On 4 April, President Edgars Rinkēvičs met with the European Commissioner for Economy and Productivity, Implementation and Simplification Valdis Dombrovskis at Riga Castle. During the meeting, the parties discussed trade relations between the European Union (EU) and the United States, proposals for increasing EU defence funding, and continued support for Ukraine.
"We must acknowledge that the United States' tariff policy may continue to create uncertainty in Europe and beyond. While this could lead to economic disruption, it may also present opportunities for EU member states to expand into new markets. The parties must come to the negotiating table to move towards mutually beneficial trade arrangements. Both the pandemic and the war in Ukraine, along with prolonged global uncertainty, have clearly highlighted the need for the European Union to become more self-sufficient, particularly in the production of critical goods. Only in doing so can the EU become more resilient to various shocks. This is achievable by diversifying risks and export markets globally, as well as by fostering high value-added industries," said President Rinkēvičs after the meeting.
“It is essential that Latvia makes the most effective use of the allocated funding under the European Union programmes for 2021–2027. At the same time, we must actively advocate for our interests in the context of the next Multiannual Financial Framework. Special attention must be paid to those regions of Latvia most affected by the geopolitical pressure resulting from Russian aggression, particularly along our country’s eastern border. In addition, our experience thus far clearly shows the need for simple and flexible rules that would allow member states to adapt swiftly to changing circumstances,” emphasized President Rinkēvičs on the future EU MFF.
During the meeting, Commissioner V. Dombrovskis shared his views on the European Union’s planned measures aimed at reducing bureaucracy.
