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On 17 March 2026, the meeting of the General Affairs Council took place in Brussels, where ministers discussed the draft conclusions of the 19–20 March European Council meeting, the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework and the 2026 European Semester process.
During the exchange of views on preparations for the European Council, the Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Artjoms Uršuļskis, emphasised:
“A support loan for Ukraine must be secured immediately, and the 20th round of sanctions against Russia should be adopted with equal urgency. Latvia condemns Iran's unprovoked attacks on its neighbouring countries, but as we address these new challenges, we must not forget to support Ukraine.”
He pointed out that there is a connection between the Middle East and discussions on competitiveness, particularly in relation to energy. Latvia supports the implementation of short-term measures to mitigate the rapid rise in prices and its impact on the economies of EU Member States. At the same time, it is necessary to continue strengthening the EU’s energy security in the long term by enhancing its energy independence.
Given that the leaders of the Member States will focus on competitiveness during the European Council’s discussion on the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework, Artjoms Uršuļskis stated that all policy pillars (I, II, and III) can contribute to the EU’s competitiveness. Latvia’s priorities in the discussions on the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework remain unchanged: addressing the socio-economic development of the eastern border regions – a point also acknowledged by the European Commission in its recently adopted communication on the eastern border regions – and ensuring a level playing field for farmers, particularly with regard to direct payments.
As part of the annual European Semester process, the General Affairs Council approved the 2026 recommendations for the economic policy of the euro area.