EU Defence Ministers in Riga call for unity in addressing European security threats

Riga, 19 February, 2015. – On February 18-19, EU Defence Ministers called to maintain unity in the face of a series of crises affecting European security.  During their informal meeting, Ministers emphasized that a revision of the European Security Strategy should be one of the main topics on the agenda for the June 2015 European Council discussion on security and defence.

"The European Council on security and defence in June will be a crucial event in further advancing defence cooperation among European States" said High Representative / Vice-President of the Commission Federica  Mogherini. "In the current security environment, and faced with new and complex threats, unity is required more than ever ".

“Strategic communication is one element playing a critical role to counter hybrid threats. We have come to an agreement that a comprehensive communications plan should be developed to help build consensus both internally and externally and to protect our citizens,” stressed Raimonds Vējonis, the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Latvia.

The defence industry has an important role not only from the economic, but also from the strategic point of view. “We have a strong commitment to the EU as a provider of security, and in order to fulfil that role we need strong defence capabilities backed by a strong defence industry,” emphasized Jorge Domecq, the Chief Executive of the European Defence Agency, pointing out that the field of research and development should be strengthened.

The Defence Ministers discussed the positive results of the ongoing EU military missions and operations, as well as the enhancement of the EU rapid response capabilities. In this regard, the Ministers stressed the need for closer EU-NATO cooperation, thus ensuring that both organizations complement one other and enhance security in Europe.

On February 18-19 at the National Library of Latvia, the informal meeting of the EU Ministers for Defence took place to discuss current issues and prepare for the European Council discussion on defence in June 2015 - the most important event in the EU security and defence area in 2015. In addition, Minister's addressed he EU's response to hybrid threats, strategic communications, ongoing military operations and improving the EU's rapid response capability

Media contacts:

Anete Gnēze, Senior Desk Officer of the Media Relations Section
Military Public Affairs Department
Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Latvia
Phone: 00 371 67335093; Cell: 00 371 26474087
E-mail: anete.gneze@mod.gov.lv
Website: www.mod.gov.lv