Latvian Foreign Minister Braže Highlights Security, Economic Ties during Luxembourg Visit
Luxembourg city - On October 17, 2025, Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže conducted a working visit to Luxembourg, engaging in high-level discussions with Deputy Prime Minister and minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign trade, Progress Cooperation and Humanitarian aid Xavier Bettel. The meetings centered on bolstering bilateral security and economic cooperation, addressing current geopolitical challenges, and reaffirming support for Ukraine.
Minister Braže and bettel also exchanged views on pressing EU matters, including the upcoming multi-year budget, the ongoing process of EU enlargement with a focus on Ukraine and Moldova’s accession reforms, and the urgent need to accelerate the development of the EU’s defense industry.
Braže expressed gratitude for Luxembourg’s contributions to Latvian security, specifically citing financial support for military infrastructure projects and Luxembourg’s participation in the Drone Coalition. She noted Luxembourg’s position as the ninth largest investor in Latvia, with investment volumes showing a positive upward trend. Both countries expressed interest in expanding economic collaboration, especially in the space industry, biomedicine, transport, and logistics sectors.
A key focus of the discussions was the continued support for Ukraine and strengthening the EU’s deterrence and defense capabilities to counter growing Russian hybrid threats, including sabotage, migration instrumentalization, airspace violations, cyberattacks, and disinformation campaigns. The ministers agreed on the necessity of swiftly approving the 19th package of sanctions against Russia and continuing efforts to disrupt the “shadow fleet” used to circumvent existing restrictions.
Regarding the EU budget, both agreed on the importance of adequate funding for both established policies and emerging priorities, with a particular emphasis on security. Braže underscored the need for Europe to enhance its security, defense, border protection, societal resilience, competitiveness, and global influence.
The ministers also reviewed security and defense cooperation within NATO, praising the effectiveness of the “Baltic Sentry” and “Eastern Sentry” missions. The evolving situation in the Middle East was also addressed.
During separate meetings, Minister Braže engaged with Tony Murphy, President of the European Court of Auditors, and Mihaila Kozlova, a member of the European Court of Auditors. discussions focused on the priorities for the next EU multi-year budget, streamlining bureaucracy for businesses, enhancing EU competitiveness, supporting Ukraine, and ensuring the effective enforcement of EU sanctions against Russia.
Braže also met with representatives from SES SA, a leading global satellite operator, highlighting Latvian companies offering high-quality solutions in satellite internet connectivity, secure data transmission, and optical system development.
the Minister took the possibility to connect with the Latvian diaspora in Luxembourg, thanking them for their dedication to preserving latvian culture and identity, and concluded her visit with an interview on RTL, Luxembourg’s leading broadcasting station.
