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Cooperation among the Baltic States is excellent, and coordinated Baltic action with joint efforts at the European level make it possible to achieve significantly more. This was emphasised at the Saeima on Thursday, 13 November, by Daiga Mieriņa, Speaker of the Saeima of the Republic of Latvia, Lauri Hussar, President of the Riigikogu of the Republic of Estonia, and Juozas Olekas, Speaker of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania.
The three Baltic Speakers of Parliament met a day before the 44th Session of the Baltic Assembly, which will gather parliamentary delegations from Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania at the Saeima to discuss the possibilities of strengthening regional cooperation and to develop a joint approach to the most important issues facing the region.
The Speaker of the Saeima called on her colleagues to assess the resources already available to the Baltic States, and to jointly work together to secure more funding in the next EU multiannual financial framework. “We have an opportunity to achieve more in Europe if we work together,” emphasised Speaker Mieriņa.
The discussions also covered opportunities to deepen cooperation with the Nordic countries in the NB8 format, as well as current issues related to the drafting of national budgets and the decisions of the Hague Summit on the gradual allocation of five percent of GDP to defence. “The Baltic States are setting an example and demonstrating their ability to reach this goal with determination,” said the Speaker of the Saeima.
The three Baltic speakers also discussed the possibility of developing joint messages on the international stage, including highlighting regional priorities and issues during joint visits. The upcoming Crimea Platform summit in Stockholm was also mentioned, with Baltic parliamentary speakers encouraging a united position.
Regarding support for Ukraine, the three officials discussed boosting the military industry. Speaker Mieriņa noted that many countries are currently increasing their defence capabilities. Consequently, Ukraine often has to wait for long periods before receiving military equipment, including long-range missiles and ammunition. It is crucial to seek solutions to this situation, said the Speaker of the Saeima, noting Latvia’s recent transfer of the Patria armoured personnel carriers to Ukraine.
The speakers of the Baltic parliaments also agreed on the need to improve legal frameworks so that countries can transfer frozen Russian assets to Ukraine without legal concern. They also proposed strengthening regional cooperation in the restoration of Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure.
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Saeima Press Service