Honourable President of the Republic of Latvia,

Esteemed Prime Minister,

Honourable Members of the Saeima,

Excellencies,

Members of the 4 May Declaration Club,

Dear people of Latvia,

 

I

Our beloved Latvia. Full of ever-lasting youth and beauty, our homeland lies deep within the hearts of us all. Yes, it is also coveted by outsiders, but it has always been, and always will be, our Latvia, thanks to the unyielding grit, incredible bravery, and unwavering love of our people. It is the homeland where today we proudly set the white tablecloth, a symbol of dignity and pride. Our motherland, the land of our forefathers.

Today, on 4 May, we celebrate. On this festive day, we bow in gratitude to our fellow compatriots. We pay homage to those who, through their thoughts and actions, dared to bring the idea of Latvia to life. For many, Latvia embodied a dream about returning from Siberia or other distant lands where fate had led them, either by force or as refugees.

The diaspora is often regarded as Latvia's fifth region, with a population second only to Riga and its surrounding Pierīga region. However, it is not numbers but actions that manifest the diaspora's contribution. During the years of occupation, the influence of the Latvians in exile literally shaped the foreign policy decisions of our current allies.

On this solemn occasion of 4 May, I extend my gratitude, deepest respects and reverence to all those who have taken this path over the course of many years. I am grateful to the Members of the Supreme Council, particularly Velta Čebotarenoka, who diligently takes care of the 4 May Declaration Club and its members.

In his memoirs, Aivars Berķis, Member of the Supreme Council, notes that the most challenging aspect of the independence restoration was understanding what actually needed to be done.

He writes: “I did not have much faith that we would prevail because great powers do not easily relinquish control. I thought we were heading for a major confrontation, and we would all likely face imprisonment or death.”

 

II

This year, we celebrate 20 years of membership in the European Union and NATO, and I would like to thank those who have worked with purpose and dedication to strengthen Latvia's statehood through our membership in the European Union and NATO.

Initially, this may indeed have seemed an impossible dream. Yet, I am convinced that it is the realisation of this dream that is now deterring military aggression from our borders. We have made every effort; we have worked hard to integrate ourselves among democratic states.

We have grown over these 20 years. In our thinking, abilities, and actions. And the European Union and NATO have changed just as much.

We can compare the figures, the economic indicators, the standard of living, and the quality of services back then and now. There can be no question about Latvia's steady growth.

It is true that our growth has not always been consistent. But with hindsight, we can see that EU membership provides stable and predictable rules, free access to a market of nearly 450 million people in 27 Member States, and confidence that goods and services are safe and meet high-quality standards.

In the twenty years since Latvia has joined the EU, direct investment has increased, exports of goods and services have grown, and the welfare of our citizens is moving decisively towards the European average.

To illustrate, in 2004, before EU accession, Latvia's GDP per capita, taking into account purchasing power, amounted to 47 % of the EU average and by 2022 had already reached 73 % of the EU average.

The average net monthly wage in Latvia has increased fivefold, from €214 in 2004 to €1120 in 2023.

Meanwhile, foreign direct investment has increased almost tenfold. In late 2003, it stood at just €2.5 billion, but by the end of September 2023, it had risen to €24.5 billion.

The EU’s substantial market has also bolstered Latvia's exports of goods and services to EU countries. They have surged sixfold, from €3 billion in 2004 to €19 billion in 2022 at current prices.

However, challenges persist. One area where we should turn our ideas into actions is productivity. Our labour market has long been characterised by affordable labour, allowing businesses to compete in the European market. Latvia already boasts companies that surpass the European average in terms of productivity, yet many jobs still involve medium- and low-productivity activities. Thus, businesses must prioritise efficiency and productivity to achieve swifter economic growth, focusing not only on job creation but also on digitalisation and the effective use of artificial intelligence.

To achieve the goal of doubling the country's GDP in the next 10 years, it is imperative for our future to prioritise the young generation. We must support young people who have completed higher education and returned to their home regions. This support can be extended by promoting both business opportunities and leveraging knowledge to bolster the national economy. Additionally, regions should have robust housing policies, providing support for home purchase or renovation.

We are determined to foster Europe's stability and growth. A strong European Union is in Latvia's interest.

Each of us forms part of Europe!

We stand united in freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. Moreover, we advocate for collaboration with all countries that uphold these values, as they are integral for a world of sustainable development and peace.

