Pabriks: geopolitical situation forces us to increase our defence spending to 2.5% of GDP
Defence Minister Artis Pabriks underlined the need to raise the defence spending to 2.5% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the medium term (next 3 years) during annual Saeima Foreign Policy Debate today, on 27th January.
‘Russia’s foreign policy has become worse as we see. Ultimatum made by Russia today is unlike the one it pushed on in 2008 when it attacked Georgia or during the 2014 annexation of Crimea. Russia is going much further this time. Ukraine is just another target in Russia’s plan to divide the European Union and NATO. A way to restore Russia’s strategic dominance. This is not just about Ukraine. This is about the unity of the West,’ Defence Minister said at the Foreign Policy Debate.
According to Minister Pabriks, although we can rely on solidarity within NATO and Article 5 of the Alliance, Latvia must continue to pursue ambitious military development goals. Given the need to adapt to diverse challenges, Latvia’s military development must go hand in hand with overall readiness and ability of the Latvian State and people to defend the country, values and economic growth of Latvia.
Current geopolitical shifts and national defence capability development plans require Latvia to increase its defence spending to 2.5% of the GDP in the next three years (medium term), said Minister Pabriks.
‘Once the threat is on our border, it will be too late to start thinking about allocation of additional defence spending,’ Artis Pabriks stressed.
He is convinced that additional funding can be successfully invested in boosting domestic military and defence industry to bring benefits like more jobs and higher economic growth, as well as supply security. Minister spoke about the need to become more independent: ‘When the crisis hits us, we might not have immediate access to ammunition, weapons and other equipment delivered by our suppliers. Processing may take too long.’
Minister Pabriks also asked the parliament, Saeima, to support the vision approved by defence ministers of all three Baltic countries, i.e., to integrate all three Baltic countries into single area of operations. In other words, whenever Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia will need assistance troops from other two countries will be allowed to swiftly cross the border and move in for help: ‘This will significantly boost our security. It will also enable closer defence cooperation between Baltics at the top level and will send a clear signal to any potential aggressors that we will face regional threats together.’
Defence Minister Artis Pabriks also spoke about the need to deepen cooperation with allies such as Finland, Sweden and Poland. Ukraine should also be part of this cooperation framework because current problems in Ukraine have direct implications for Balti Sea region countries and enhanced cooperation with Ukrainian counterparts would lead to more efficient facilitation of its national security.
According to Minister Pabriks, Europe must work towards new migration policy, which will reflect the modern-day challenges. ‘We cannot afford to spend funding on refugee camps while our borders remain underdeveloped and underfunded,’ he said.
Artis Pabriks believes that it is high time to focus on energy security. More specifically, nuclear energy, which promises better energy and supply security, and cleaner environment.
Minister Pabriks concluded his speech by underlining the need to focus on preparedness for all kinds of potential military aggressions: ‘May Latvia live forever! I hope no one will ever attack our borders. Be it as it may, we need to be ready: our troops must have high morale and standards, as well as top-notch equipment.’
Media contacts:
Media Relations Section
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Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Latvia
E-mail: prese@mod.gov.lv
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