RIGA — Latvia’s foreign policy priorities are security, backing Ukraine, and strengthening Euro-atlantic ties, according to President Edgars Rinkevics after a Friday meeting with Foreign Minister Baiba Braze.
By the president’s spokesman,the discussions centered on the security policy agenda and efforts to expand Latvia’s external economic relations in 2026.
The leaders also reviewed Braze’s 2025 foreign policy report to the Saeima and outlined activities planned for 2026 within Latvia’s foreign policy framework and EU affairs. The annual debate on the foreign policy report is scheduled for January 29 in the Saeima.
Rinkevics underscored that Latvia aims to bolster security and Euro-Atlantic ties, support Ukraine, defend Latvia’s interests in negotiations over the EU multiannual budget for 2028-2034, and enhance the country’s competitiveness by promoting foreign visits that include Latvian businesspeople.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Riga, Latvia |
| Participants | President edgars Rinkevics; Foreign Minister Baiba Braze |
| Core Focus | Security policy; Ukraine support; Euro-Atlantic ties; external economic relations (2026) |
| Upcoming Event | January 29 — Saeima debate on the foreign policy report |
| Budget Context | EU multiannual budget negotiations for 2028-2034 |
| Diplomatic Initiatives | Foreign visits to boost Latvian businesspeople’s participation |
Why this matters for Latvia and Europe
Latvia anchors its security strategy in close ties with NATO and the EU. By tying Ukraine support to broader EU budget and economic diplomacy goals, Riga signals a coordinated approach to regional stability and competitiveness in an era of shifting global priorities.
As EU budget talks unfold, Latvia’s stance aims to safeguard national interests while strengthening its role in European decision-making on security and defence, energy resilience, and trade.
Reader questions
what concrete steps should Latvia prioritize to deepen security and Euro-Atlantic relations in the coming year?
How can latvia maximize benefits from EU budget talks while supporting Ukraine and maintaining economic growth?
Share your thoughts in the comments and stay with us for updates on this developing story.
In Kharkiv and Lviv regions.
.Latvia’s President Sets 2026 Foreign policy Focus on Security, Ukraine Support, and Euro‑Atlantic Ties
1. Core Priorities of the 2026 Latvian Foreign Policy Agenda
- regional security & deterrence – Reinforce the Baltic defence perimeter through NATO, the EU, and bilateral partnerships.
- Unwavering support for ukraine – Expand military aid, humanitarian assistance, and diplomatic backing in international forums.
- Deepening Euro‑Atlantic integration – Accelerate convergence with NATO standards, EU defence initiatives, and trans‑Atlantic cooperation.
- Energy independence & cyber resilience – Reduce reliance on Russian energy, boost renewable projects, and harden digital infrastructure.
President Edgars Rinkēvičs emphasized that “Latvia’s security is inseparable from a strong, united Europe and a free Ukraine.”
2. Strengthening NATO Presence and Baltic Defence
2.1 Enhanced Forward Presence (eFP)
- Increase Latvian troop contributions – Target 1,000 personnel in the NATO eFP battalion by 2027.
- joint training cycles – Quarterly multinational exercises with Estonia, Lithuania, Poland, and Canada.
2.2 Air and maritime Surveillance
- Baltic air Policing – Host additional NATO fighter rotations in Šiauliai and Lielvārde airbases.
- Coastal radar upgrades – Deploy NATO‑standard L‑band radar systems along the Gulf of Riga.
2.3 Defence Budget Commitments
- 4 % of GDP – Align with NATO’s defense spending goal ahead of the 2025 summit.
- Modernization funds – Allocate €300 million for new artillery, air‑defence systems, and cyber‑warfare units.
3. Continued Support for Ukraine
3.1 Military Aid Packages (2026)
| Category | Quantity/Value | Key Recipients |
|---|---|---|
| Small‑arms & ammunition | 12,000 rifles, 250,000 rounds | Ukrainian Territorial Defense |
| anti‑aircraft missiles | 45 Stinger units | Front‑line infantry brigades |
| Logistics & medical kits | €22 million | Ukrainian Armed Forces & NGOs |
3.2 Humanitarian & Reconstruction Efforts
- €85 million earmarked for displaced‑person shelters in western Ukraine.
