The Parliamentary Secretary: EU airspace violations by Russian drones signal that it is important to strengthen the EU’s eastern border

On 16 September 2025, in Brussels, the Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Artjoms Uršuļskis, took part in the meeting of the General Affairs Council of the European Union. 

The meeting featured a discussion on a draft agenda for the 23–24 October European Council, as well as the European Commission’s 2026 work programme. As part of the annual rule of law dialogue, views were exchanged on the rule of law situation in the EU and in four candidate countries – Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia.

In a discussion on the October European Council, the Parliamentary Secretary underlined:

“The current geopolitical situation, especially the violations of Polish airspace by Russian drones, demonstrate that Ukraine plays a central role in ensuring the future of European security. We must maintain our firm stance: comprehensive support for Ukraine must continue, as well as increasing pressure on Russia. We must be even more ambitious and strengthen sanctions and tariffs against Russia and Belarus. At the same time, the violations of the EU’s air border by Russian drones highlight the fact that the strengthening of the EU’s eastern border is important for the entire EU. There is an acute need for investments and rapid progress in securing the eastern border.”

In the context of the EU’s competitiveness, Artjoms Uršuļskis called for reducing the administrative burden in the EU, especially on small and medium-sized enterprises, high-tech companies and start-ups.

In addition, the Parliamentary Secretary expressed support for the European Commission’s work programme for 2026, emphasizing the need to be ambitious, resolute and united, taking into account the geopolitical situation. As the most important aspects, Latvia highlighted the strengthening of EU security and defence, all forms of support to Ukraine, and the promotion of EU competitiveness.

In a discussion on the rule of law situation in the EU, Artjoms Uršuļskis emphasized the importance of the annual rule of law dialogue, and he also welcomed the inclusion in the rule of law reporting process of the EU candidate countries that have made the greatest progress.