Contribution by Spain to security in Latvia and the region, the deterrence and defence capabilities of the EU and NATO, EU enlargement and the next Multiannual Financial Framework, bilateral cooperation on security and economy, achieving a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, and constraining Russia – those were key topics discussed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže, with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain, José Manuel Albares Bueno, and the Minister for Defence of Spain, Margarita Robles Fernández, while on an official visit to the Kingdom of Spain on 27 and 28 March 2025.
“Spain’s contribution to strengthening the defense capabilities of Latvia is noteworthy: a NASAMS air defense system is deployed in Latvia; and the Spanish contingent of more than 600 troops is part of the NATO Multinational Brigade, being the second largest Allied contingent stationed in the Ādaži Military Base. Spanish contribution is essential for the security of both our region and NATO as a whole, and Spain has confirmed its readiness to sustain it. We also agree that all possible support for Ukraine must be continued to strengthen its positions on the battlefield and in peace negotiations. At the same time, we must further constrain Russia which is a security threat to Europe as a whole in the long term: sanctions must be strengthened, because they work – they both limit Russia’s ability to wage war and continue to undermine its crumbling economy,” Foreign Minister Baiba Braže underlined in a meeting with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain, José Manuel Albares Bueno, and the Minister for Defence of Spain, Margarita Robles Fernández.
The Foreign Ministers discussed the strengthening of Europe’s defense capabilities, the necessary investments in security, and preparations for the NATO summit to be held in The Hague on 24–26 June. Baiba Braže emphasized that Latvia has made the largest defense budget allocations in its history – exceeding 1.5 billion euros, or 3.66% of GDP in 2025 – and has decided to increase it to 5% of GDP.
The Minister thanked Spain for its support to Ukraine, including military assistance. Baiba Braže also thanked Spain for joining the NATO StratCom Center of Excellence in Riga. The Ministers discussed EU enlargement, including the need to accelerate the process Ukraine’s of European integration, and exchanged views on the EU’s next multi-annual budget and the countries’ shared interests in the implementation of the RailBaltica project.
The officials agreed on the need to deepen economic cooperation, especially in the areas of military production, ICT, and transport. It should be noted that this past 30 January, Latvia signed a procurement contract with a Spanish company GDELS-Santa Bárbara Sistemas for the supply of 42 ASCOD infantry fighting vehicles to the Latvian Armed Forces at the cost 373 billion euros; under the contract, an agreement was reached on the involvement of local industries in the amount of 30% of the total price. There is a growing interest in tourism between Spain and Latvia: in the 2024/2025 season, the number of flights between the two countries has already increased to 26 per week; and this year, a Spanish company, having chosen Riga from among the three Baltic capitals, acquired the Mercure Riga Centre hotel to expand franchises and develop a hotel network. The officials also agreed on the importance of the EU-Mercosur trade agreement to promote strategic trade and political ties with Latin America.
The Ministers signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the Latvian and Spanish Ministries of Foreign Affairs on the establishment of a political consultation mechanism. It provides for regular ministerial and expert-level contacts to promote closer cooperation and an exchange of views.
Together with the Minister for Defence of Spain, Margarita Robles Fernández, and the Chief of the Defence Staff of the Spanish Armed Forces, Admiral Teodoro López Calderón, the Foreign Minister met the Spanish military personnel who are to be deployed to, or have already served in the Spanish contingent of the NATO Multinational Brigade in Latvia.
“The NATO Multinational Brigade in Latvia is a strong element of deterrence and defence that strengthens the security of the entire Baltic region and reaffirms the importance of NATO’s collective defence forces. This is essential, given the persistent security threat from Russia. Spain’s presence is a clear signal of its resolve to defend every centimeter of the Alliance,” the Minister of Foreign Affairs thanked the soldiers of the Spanish Armed Forces. The meeting took place at the El Goloso base of the Spanish Armed Forces.
In the Elcano Royal Institute (Real Instituto Elcano), the Minister took part in a round table discussion with the leading foreign policy, security and economics experts of Spain about Latvia’s foreign policy priorities, global security challenges, and the transatlantic partnership. It is the most prominent Spanish think-tank, recognised as one of the leading think-tanks in Europe and the world. Baiba Braže had a meeting with the Director of the Elcano Royal Institute, Charles Powell. The Foreign Minister also gave an interview for a Spanish newspaper, El Pais.