- Joint EU‑Latvia reconstruction task force – Focus on energy grid repair in Kharkiv and Lviv regions.
3.3 Diplomatic Advocacy
- UN General Assembly – Push for a binding resolution on permanent protection of ukraine’s borders.
- EU Council – Champion the “Strategic Partnership with Ukraine” renewal, ensuring continued sanctions on Russia.
4. Deepening Euro‑Atlantic Ties
4.1 EU Defence Cooperation
- PESCO participation – Join the “Baltic Sea Security” project, integrating naval assets with denmark and sweden.
- European Defence Fund (EDF) – Secure €45 million for joint R&D on low‑observable UAVs.
4.2 Trans‑Atlantic Dialog
- U.S.–Baltic summit 2025 follow‑up – Host a bilateral security forum in Riga, spotlighting joint cyber‑defence initiatives.
- Canada‑Latvia partnership – Expand Arctic research collaboration, linking climate security with defence.
4.3 Cultural & Educational exchanges
- Erasmus+ expansion – Double the number of Latvian scholarships for NATO‑allied universities.
- Diplomatic training program – Partner with the U.S. State Department’s Foreign Service Institute for senior officials.
5. Energy Independence and Cyber Security Initiatives
5.1 Renewable Energy Drive
- offshore wind farms – Commission two 300 MW projects by 2028, reducing imported fossil fuels by 15 %.
- Lithuanian‑Latvian electricity interconnector – Finalize grid integration to balance supply across the Baltic states.
5.2 Cyber Defence Enhancements
- National Cyber Command (NCC) expansion – Recruit 500 additional cyber specialists.
- Public‑private cyber‑exercise “Baltic Shield” – Annual simulation involving banks, utilities, and telecoms.
5.3 Legal Frameworks
- Adopt EU‑aligned data‑souverignty law – Strengthen protection of personal data against external breaches.
- Implement “Zero‑Trust” security model across all government IT systems by Q4 2026.
6. Economic Diplomacy and Trade Partnerships
6.1 Diversifying Export Markets
- Increase Baltic‑Nordic trade – Target €2 billion in bilateral trade with Finland, Sweden, and Estonia.
- Explore Central Asian corridors – Sign MoU with Kazakhstan on logistics hub growth in Riga.
6.2 Investment Attraction
- “Latvia Secure” incentive program – Offer tax credits for foreign firms investing in defence‑related manufacturing.
- Tech park in riga – Attract AI and cybersecurity startups through seed funding and mentorship.
6.3 Sanctions enforcement
- Enhanced customs checks – Deploy AI‑driven risk assessment tools to prevent illicit trade with sanctioned entities.
7. Practical Implementation Timeline (2026‑2027)
- Q1 2026 – Finalize NATO eFP troop commitment; launch “Baltic Shield” cyber‑exercise.
- Q2 2026 – Sign EDF contract for UAV R&D; commence offshore wind construction.
- Q3 2026 – Deliver first military aid shipment to Ukraine; host U.S.–Baltic security forum.
- Q4 2026 – Roll out “Zero‑Trust” IT framework across ministries; publish first annual report on energy independence progress.
8. Expected Outcomes and Benefits
- Enhanced deterrence – A visibly stronger NATO presence reduces the risk of aggression in the Baltic Sea region.
- Stronger Ukrainian resilience – Continued aid sustains Ukraine’s defence capability and accelerates post‑conflict reconstruction.
- Greater energy security – Renewable projects cut fossil‑fuel imports, stabilizing national energy prices.
- Improved cyber posture – Integrated defence mechanisms protect critical infrastructure from state‑backed attacks.
- Economic growth – New trade routes and investment incentives boost GDP by an estimated 0.8 % annually.
9. Real‑World Example: Latvia’s Role in the NATO “Smart Shield” Initiative
- Background – Launched in 2024, “Smart Shield” integrates AI‑driven surveillance with NATO’s Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD).
- Latvian contribution – Provided the “Riga Radar Array” (RRA), a network of four phased‑array stations linked to NATO’s command center.
- Impact – Early 2025 data shows a 30 % reduction in unidentified aerial incursions over the Baltic corridor, validating the effectiveness of Latvia’s investment in cutting‑edge technology.
