The call comes at a crucial time. Latvia, a strong advocate for Ukraine, has significantly boosted its defense expenditure following Russia’s full-scale invasion, despite the detrimental impact on its eastward economic ties. However, ahead of the national election on October 3, parties suggesting that Riga should seek more returns for its sanctions and military assistance are gaining momentum.
The European Commission has suggested a notable increase in EU defense funding for the 2028-2034 budget, including €125.2 billion for security, defense industry, and space under the European Competitiveness Fund. This funding aims to support projects throughout the bloc rather than assigning a predetermined €7 billion to Latvia, with the entire budget still open for negotiation among EU governments and the European Parliament.
Kulbergs contends that Latvia warrants special consideration due to its borrowing efforts to ensure security for nations further from the conflict. “We are reaching our budget deficit limit […] and from that debt, we fund […] the defense of all Europe,” the prime minister stated at the government chancellery.
Latvia’s military spending significantly benefits wealthier Western European economies, Kulbergs noted, highlighting weapon purchases from Germany, France, Spain, Sweden, and the Netherlands. “We boost their economies,” he added.
Election pressure
A more pronounced version of this argument is becoming apparent on the campaign trail.
Ainārs Šlesers, a seasoned populist businessman whose party aligns with the far-right Patriots for Europe group in Brussels, believes Latvia should receive compensation for supporting EU sanctions on Russia. Šlesers criticizes Moscow’s invasion and advocates for continued support for Ukraine but insists that Latvia cannot bear the costs forever.
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