On 27 November 2024, the Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dace Melbārde, met with representatives from the non-governmental sector (NGOs) and social partners for consultations on the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for the next seven-year period from 2028 to 2034.
In consultations with partners, Dace Melbārde discussed Latvia’s priorities and strategic interests, which are included in the draft national position of Latvia. Unlike the negotiations on the EU MFF so far, this time particular attention will be paid to security and defence matters and funding allocated for that. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will also call for taking a firm stand on funding to be ensured to conventional policies, such as Cohesion, and Common Agricultural Policy, as well as financing for the Rail Baltica project.
“Formulating Latvia’s position as soon as possible, as well as engaging in negotiations with the European Commission and Member States during the formulation of the proposal, will help us better protect Latvia’s interests, needs and priorities.Geopolitical situation and security issues will influence the development of the next EU multiannual budget, amid efforts tostrengthen the EU’s global influence and competitiveness,” Dace Melbārde noted.
She also stressed that one of priorities for Latvia is security and defence, which includes, among other things, strengthening of Latvia’s eastern border, which is also the external border of the EU and NATO, and infrastructure development, strengthening of military capabilities and military industry.
Dace Melbārde recalled that Latvia has nine seats in the European Parliament (EP) for the present term, including in the EP Committee on Budgets, and she called for active cooperation in protecting Latvia’s interests in the European Union.
For 20 years, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been successfully managing the process of negotiations between the interests of different branches and sectors.
Ten NGOs and social partners representing businesses, local authorities, agriculture, civil society and social affairs took part in the consultations on Wednesday, 27 November.
About the multiannual financial framework for the EU budget
- The long-term EU budget – the Multiannual Financial Framework – is a policy and financial programming mechanism that sets the maximum total amount and expenditure of the EU budget for a seven-year period.
- The current EU Multiannual Financial Framework is in place from 2021 to 2027.
- Proposals for regulations for the next period (2028-2034) will be published provisionally by the European Commission in mid-2025.
- The EU’s long-term budget is approved by EU legislators – the Council of the EU and the European Parliament. In particular, the budget should be unanimously adopted by the EU Member States and subject to consent from the European Parliament.
Further information
- https://www.mfa.gov.lv/en/article/baiba-braze-calls-meps-cooperate-protecting-latvias-interests-european-union
- https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/lv/budg/home/highlights
