“The United Kingdom is one of Latvia’s most important allies in the areas of security and defence, and we are close allies both in NATO and in relations with the EU, regionally and bilaterally alike. I would like to thank the United Kingdom for its strong stance against Russia’s war of aggression on Ukraine and for its comprehensive support to Ukraine. Ukraine is Europe, and Ukraine defends the security interests of Europe as a whole. Together with our NATO allies, we have recognized Russia as a threat to the overall Euro-Atlantic security. A weakened Russia will be the best security guarantee for all of Europe; therefore, an even greater economic pressure must be exerted on Russia, including by strengthening sanctions,” emphasized the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže, as she met with members of the United Kingdom’s government and Parliament during her working visit.
The officials were of the same mind concerning the current situation in Ukraine – Europe must continue all kinds of support for Ukraine to strengthen its position on the battlefield and in the upcoming peace talks. The officials also discussed the regular hybrid threats and other unconventional attacks on the part of Russia – cyber-attacks, information manipulation, instrumentalisation of migration, attempts to influence internal electoral processes, sabotage, and recent incidents of cable damage in the Baltic Sea.
In relation to European security challenges, the officials were unanimous on the need to increase defence funding, which can simultaneously contribute to the economies of European countries.
Baiba Braže noted that in 2025, Latvia’s defence expenditure has reached the highest figure in its history – over 1.5 billion euros or 3.45% of GDP. At least 4% of GDP has been envisaged for defence purposes in the following years, and 5% of GDP afterwards.
“In the current geopolitical reality, we can no longer speak about a strong and globally competitive Europe without a new approach to security and defence financing. NATO is strong, but the allies must increase their defence spending: Europe must take the lead and assume greater responsibility for its security. Europe must be able to finance real defence capabilities, and the military industry – to produce them,” Foreign Minister Baiba Braže emphasised.
She thanked the United Kingdom for its leadership in the international Drone Coalition: its total support for Ukraine’s drone capabilities in 2024 reached EUR 1.8 billion. Latvia allocated EUR 20 million for the needs of the Drone Coalition last year and will do the same this year. In 2024, Latvia supplied around 5,000 drones to Ukraine.
The Foreign Minister participated in a discussion on security in Europe held at one of the world’s leading global policy think-tanks, the Royal Institute of International Affairs, Chatham House. Baiba Braže underlined the importance of the NATO Alliance and the transatlantic link and the need to continue broad-based support for Ukraine, while simultaneously undermining Russia, whose economy is in a bad shape due to sanctions and international isolation.
The officials exchanged views on the European Union – the United Kingdom summit on resetting relationship scheduled for 19 May. Latvia stands for ambitious cooperation in (1) foreign affairs and security, (2) safety of citizens, and (3) trade and economic growth, including cooperation in the field of energy. The United Kingdom is one of Latvia’s most important partners in bilateral trade; condequently, Latvia will benefit from deepening economic cooperation between the United Kingdom and the EU. We are particularly interested in mobilising the trade and investment potential in the sectors of high-tech, defence, and the green and smart technology.
Deepening of cooperation between Parliaments of the two countries, especially the potential for cooperation in the security industry and defence, was discussed with representatives of the United Kingdom Parliament.
As part of her visit, the minister met with the Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons, Caroline Nokes, members of the UK Parliament Defence Committee, and the Minister for the Cabinet Office and Minister for the Constitution and European Union Relations, Nick Thomas-Symonds. The member of the UK government reiterated apologies and affirmed that the leaders of the Baltic states will not be further excluded from talks on support for Ukraine and security in Europe on further occasions.
The Minister engaged in a discussion with the Latvian community on current developments in Latvia and Europe and on global issues. She encouraged the diaspora organisations and media to be active in the fight against disinformation and in awareness raising among the public, thereby strengthening societal resilience.
Baiba Braže also met with the Dean of London Business School, Sergei Guriev, as well as giving interviews to international media – The Times, BBC Radio 4, and others.
From 5 to 7 March 2025, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže, was in the UK, London, for a working visit.
Further information
- The United Kingdom is home to the largest Latvian diaspora community of over 160,000 people.
- Bilateral relations between the Republic of Latvia and the United Kingdom (in Latvian)
- Resetting the UK's relationship with the European Union - House of Commons Library
