At the meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union (EU) Latvia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Edgars Rinkēvičs stressed the importance for the EU to continue political, economic and diplomatic pressure on Russia. This includes, he said, tightening existing sanctions and adopting the ninth package of anti-Russian sanctions.
At the meeting Rinkēvičs invited EU member states to provide all possible political, military, humanitarian and financial support to Ukraine, stressing that Latvia supports Ukraine’s integration in Europe and the country’s reforms.
Rinkēvičs also mentioned it is necessary to immediately make decisions in regards to practical, including macro-financial, support for Ukraine, as well as compose sustainable support systems in the EU.
«As a result of Russia’s full-scale invasion, the foundation of EU-Russian relations is gone,» said Latvia’s minister.
«It will not be possible to return to how relations were in the past. This is why the European Union needs to change its paradigm in relationships with Russia.»
According to Rinkēvičs, EU’s policy should be based on deterrence and strategic independence from Russia, as well as strengthening sustainability – especially the sustainability of the countries bordering Russia.
The discussion also touched on the topic of western Balkan states. Participants of the discussion mentioned the Russian-Ukrainian war has outlined the vulnerability of the region and has once again stressed the geopolitical and strategic importance of Europe’s expansion process.
Rinkēvičs mentioned at the meeting that in order to reduce the consequences of Russia’s war, it is important to enhance EU-Western Balkan cooperation and continue including countries of this region in EU initiatives. However, at the same time all countries have to show action appropriate to EU’s values.