Dace Melbārde: The new EU Multiannual Financial Framework must address the challenges posed by Russia's aggression on the EU's eastern flank

On 3–4 September 2026, the Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dace Melbārde, participated in an informal meeting of European Union (EU) Ministers for European Affairs in Dublin, Ireland.

At the meeting, ministers discussed the upcoming EU Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028–2034, EU enlargement and the European Commission’s European Democracy Shield initiative, with a focus on promoting tolerance and security in political processes within EU Member States.

In the discussion on the EU Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028–2034, the Parliamentary Secretary emphasised that it must reflect current geopolitical challenges and ensure sufficient funding for EU security and defence, strengthening the eastern border, cohesion and agriculture, including the equalisation of direct payments. Support for strategic connectivity and military mobility is also essential, including the implementation of the Rail Baltica project.

During discussions with representatives of EU candidate countries and potential candidate countries, the need for candidate countries to meet the criteria for EU membership and to ensure progress in, and sustainability of, the necessary reforms was emphasised. Attention was also drawn to the inclusion of safeguards in the accession treaties of future EU Member States, aimed at strengthening the sustainability of reforms already undertaken, the rule of law, and protection of the EU’s fundamental values following the candidate countries’ accession to the EU.