Latvian President Rinkēvičs emphasizes the need to legally ensure an annual defense investment of at least 5% of GDP due to ongoing security threats from Russia.
In a recent letter, Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs highlighted the significant and irreversible changes in the international security landscape since Russia's illegal and unprovoked full-scale military invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. He warned that the threat posed by Russia will persist even after the conclusion or freezing of the war in Ukraine, as Russia continues to develop military capabilities that pose a substantial danger to European countries and the NATO alliance.
The proposed law on state defense funding aims to systematically increase Latvia's defense capabilities through financial means, ensuring the country meets its commitments within NATO's collective defense framework. This legislation is intended to lay the groundwork for the long-term development of military capabilities and enhance Latvia's role in European and transatlantic security structures, as outlined in the President's correspondence.
Currently, the law mandates the Cabinet of Ministers to prepare legislative proposals regarding the state budget allocation for defense. This move underscores the importance of proactive measures in response to evolving geopolitical threats, reflecting Latvia's commitment to maintaining national security and solidarity with its NATO allies.
