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On 6 March 2026, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže, met with representatives of the Latvian Industry Development Confederation (LIAK) at their request to discuss Latvia’s priorities for the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework (2028–2034) and the reflection of industry priorities in the budget negotiations.
LIAK was founded by five Latvian industry associations – the Latvian Electrical Engineering and Electronics Industry Association (LETERA), the Mechanical Engineering and Metalworking Industry Association (MASOC), the Latvian Information and Communication Technology Association (LIKTA), the Latvian Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industry Association (LAĶIFA), and the Latvian Wood Industry Federation (LKF). LIAK primarily focuses on developing products and technologies for the innovation, security, and defence industries. Around two-thirds of Latvia’s exports come from the companies of industries represented by LIAK.
B. Braže emphasised that this is the first EU budget in which security is among the central priorities and that it reflects Latvia’s current situation and needs.
B. Braže reaffirmed that in negotiations on the EU Multiannual Financial Framework Latvia will continue to advocate for the most important interests of its economy, as well as use all available EU instruments and opportunities to help entrepreneurs succeed in new markets. The foreign service will continue its efforts to strengthen Latvia’s trade links with trusted partners worldwide and to attract investment from the EU, NATO, the OECD, and other like-minded partners.
Industry representatives stressed the importance of representing interests within the EU, as well as the importance of close and practical cooperation between the public and private sectors, especially in the fields of exports and investment attraction.