Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa stated the need to support the European Commission’s initiative on the so-called reparations loan for Ukraine, as financial assistance for Ukraine is needed today. She said this ahead of an informal meeting of heads of state and government of EU member countries in Copenhagen.
“I think we should use the proposal regarding the 'reparations loan,' because I have not seen any better options, and Ukraine needs financial resources today,” Siliņa said.
She added that it is also necessary to “think about European security.” In her view, Europe should invest more in protecting critical infrastructure, including airports.
“Unfortunately, we have seen drone incursions – I don’t even know how to call it – in my country Latvia, in Poland, and in Denmark, and this is very unusual,” said the Prime Minister.
She noted that leaders need to discuss better coordination with NATO and at the EU level to counter this threat.
Speaking about the pace of rearmament, Siliņa said it would be unacceptable to delay the process and leave bureaucratic procurement procedures unchanged.
“We need to cooperate with universities, new companies, startups, and we will be ready, I think, in a year or a year and a half. This is possible,” she said.
The politician reminded that Latvia, together with the United Kingdom, co-chairs the Drone Coalition for Ukraine and can apply the experience gained.
