Supporting the resilience of Europe's Eastern frontier
On 11 and 12 June 2026, Commissioner Serafin travelled to Latvia. Located on the Union's eastern border, Latvia plays a vital role in strengthening Europe's security while advancing innovation and the green transition.
The visit took place as discussions on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) gathered pace. Through exchanges with political leaders and innovators, the Commissioner discussed how the future EU budget could continue to support Europe's strategic priorities while delivering tangible benefits for citizens and businesses across Latvia and the European Union.
STOP 1: Driving innovation in wind energy (11 June)
Commissioner Serafin started the visit with a tour of Aerones Engineering, a Latvian start-up that focuses on using robots to inspect and maintain wind turbines. The company received a €4.4 million grant from the EU Innovation Fund in 2024, demonstrating how EU support has helped innovative European businesses scale up and bring new technologies to market.
The visit highlighted how Latvia’s innovation is contributing to Europe's clean energy transition by improving the efficiency and reliability of renewable energy infrastructure. It also illustrated the role of EU funding in fostering innovation ecosystems and supporting the commercialisation of cutting-edge technologies.
STOP 2: Dialogue on the European Union of tomorrow (12 June)
The next day, Commissioner Serafin went to the Saeima, Latvia's Parliament, to meet members of the European Affairs Committee and the Budget and Finance Committee to discuss, among other topics, the European Commission's proposal for the next long-term EU budget (Multiannual Financial Framework).
The discussion focused on the rationale behind the proposed long-term EU budget and its capacity to address Europe's evolving priorities. Members shared their perspectives on issues including competitiveness, security, cohesion policy, agriculture, new own resources and the green transition.
The Commissioner underlined the importance of continued dialogue with national parliaments throughout the MFF negotiations. He reiterated the Commission's commitment to supporting cohesion and agriculture while adapting the EU budget to emerging priorities such as defence and competitiveness. He also presented the proposed National and Regional Partnership Plans and outlined the Commission's approach to new own resources and the implementation of the green transition.
STOP 3: Europe's Eastern Shield (12 June)
Later in the day, Commissioner Serafin met Foreign Minister Baiba Braže and Minister of Transport Rihards Kozlovskis to discuss the geopolitical challenges facing Europe and the role of the EU budget in supporting the Union's strategic objectives.
The discussions focused on the evolving security environment at the EU's eastern border and on issues related to defence, military mobility, cohesion policy, agriculture, innovation and competitiveness, as well as the role of strategic infrastructure and investment in strengthening Europe's resilience.
The Commissioner and the ministers also discussed the importance of maintaining a balanced approach that supports both traditional EU policies and new priorities. They exchanged views on the implementation of future funding instruments, the mobilisation of public and private investment, and the contribution of the EU budget to enhancing the Union's preparedness and long-term competitiveness.
STOP 4: Discussing the Common Path (12 June)
The visit concluded with a meeting between Commissioner Serafin and Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs, focusing on Latvia's priorities ahead of the June European Council and discussions on the next Multiannual Financial Framework.
The exchange covered the evolving security environment, investment needs, strategic infrastructure, including Rail Baltica, and the importance of ensuring that the future EU budget is equipped to respond to Europe's long-term challenges.
The Commissioner emphasised the need for a modernised EU budget capable of supporting security, competitiveness and cohesion, while recognising Latvia's important contribution to the Union's strategic objectives.
