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On 13 and 14 October 2025, Parliamentary Secretary Artjoms Uršuļskis represented Latvia at the EU informal meeting of trade ministers in Horsens, Denmark. EU trade ministers discussed EU-US trade relations, trade aspects of the EU’s economic security strategy, and current issues in EU bilateral trade negotiations.
The Parliamentary Secretary stressed that transatlantic relations are more than just trade ties for Latvia:
“Latvia views the EU-US trade agreement as a significant contribution to strengthening transatlantic relations, which form the basis for further cooperation, particularly in security policy. At present, it is particularly important for us to ensure the successful implementation of this agreement.”
The meeting included a discussion on the more strategic and coordinated use of EU economic security instruments. Latvia emphasised the need to defend European economic interests, including continuing work on setting tariffs for goods originating in Russia and Belarus. At the same time, the EU needs to continue working intensively on new free trade agreements, as economic security is also built by strengthening cooperation with like-minded countries.
“We support the European Commission’s work in negotiating trade agreements, such as with the Mercosur countries, Mexico, Indonesia, and Australia, which will also provide Latvian entrepreneurs with broader access to new markets and eliminate various administrative barriers,” said Artjoms Uršuļskis at the meeting.
Background information
The EU has one of the most extensive networks of trade agreements in the world – currently having more than 40 trade agreements with over 75 partner countries. The latest political agreements have been reached with Mexico, Mercosur (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay) and Indonesia. Negotiations on agreements are continuing with India, the United Arab Emirates, Australia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines and other countries. In addition, the European Commission is also working on new, innovative and strategic forms of cooperation, sustainable investment promotion agreements, critical raw materials and digital trade partnerships, as well as Trade and Technology Councils.
EU Common Commercial Policy (in Latvian)