On 24 May, President of Latvia Egils Levits, who is currently in Davos at the World Economic Forum, joined President of Estonia Alar Karis and President of Poland Andrzej Duda for the Three Seas Initiative (3SI) panel discussion on development of modern infrastructure in Central and Eastern Europe and regional security.
President Levits stressed the regional significance of 3SI. ‘The main pillars of the Three Seas Initiative are unique. It is politically inspired and commercially driven initiative. It aims to attract private investment to our region. And we need to focus on both of these pillars. Politically, 3SI has become even more important because of war in Ukraine. 3SI countries work closely together on collective security and assistance to Ukraine. Our region is not defined by our geographic location. Our region is based on shared understanding of commonalities. The importance of cooperation in specific sectors has increased since Russian invasion of Ukraine. For Europe, us and Ukraine. Most 3SI countries account for biggest share of support provided to Ukraine, also in total figures. Latvia’s support to Ukraine is at the same level as Germany’s, in total figures. This region is important for us, both politically and in terms of security,’ President Levits noted.
According to Egils Levits, 12 members states of the Three Seas Initiative, which also belong to the European Union (EU), support fast-tracking of Ukraine’s application for EU membership. It is ‘our duty as advocates of Ukraine’s interests inside European Union’.
As regards to regional security, President Levits emphasised, ‘NATO summit in June will adopt the new defence strategy. Three Seas Initiative countries, which also belong to NATO, and other countries bordering with Ukraine and dealing with increased inflow of refugees from Ukraine, support further reinforcement of Alliance’s eastern flank. Strengthening of Alliance’s eastern flank and NATO as defence organisation is important for all allies. Russia is not afraid of strength; it plays on our weaknesses. If we appear weak, Russia will use it. The only way to deter Russia is to strengthen the eastern flank of NATO. This mainly concerns our countries. We need to strengthen eastern flank together with partners in Europe and transatlantic area. NATO is crucial for European security. Not only here in Latvia or Eastern Europe. The whole Europe needs it. Security of the West relies on strong NATO.’
