“Latvia’s accession to NATO 18 years ago is one of the major decisions taken since the restoration of independence. This is particularly clear at a time when the world is witnessing the invasion of a democratic Ukraine by the Putin’s regime. NATO membership is one of our most significant steps forward to protect the safety of our children and future generations in Latvia", emphasises Prime Minister Krišjānis Kariņš on Tuesday, 29 March that marks the 18th anniversary of Latvia’s membership in NATO.
“This step and the accession to the European Union have strengthened Latvia's position among the strongest countries in the world. Membership in the alliance has allowed the development of our armed forces and guaranteed that the level of national defence changes in accordance with the security situation in the world and the region”, said K. Kariņš, noting that there are currently NATO soldiers from 11 member states in Latvia, who are all contributing to the strengthening of Latvia's national defence.
The Prime Minister points out that the government has already made a conceptual decision on increasing the defence budget to 2.5 % of GDP in three years. “Today, we will decide on the relevant amendments to the Law on Financing National Defence to be sent to the Saeima. This will be another step towards achieving our goal of increased defence funding. Latvia, as a member of NATO, is not only a consumer of security, but the state that is also investing and will invest more and more in modernizing defence, by increasing both the number of soldiers and military equipment and technical capabilities”, says K. Kariņš by noting that Latvia has also actively participated in shaping NATO's political decisions and has consistently worked to improve its skills and defence capabilities by participating in NATO-led international operations.
The Prime Minister emphasizes that Latvia has been working with its allies for 18 years to make NATO's military alliance more dynamic, stronger and more capable, as evidenced by recent NATO decisions, moving from the deterrence to defence positions appropriate to the security situation, within a short time.