In addition to the 27 EU Member States, 20 other countries are attending the Summit, including Georgia, Moldova, Turkey, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and Norway.
At the end of the day, E. Siliņa attended a working dinner for EU leaders, preceding the informal European Council meeting that will continue on 8 November.
