On 22 January, President Edgars Rinkēvičs met in Davos with Wopke Hoekstra, European Commissioner for climate, net-zero emissions, and clean growth.
During the meeting, President Rinkēvičs emphasised the need for European climate policy to be balanced and proportionate to ensure that the European Union (EU) does not lose its competitiveness. “An economically resilient and competitive European Union is a priority for all of us and a long-term guarantee of security. It is essential that the EU's climate policy does not undermine its competitiveness or become an undue burden on its citizens,” stated E. Rinkēvičs.
President of Latvia also noted that the formulation of EU climate policy must take into account new circumstances, including the decision of the United States to withdraw from the Paris Agreement on climate change.
The meeting also covered support for Ukraine and the necessity of strengthening Europe’s defence industry.
