"Latvia has a special responsibility to remind its partners in the European Union how important it is to strengthen support for those societies that stand for freedom, democracy, the rule of law and human rights. Despite Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and ongoing hybrid warfare operations in Moldova, these countries have done tremendous work to move even closer to the European Union in both values and governance. The Saeima's statement will significantly strengthen this message to other member states," Edmunds Cepurītis, chairman of the Saeima's European Affairs Commission, said.
In the statement, the MPs call on the other EU member states to support the recommendations given by the European Commission and to approve the start of accession negotiations by the end of this year. The parliamentarians also call on the European Commission and the Council of the European Union to prepare and approve the framework for negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova without delay.
In turn, the two candidate countries are invited in the announcement to continue implementing the necessary reforms that will promote their compliance with the common values of the European Union, closer integration in the European Union, as well as promote greater stability, security and prosperity in the region.
In a statement, the Saeima confirms that Latvia is ready to provide the necessary support to Ukraine and Moldova in the implementation of reforms on their way to full membership in the European Union.
In the approved text, the Saeima "Recognizes that Ukraine and Moldova have an unwavering commitment to join the European Union, as evidenced by diligent work in implementing a series of political and institutional reforms, despite the multifaceted manifestations of Russian aggression and geopolitical challenges."
It also "confirms that Latvia is ready to provide the necessary support to Ukraine and Moldova in the implementation of reforms on the way to full membership of these countries in the European Union."
The vote was passed by 91 votes to 0, though two Saeima deputies from the Greens and Farmers Union (Andris Bērziņš and Gundars Daudze) which is one of the parties in the current Latvian coalition government, chose not to vote despite being registered to do so.
