On 26 April, President Edgars Rinkēvičs met with the Minister of Climate and Energy Kaspars Melnis at the Riga Castle to discuss the advancement of a long-term energy strategy. Additionally, the meeting addressed matters of the promotion of renewable energy production and the strengthening of energy security.
The President emphasized the need for the Ministry of Climate and Energy and the Ministry of Defence to collaborate closely to reconcile the interests of wind farm development with those of the defence sector. "National security is an indisputable priority, but so is developing entrepreneurship, providing people with affordable renewable energy and strengthening the country's energy independence. Therefore, decisions must be taken in a well-thought-out manner, assessing all alternatives and the latest technological solutions, in close cooperation between the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Climate and Energy," emphasized E. Rinkēvičs.
The President and the Minister also discussed the work of the Ministry of Climate and Energy on several changes to the legislation. President Rinkēvičs welcomed the agreement reached between wind developers and municipalities to ensure that the development of wind farms would most directly benefit financially nearby residents and the municipal community.
The President of Latvia was briefed by the Minister on progress in the advancement of the energy strategy.
