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On 22 September 2026, the Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dace Melbārde, attended a meeting of the European Union (EU) General Affairs Council in Brussels. The Council’s agenda included items on the agenda for the European Council meeting on 15–16 October, the EU Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028–2034, the current status and next steps in the process of simplifying EU legislation, the state of the rule of law in the EU and in the four candidate countries – Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia – as well as the European Commission’s work programme for 2027.
During the discussion on the European Council’s agenda, Dace Melbārde emphasised that Ukraine must remain among the European Council’s top priorities, particularly in light of Russia’s barbaric attacks on Ukraine and increasing hybrid activities targeting EU Member States.
The Parliamentary Secretary called for continued comprehensive support for Ukraine, focusing on air defence and the country’s needs for the coming winter, as well as for continued pressure on Russia. “Given Russia’s growing aggression, the EU’s defence readiness must be achieved immediately by fully utilising the potential of existing defence instruments. It is also necessary to maintain and increase pressure on Russia by imposing new sanctions, ensure the continuous extension of existing individual sanctions, and avoid the unjustified removal (delisting) of individuals from sanctions lists,” stated the Parliamentary Secretary. During the discussion on EU competitiveness, Dace Melbārde called for swift results in implementing the One Europe, One Market Roadmap, while maintaining both the pace of implementation and the quality of the initiatives.
During the exchange of views on the EU Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028–2034, the Parliamentary Secretary consistently defended Latvia’s priorities, paying particular attention to security and defence, including the challenges Latvia faces as a country on the EU’s eastern border. Dace Melbārde also emphasised the need to ensure fair competition for Latvian farmers and sufficient funding for the implementation of strategically important infrastructure projects, particularly Rail Baltica.
During the visit, the Parliamentary Secretary met with representatives of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU to provide a detailed explanation of Latvia’s position on the upcoming EU Multiannual Financial Framework and its key priorities. Dace Melbārde also participated in a meeting of the so-called Friends of Cohesion group, where, together with 16 other EU Member States, she coordinated a unified approach to the negotiations on the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework, emphasising the central role of cohesion, the Common Agricultural Policy and the Common Fisheries Policy in promoting convergence and economic growth.