Today, we see numerous states aspiring to join the European Union, yet the process can take considerable effort.

We stand ready to offer our counsel.

We are open to cooperation with states that share our common vision of democracy, the rule of law, and security.

 

III

Latvia's decision to join NATO 20 years ago stands as one of the most pivotal choices since the restoration of independence. This achievement, akin to EU accession, has solidified Latvia's position among the world's strongest nations. Membership in the Alliance has facilitated the enhancement of our armed forces and ensured the elevation of our defence capabilities in alignment with global and regional security dynamics.

Our engagement in NATO activities has intensified across all levels. Through this process, we have bolstered our military capabilities and augmented our defence expenditure from 1 % in 2000 to nearly 3 % of GDP in 2024.

The accession of Finland and Sweden to NATO is undoubtedly great news for Latvia as well, further fortifying regional security.

However, the defence of our country is primarily our own responsibility.

We are committed to defending every inch of our territory!

Let me emphasise that our security hinges not only on our armed forces and armaments but also on comprehensive national defence, and it is the responsibility of every citizen to participate in this system.

Defence also encompasses physical borders, the information domain, and economic resilience.

It is of equal importance to strengthen the information space, enriching it with quality content. Inundated with disinformation and negative narratives on a daily basis, we must all be able to discern what truly matters. To counter the onslaught of disinformation, it is imperative to amplify truthful and positive news.

Harnessing artificial intelligence is high on the agenda, both in content creation and potential crime prevention. Enhancing cybersecurity requires enacting pertinent legislative measures and formulating clear AI usage policies.

 

IV

Given our historical experience, it is evident that we perceive Russian aggression more acutely than others. Since the outset, the Baltic States and Poland have taken the lead and continue to be trailblazers among the allies. Our region reacts instinctively and cohesively; our voices resonate louder, garnering attention, and, most significantly, awareness.

The Saeima is actively seeking new approaches to weaken the aggressor countries' ability to perpetuate war.

The Saeima has made a conceptual decision to sever economic ties with aggressor states.

A law has been adopted on the expropriation of Moscow House, a venue implicated in prolonged hostile activities. The property is to be put up for auction, with proceeds directed towards supporting Ukraine.

Moreover, a higher-rate real estate tax of 10 % is to be imposed on sanctioned properties. It is expected to generate at least €1.5 million for municipal budgets, facilitating aid for Ukrainian civilians.

These measures exemplify our regional and international initiatives, underscoring our resolve to take further action.

Russian aggression is not a regional challenge, but rather a matter of global security and stability. Therefore, our response to this aggression must extend beyond bolstering military defences and augmenting Ukraine's military capabilities.

We believe in Ukraine's victory! We will all help to achieve it!

I thank the people of Latvia, businesses, non-governmental organisations, and everyone who finds the opportunity to engage and use their efforts, resources, and expertise to aid Ukraine in securing its victory.

Through our joint efforts and resisting fatigue, this war can be won!

To raise global awareness and support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders, the third Parliamentary Summit of the International Crimea Platform will convene in Riga this October. It aims to underscore the global impact of Russia's aggression and to continue to shed light on the aggressor’s crimes at the international level.

 

V

Colleagues,

Honourable members of the 4 May Declaration Club, Members of Parliament, guests,

Each of us has our own time and responsibility to do our work and fulfil our duties according to our conscience. In 1990, the Members of the Supreme Council voted in accordance with their convictions, based on the will of the people.

Today, on 4 May 2024, I invite you to reflect with reverence on those convictions from 34 years ago and to acknowledge the significance of our current work and decisions. Our country's greatest strength is all around us—it is our people who dedicate themselves to their daily work and represent Latvia worldwide. 

Together, we shape Latvia's present and future. As the saying goes, beneath a stone no water flows. Therefore, as we celebrate the restoration of our country's independence, let us cherish what we have: the freedom of our state, the possibility to openly speak Latvian, unrestricted travel, EU and NATO membership.

Latvia beats in each of our hearts!

Most probably, no one else in the world can imagine how unspeakably precious this land is to us.

We are Latvia—with our history, our countryside, cities, and people who hold our future in their hands.

May Latvia shine brightly and stand unwavering—a source of pride, just as we take pride today in our compatriots who, 34 years ago, were convinced that, in the name of a free and independent Latvia, decisions must be taken without fear and with our heads held high.

Happy celebration!

God bless Latvia!