Latvian minister: Europe should implement «deputinisation»

«Under the current security situation strategic partnership between the EU and NATO is critically important, and our joint capabilities should be formed in a way to enhance collective protection,» said Latvian Minister of Defence Artis Pabriks in a discussion about Europe’s future security and defence policy.
On 21 March Pabriks took part in a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, where foreign affairs and defence ministers approved the EU Strategic Compass, which includes an action plan to raise EU’s security and defence by 2030.
«Europe needs to invest in border protection, which is especially important in the context of the war in Ukraine.»
«Russian aggression in Ukraine also clearly demonstrates that Europe needs to implement ‘deputinisation’, break free from Russia’s influence, strengthen both the defence of the information space, as well as resolve issues related to energy dependence,» Latvian minister said.
Discussing the support for Ukraine, Pabriks stressed that the EU should clearly support Ukraine’s joining of the EU. It is also important to continue providing material support to Ukraine so that it is able to defend itself but Europe and its values as well.
Latvia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reminds that on 27 February EU Foreign Affairs Ministers agreed on providing aid to Ukrainian armed forces using the European Peace Facility. In accordance with European Peace Facility, an unprecedented support package worth EUR 500 million was approved for Ukrainian armed forces to increase their ability to defend Ukraine’s territorial integrity and residents.
On 21 March EU Foreign Affairs and Defence Ministers approved EU Strategic Compass that will increase EU’s role in being the safety guarantee for their citizens and promote EU’s defensive capabilities. The new strategy is planned to be passed at the next meeting of the Council of Europe, which is scheduled for 24 and 25 March.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed plans to participate in this meeting.