Europe must continue to unwaveringly support Ukraine until victory in the war against Russian imperialism, Prime Minister of Latvia Krišjānis Kariņš (JV) emphasized at the meeting of heads of state and government of the European Union (EU) and the European Council on Friday.
Kariņš emphasized that Western allies should not delay military support for Ukraine at a time when Russia is concentrating military troops in Donbass. Latvia is one of the most active supporters of Ukraine, the support provided so far is about 1% of the gross domestic product (GDP), and this is continued.
A meeting of EU leaders took place yesterday and today in Brussels, Belgium, and was attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
In a conversation with the President of Ukraine, Zelenski Kariņš assured Latvia’s unwavering support for Ukraine as long as it will be necessary.
On the issue of Ukraine’s integration into the EU, Kariņš emphasized that Europe should open the doors of integration to Ukraine more widely. Kariņš welcomed Ukraine’s progress so far in the process of implementing reforms, especially considering that it was implemented in severe war conditions. This must be continued in order to start negotiations on joining the EU as soon as possible.
At the European Council, the Prime Minister also expressed his support for the proposal to establish an international tribunal to investigate the crimes of Russian aggression. Latvia is also one of the most active EU member states, which insists on an EU-level legal solution to ensure the redirection of Russia’s frozen assets for the reconstruction of Ukraine.
EU leaders also discussed EU economic policy to ensure EU prosperity and global competitiveness in the long term, taking into account geopolitical challenges. When asked about the EU’s reaction to the US inflation reduction law, the Prime Minister stated that it must be carefully evaluated, avoiding hasty steps. In addition, Kariņš emphasized that it is necessary to simplify the EU funds implementation system in order to shorten the time from decision-making to project implementation.
The European Council held a discussion on the common EU approach to migration policy, with the main focus on effective control of external borders and EU cooperation with third countries. The Prime Minister emphasized that the protection of the EU’s external borders is particularly important at the EU level, taking into account the situation on the entire EU border with Belarus and the increase in the flow of illegal migrants.
