Security, sustainability and public engagement — three priority areas in foreign policy on European Union issues were highlighted in the annual foreign policy debate in the Parliament on Thursday, 26 January, by Andris Sprūds, Chair of the European Affairs Committee of the Saeima.
“War has shaken the foundations of European security, on which the principles of European policy, approach, perception of peace and security were built for a long time,” said A.Sprūds. “It is our duty to maintain the conviction that the war in Ukraine is an existential threat to the whole of Europe,” said the Chair of the Committee, stating that the European Union must now take a historical responsibility for the pursuit of a fair peace. Now we need to help Ukraine to win it by providing the necessary support.
“The prospect of Euro-Atlantic integration for Ukraine, as well as for Moldova and Georgia, is becoming an expression of political support, and clearly the only way to strengthen sovereignty and security,” A.Sprūds stressed the importance of an effective European Union neighbourhood policy.
“Strengthening the European Union’s military capabilities and interoperability, promoting military mobility, joint development of the military industry and related technologies will strengthen Europe’s security and its contribution to transatlantic relations,” said Sprūds, stressing that NATO and the European Union as organisations have the potential to strengthen each other.
The Chair of the European Affairs Committee also highlighted cooperation with regional partners — the Baltic States, the Nordic countries, and Poland as a strategic necessity.
“Advanced development within the European Union — joint economic transformation, strengthening the single market, reducing inequalities between Member States, closer cooperation between the like-minded, and diversification of supply chains,” said A.Sprūds. He also pointed to the development of local, especially renewable energy sources, as an important strategic direction, and synchronisation of the Baltic energy system with Europe as a necessity for the security of the entire region.
“Leaders must also take responsibility for the rule of law and respect for democratic values,” stressed the Chair of the European Affairs Committee.
“Public support is the bedrock on which the European Union and its Member States are based,” said A.Sprūds, expressing his gratitude to ministries, cooperation partners, parliamentarians and diplomats for their cooperation in evaluating and defending European Union issues and Latvia’s interests.
Saeima Press Service