In a recent visit to Brussels, Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa emphasized the importance of a strong eastern border for European security and competitiveness. She addressed a high-level event where she outlined the strategic needs of the eastern border regions, particularly in light of the ongoing Russian war against Ukraine, which has significantly altered the security landscape in Europe. Siliņa highlighted that countries along the EU's external borders are facing heightened military, economic, and social risks due to the conflict.

During her speech, Siliņa pointed out that the eastern border regions are experiencing declines in investment, slower growth, and demographic challenges, while they bear a substantial burden for the security of all Europe. She stressed the necessity of having robust eastern border regions as a prerequisite for a secure and prosperous Europe. While Siliņa noted Latvia's significant investments in security and regional development, she underscored the inadequacy of relying solely on national resources to tackle these pressing issues.

The Prime Minister's call for targeted and practical action from the European Union highlights the urgent need for a cooperative approach to bolster the resilience of these vulnerable regions. As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve with increasing tensions in Eastern Europe, the EU's response to Siliņa's appeal could shape future strategies aimed at enhancing security and stability across the continent.