On Thursday, April 10, Minister of Finance Arvils Ašeradens met with the French Ambassador to Latvia, Manuel Lafont Rapnouil, to discuss cooperation between Latvia and France as well as key issues on the European Union (EU) policy agenda. Particular attention during the meeting was given to the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework and the strengthening of Europe’s defense and security capabilities.
The minister outlined Latvia’s perspective on four priorities within the context of the next EU multiannual budget: security and defense, cohesion policy, the Common Agricultural Policy, and cross-border transport infrastructure connectivity. Both parties agreed that close cooperation among EU member states and appropriate increases in funding will be necessary in the post-2027 EU budget to address pressing issues related to both security and economic resilience.
The discussion also touched on geopolitical developments that have significantly reshaped the economic structure of Latvia and the EU as a whole in recent years. As the minister emphasized, Russia’s aggressive policies have forced Latvia to reorient its trade routes, while ongoing uncertainty stemming from U.S. tariff-related announcements presents additional challenges to the EU’s economic stability and growth.
On the topic of defense, Ašeradens highlighted Latvia’s goal of allocating 5% of its GDP to strengthening national defense capabilities. “Latvia is a country on the EU’s external border, and we are actively working to enhance our defense capacity. At the same time, it is clear that Europe needs its own security infrastructure and must develop its domestic military industry. Therefore, I also discussed with the French Ambassador potential bilateral cooperation in the defense industry,” the minister of finance stated.
The meeting also covered broader EU-level initiatives, such as the creation of a Capital Markets and Savings Union, aimed at more effectively mobilizing European capital to ensure long-term prosperity and security.
