Latvia Secures Eastern Flank Support Clause in EU Budget Talks

Latvia, together with the Baltic states, Poland, Finland and Romania, succeeded at the European Council meeting in Brussels in having a dedicated paragraph on an Eastern Flank support programme included in the political document for the EU’s 2028‑2034 multi‑annual budget. Prime Minister Andris Kulberg said the clause will cover security, schools, health services, housing and civilian assistance for regions bordering Russia, and he urged the use of frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine’s reconstruction.

In the same council session Latvia pushed for faster implementation of EU defence projects aimed at strengthening the eastern border, including the "Eastern Flank Watch" and the drone‑counter‑drone "Decoder" programmes. The government also called for continued EU support to Ukraine, increased pressure on Russia, diversification of critical raw‑material supplies and reduced economic dependence on China.