On 26 May 2026, the Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Artjoms Uršuļskis, attended the meeting of the European Union (EU) General Affairs Council in Brussels. The Council’s agenda included preparations for the European Council meeting on 18–19 June, the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028–2034, EU–UK relations, as well as the rule of law situation in Latvia, France, Croatia, and Italy.
During the exchange of views on preparations for the 18–19 June European Council meeting, Artjoms Uršuļskis emphasised that “providing military support to Ukraine remains a priority, especially given Russia’s recent attacks on civilians, including in Kyiv.” Artjoms Uršuļskis thanked the Member States and EU institutions for their solidarity with Latvia and the Baltic region and noted that the threats made by Russia are unacceptable and require a firm response.
“Latvia underlines the need to strengthen sanctions and continue the policy of pressure and isolation against Russia,” Artjoms Uršuļskis stated.
Discussing the upcoming EU Multiannual Financial Framework, the Parliamentary Secretary stressed the need to strengthen cohesion policy, ensure fair competitive conditions for farmers, and improve EU connectivity in both the transport and energy sectors.
“Recent drone incidents in the Baltic states demonstrate once again that the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework must allocate sufficient funds to support the countries and regions along the EU’s eastern border,” the Parliamentary Secretary emphasised.
In this context, Latvia welcomed the meeting in Vilnius between the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the presidents of the Baltic states.
During the exchange of views on EU–United Kingdom relations, Latvia emphasised that the United Kingdom is one of the EU’s most important strategic partners, which is why Latvia is interested in deepening cooperation in both bilateral and multilateral formats. It is in the mutual interest of both sides to strengthen cooperation in foreign policy, security, and defence, as well as to support Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.
Discussing the rule of law situation in Latvia, Artjoms Uršuļskis highlighted Latvia’s progress since the publication of the European Commission’s 2025 Rule of Law Report. Latvia has made improvements both in implementing the two recommendations issued by the European Commission and in other areas assessed in the report – the judicial system, the fight against corruption, media policy, and civil society. Both the European Commission and the Member States positively assessed the rule of law situation and the improvements made in Latvia.
