At the European Union (EU) Foreign Affairs Council on 22 July, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže, underlined that it is now critical to continue joint EU military support for Ukraine, which is based on Ukraine’s needs, is predictable and delivered without delay. She also said it was important to agree at the EU level the channelling of EUR 6.6 billion in military support to Ukraine from the European Peace Facility. Minister Braže also noted the EU must be able to agree on a concerted development of the security industry and working closely with NATO.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Dmytro Kuleba, also participated via videoconference in a discussion on Russia’s aggression against Ukraine; he briefed the Council about the current situation on the ground. Dmytro Kuleba emphasised that regardless of developments in the U.S., the focus should remain on what is happening in Ukraine. Minister Kuleba outlined the results of the first Summit on Peace in Ukraine and further steps to be taken in the wake of the Peace Summit. He thanked the EU for its current assistance including the Patriot systems supplied to Ukraine, while stressing the critical support is needed in the future, including the strengthening of sanctions against Russia and preventing any possibility of circumventing them.
The Foreign Ministers of EU Member States condemned the regular, intense and brutal attacks by Russia on critical strategic infrastructure facilities in Ukraine and acts of terror against civilians, also the massive missile attack on Kyiv on 8 July, including a strike on the Ohmatdyt children’s hospital.
Baiba Braže pointed out that our security as EU Member States and Allies is closely linked to Ukraine’s success on the battlefield.
“Russia’s politics is war, in all fields – the military, economy, media, religion, the private sector – besides, there is no indication that this could change. This is a problem for the international community since Russia’s war in Ukraine has repercussions on a global scale. We must therefore act constructively together and make every effort to prevent Russia from rebuilding its military capacity and combat capabilities. This includes both new and expanded sanctions against Russia and the channelling of the European Peace Facility funds to Ukraine – further delay with the decision on EU military support is unforgivable – failure to agree on this decision would be a “badge of shame” on EU unity, so I call for united, consistent and constructive action,” Baiba Braže underlined.
She also pointed out that in recent months, a number of significant and concrete decisions have been made on our security both at the level of the EU and G7, and at the NATO Summit in Washington, including a new commitment approved at the summit to support the defence industry, a decision by the G7 to use Russia’s frozen assets toward the reconstruction of Ukraine; however, it is important that the decisions taken be followed up through practical action. Baiba Braže also called on the other EU Member States to join the Drone Coalition to help Ukraine build its combat capabilities. Latvia has allocated EUR 20 million to the Drone Coalition efforts in 2024.
Baiba Braže also highlighted the substantial humanitarian aid provided by Latvia so far, as well as military assistance to Ukraine, contributing 1% of Latvia’s GDP for that purpose.
In the context of the sanctions, Baiba Braže thanked her colleagues for their support and unity in approving the 14th package of sanctions against Russia and called for the approval and effective enforcement of the next round of sanctions without delay, particularly concerning the “shadow fleet” vessels.
Following a request of the EU High Representative, Baiba Braže informed EU Foreign Ministers about her two-day visit to Latvia’s eastern border with the EU and NATO, where she toured the customs and border control points posts on the route to Russia – Terehova – and to Belarus – Pāternieki. The Minister emphasized that 80% of cargos crossing the borders into Russia and Belarus come from other EU countries, not Latvia. Additionally, 95% of detected attempts to evade sanctions are related to cargos from other EU countries. Baiba Braže urged for stricter control of exported goods in their countries of origin and declaration, as currently Latvia is bearing the brunt of sanctions control efforts, while this burden should be shared among all EU countries.
The Ministers also discussed the situation in the Middle East. The Latvian Foreign Minister called for increased efforts to support the ceasefire plan by working with regional partners and the United States. It is currently of critical importance to halt hostilities, address the humanitarian crisis to prevent its further deterioration in Gaza, and avoid regional escalation. Active EU involvement is essential for resolving this conflict.
During the Council meeting, the Foreign Ministers also had an informal exchange of views with the President of the European Investment Bank, Nadia Calviño. In a discussion on current geopolitical challenges, Baiba Braže welcomed the changes in the European Investment Bank’s strategy while urging the institution to be open to discussions about financial decisions that could increase Europe’s military production capacity in support of Ukraine. Overall, there is a need to enhance the defence industry’s access to financing, including the fostering of joint projects with small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly on the Eastern Flank.
