Minister Backes visited Latvia

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On 2-3 October 2024, Minister of Defence Yuriko Backes paid a working visit to Latvia. On the first day, following a joint flower-laying ceremony at the monument of Colonel Oskars Kalpaks, hero of Latvian independence, Yuriko Backes was received by her counterpart, Andris Sprūds, for a bilateral meeting. Discussions focused on bilateral defence cooperation, military recruitment challenges, Latvia's concerns about the Russian threat, Russia's illegitimate war of aggression against Ukraine, and the role of NATO and the EU in the European security architecture. "Latvia is located on NATO's eastern flank. My visit here is of particular importance. It symbolises the unity of NATO Allies in the face of the Russian threat. Luxembourg stands by Latvia," commented Yuriko Backes.

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On the sidelines of the bilateral meeting, the Minister of Defence formalised by her signature Luxembourg's intention to join the "drone coalition" and contribute around 3 million euros. This capability coalition, led by Latvia and the United Kingdom, is one of the eight capability coalitions formed within the framework of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) of Ramstein. The "drone coalition" provides Ukraine with drones and their components as well as supporting Ukrainian manufacturers.

On the same day, Yuriko Backes visited the NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence (STRATCOM COE), where she was welcomed by its Director, Jănis Sărts. This NATO Centre of Excellence focuses on improving the strategic communications capability of the Alliance and its member states, by providing analyses of the information environment. "In times of proliferation of artificial intelligence, misinformation, disinformation and foreign influence operations and manipulation of information, strategic communications are crucial to secure our democracies," Yuriko Backes stressed in this context.

On the second day, Yuriko Backes visited the Ădaži military base. The Directorate of Defence provided €3 million for the construction of the barracks blocks at the base, which hosts the multinational brigade of NATO's Forward Land Forces. Yuriko Backes: "I am proud that Luxembourg has contributed to this effort. NATO battle groups on the flank are an important sign of our solidarity and determination - they show Russia that NATO countries will stand together."