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On 17 November 2025, the Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Artjoms Uršuļskis, took part in the meeting of the General Affairs Council of the European Union in Brussels.
The Council held an exchange of views on the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028–2034 and the draft agenda of the European Council meeting on 18–19 December. The relations between the EU and the United Kingdom, and the European Commission’s Work Programme for 2026 were also discussed. As part of the EU’s annual rule of law dialogue, Member States held a country-specific discussion on the rule of law situation in four Member States: Bulgaria, Czechia, Germany, and Ireland.
In a discussion on the proposal for the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework, the Parliamentary Secretary underlined that the Cohesion Policy and the Common Agricultural Policy are important for EU convergence and must be adequately funded to achieve long-term development goals. They must not be turned into crisis resolution mechanisms, and it is also necessary to ensure a level playing field for farmers. Furthermore, the Parliamentary Secretary pointed out that the Member States at the eastern border need additional financial support due to security and socio-economic challenges they face due to Russian aggression.
In an exchange of views on preparations for the European Council, the Parliamentary Secretary stressed that one of the most important issues at present is to reach an agreement on the EU’s further financial support to Ukraine through the use of Russia’s immobilised assets. It is essential to continue comprehensive support to Ukraine, as well as to constrain Russia, including by the adoption of the 20th package of sanctions. Artjoms Uršuļskis also emphasized the importance of EU enlargement in the integration of Albania and Montenegro, and called for moving forward with the opening of the next stages of negotiations for Ukraine and Moldova.
In a discussion on the European Commission’s Work Programme for 2026, the Parliamentary Secretary stressed that the work programme includes many initiatives and proposals of importance to Latvia, highlighting the strengthening of EU security and defence, competitiveness, sustainable growth, societal resilience and adherence to the principles of simplification throughout the EU legislative cycle. Artjoms Uršuļskis also expressed support for Lithuania with regard to hybrid attacks on its airspace from Belarus, which once again confirms the need to continue investing in strengthening the EU’s eastern border.