“Full support to Poland for prioritising security during its the EU Council Presidency. Russia’s threats to the Euro-Atlantic space are serious and they will persist. We must continue to invest more in security and defence, and do it faster, since Russia presents a long-term threat to all of Europe and NATO. I fully agree with the new US administration: a weak Russia is the best security guarantee for the whole Euro-Atlantic space, world peace and stability, and a lasting and just peace,” Foreign Minister Baiba Braže underlined at the EU Foreign Affairs Council on 27 January 2025.
At the EU Foreign Affairs Council, ministers agreed to extend EU sectoral sanctions against Russia (renewed every six months). “It has also been decided today to impose EU sanctions on three Russian military intelligence service officers for a cyberattack against Estonia. The attackers were identified last year with the help from Latvia and the Allies – Germany, the Netherlands and the Czech Republic,” Baiba Braže noted.
She also emphasised that sanctions are working and Russia’s economy is already like a crumbling house of cards. “Russia is desperate. It can no longer deceive its people and businesses about how bad Russia’s economic situation really is. We must sustain maximum pressure on Russia through robust sanctions. It must also be achieved that EU companies leave the Russian market and no longer channel their funds into its economy.”
Baiba Braže informed EU foreign ministers of the situation regarding the situation with damage caused to the data cable between Latvia and Sweden. She thanked the Latvian Radio and Television Centre (LVRTC), the Latvian Naval Forces, as well as Sweden, Estonia and other partners for their rapid response and cooperation. Latvia is cooperating with the Baltic Sea region countries and NATO. The Minister also invited the EU External Action Service to engage as concerns cooperation with non-EU countries.
The Minister also briefed her counterparts about the exchanges held so far with the new US administration – both before the inauguration and via a phone call with the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday, 24 January. The officials agreed to strengthen cooperation in defence and security, energy and modern technologies, on further support to Ukraine, as well as constraining Russia in the strongest possible way.
The members of the Foreign Affairs Council were addressed via videoconference by the Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. He stressed that although almost three years have passed since Russia launched a war against Ukraine, it is vital not to yield, this being a Euro-Atlantic conflict, the outcome of which will affect the future international order. Drawing parallels with the 80 years since the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, Andrii Sybiha underlined that a just peace was achievable. He also called on the EU to work together with the US in all directions to support Ukraine, including to further sustain the strongest possible sanctions against Russia.
The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, recalled that the EU with its Member States is the second largest donor for Ukraine – the total aid provided to date amounts to at least EUR 134 billion and will keep increasing.
All the participants were unanimous about and unwavering and strong military and financial support to Ukraine. Baiba Braže emphasised that this year as well Latvia will provide assistance to Ukraine in the amount of 1% of GDP and 0.25% in military support. Latvia will also ensure further support to Ukrainians in Latvia and will work on new sanctions and their effective implementation.
The Member States also agreed on a strong 16th package of sanctions before the third anniversary of Russia’s war against Ukraine. Priorities in the next rounds of sanctions include further erosion of Russia’s military capabilities through continued pressure on Russia’s energy sector, trade in dual-use goods, the financial sector, propaganda machinery, as well as further sanctioning of “shadow fleet” vessels. Baiba Braže pointed out that Latvia will continue working with third countries to prevent them from helping Russia in the circumvention of sanctions.
As they discussed cooperation with the new US administration, the ministers highlighted the importance of close further cooperation with the US. “We are interested in strengthening relations with a focus on promoting common interests and transatlantic security,” Baiba Braže noted.
The Council also addressed the situation in the Middle East, the ceasefire and a prisoner release agreement achieved, and the situation in Syria. Ministers welcomed the intended resumption of the EU Border Assistance Mission to Rafah (EUBAM Rafah). Ministers then exchanged views on the ways for the EU to support Syria’s reconstruction and reconciliation process.
At the meeting, the European Commission announced an emergency financial support of EUR 30 million to tackle the energy crisis in Moldova, which will help ensure Moldova’s energy independence in the long term.
In light of latest developments in Georgia, the ministers agreed on suspending parts of the EU-Georgia visa facilitation agreement concerning holders of Georgian diplomatic and service passports, and expressed solidarity and further support for the Georgian democratic forces.
On Sunday, 26 January, the EU High Representative and EU foreign ministers with the leader of the Belarusian democratic forces, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, discussed the so-called presidential elections of 26 January. The ministers also shared opinions on tackling hybrid threats. Baiba Braže underlined that the weakening of Russia will also weaken the Lukashenko regime. She expressed Latvia’s support for Tsikhanouskaya's leadership and work for the benefit of Belarusian opposition.
