On Thursday 18 October, Prime Minister Māris Kučinskis and the Heads of State and Government of other European Union (EU) countries participated in the European Council meeting in Brussels where they discussed important issues for Europe with a focus on internal security and migration.
Latvia’s position with regard to migration is that the comprehensive approach shall be continued, including enhancing the cooperation with the countries of origin and transit of the immigrants in Africa, in order to make the return of illegal immigrants more effective and to strengthen the fight against human trafficking networks.
It is important to find a solution that is acceptable to all EU Member States regarding the reform of the Common European Asylum System. The Prime Minister underscores that the resettlement activities of the immigrants should only be carried out on a voluntary basis. As the result of the measures taken so far, the illegal migration flows on the main routes to the EU Member States have decreased by 95% compared to 2015 levels.
Whereas, the focus of the discussion on the EU internal security was on the issues related to the protection of democratic systems against disinformation and cyberattacks. M. Kučinskis emphasized the need to strengthen the resilience against and the ability to respond to cyberattacks.
“Latvia worked hard to prevent the possible risks of cyber threats in regard to the recent parliamentary elections that took place without serious incidents. We have gained valuable experience of providing protection of the information space, as well as of cooperation with the social media,” says the Prime Minister.
At the same, it is noted that further work is needed to ensure more transparent and responsible action of the social media across Europe. The EU capacity of strategic communication in highlighting and prevention of disinformation, as well as citizens’ media literacy shall be strengthened.
Andrejs Vaivars
Press Secretary to the Prime Minister
Phone: 29228678
E-mail: Andrejs.Vaivars@mk.gov.lv