Latvia, participating with NATO allies, has highlighted key security priorities during a defense ministers' meeting in Brussels. The meeting, held on February 12, included discussions led by Defense Minister Andris Sprūds regarding further steps to enhance deterrence and defense capabilities in preparation for the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara this July. This gathering reinforced the alliance’s commitment to addressing security challenges collectively.

During the session, the ministers reviewed progress made since the Hague Summit, with a specific focus on the pledge to increase defense spending to 5% of the gross domestic product (GDP) by 2035. Additionally, significant emphasis was placed on developing military industry capacities. Notably, there was a strong call to expedite procurement processes and strengthen supply chains to ensure adequate availability of ammunition and air defense systems, crucial for maintaining readiness.

Minister Sprūds underscored that discussions in Brussels clearly demonstrated NATO's proactive stance in shaping future security architectures. This meeting emphasized the alliance’s determination to not only react to immediate security challenges but also to strategize for long-term defense and security needs, reflecting the collective resolve of member states in navigating a complex security landscape.