Latvia will emphasize the need for the European Union to accelerate the implementation of defence projects aimed at strengthening the Eastern Flank during the upcoming European Council meeting, according to an information report prepared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and published on Latvia’s legislative portal.
In Latvia’s view, it is essential that EU-level defence projects under the European Defence Programme for Critical Infrastructure (EDPCI) be implemented as soon as possible. These include the Eastern Flank Watch initiative, designed to strengthen surveillance along the EU’s eastern border, as well as the Decoder project, which focuses on developing drone and counter-drone capabilities.
At the European Council meeting in Brussels, Belgium, on the 18th and 19th of June, EU heads of state and government will assess progress in implementing previous European Council conclusions, review the advancement of the European Defence Readiness 2030 Roadmap, and discuss continued support for Ukraine, including peace efforts, Ukraine’s EU integration, and maintaining pressure on Russia.
Latvia believes that the EU must continue providing comprehensive support to Ukraine, strengthen the resilience of Ukraine’s economy and society, and enhance the country’s defence capabilities. At the same time, Latvia will advocate for increased pressure on Russia, greater international isolation of the country—including in sports and cultural spheres—and further measures to constrain the Russian economy.
Latvia also supports opening all negotiating clusters required to begin EU accession talks with both Ukraine and Moldova.
Discussions on the Middle East are expected to focus on U.S.–Iran peace negotiations and the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon. Latvia intends to emphasize that stability in the Middle East is a cornerstone of global security and that Iran must not be allowed to continue threatening civilians, civilian and industrial infrastructure, or disrupting international trade routes.
Given the need to reduce the EU’s economic dependencies and address the growing trade deficit with China, European leaders are also expected to continue discussions on strengthening the EU’s global competitiveness. The agenda includes internal Single Market issues, as well as the impact of tensions in the Persian Gulf region on energy prices and disruptions to critical raw material supply chains.
Latvia supports maintaining pragmatic relations with China while placing greater emphasis on balancing asymmetrical economic relations. It also backs measures to diversify supplies of critical raw materials and reduce dependence on a single or limited number of third-country suppliers.
According to Latvia, alongside efforts to strengthen the EU’s global competitiveness, work must continue on improving the Single Market and ensuring fair competition both within the EU and globally.
The European Council is also expected to discuss the EU’s 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework, progress in migration management and combating illegal narcotics, and the European Semester Spring Package for 2026.
Additional agenda items include support for Armenia following the elections held on the 7th of June and concerns regarding Russian attempts to influence the outcome, as well as the outbreak of Ebola virus disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.
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