Commission Report (2002): Latvia

• Progress since the last Regular Report
• Overall assessment
• Conclusions

Chapter 27: Common foreign and security policy

Progress since the last Regular Report

Since the last Regular Report, Latvia has made further progress in aligning its foreign policy with that of the European Union.

In the context of the regular political dialogue established by the Association Agreement, Latvia continues to align its foreign and security policy with that of the Union. It continues to participate actively in the framework of the Common Foreign and Security Policy, including the meetings at the level of Political Directors, European Correspondents and Working Groups.

Latvia is aiming to contribute by all means required to the development of European Security and Defence Policy as part of the Common Foreign and Security Policy and plays an active role in the context of the EU + 15 format (i.e. non-EU European NATO members and candidates for accession to the EU).

As regards alignment with EU statements and declarations, Latvia is regularly aligning its positions with those of the Union and has continued to associate itself with the Union`s common positions, joint actions and other Common Foreign and Security Policy instruments. Since October 2001, it has aligned itself with eight EU common positions and with the Joint Action of July 2002 on the EU`s contribution to combating the destabilising accumulation and spread of small arms and light weapons.

Latvia`s legislation on international sanctions and restrictive measures have already been brought into line with the acquis. The administrative capacity of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defence has been further improved in order to meet the requirements of the Common Foreign and Security Policy.

During the reporting period, Latvia played an active role in the Capabilities Improvement Conference in November 2001 and in the EU +15 Defence Minister`s meeting in May 2002.

In response to the 11 September events, on October 2001 Latvia adopted the action plan for combating terrorism, comprising a package of legislative, executive and regulatory measures with regard to national and international co-operation. In December 2001, Latvia signed the 1999 International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism. Latvia has also ratified the Rome Statute establishing the International Criminal Court in December 2001.

As regards defence co-operation, Latvia has made considerable efforts to support international peacekeeping missions. It has participated in SFOR, KFOR, ISAF and UN peacekeeping and observer operations. In January 2002 the Parliament approved the proposal to deploy an air movement control team in the operation Enduring Freedom in the vicinity of Afghanistan.

Overall assessment

Latvia is pursuing a policy of regional co-operation and good neighbourly relations. It is an active member of the Council of Baltic Sea States and closely co-ordinates its foreign and security policy with the other two Baltic countries. In the defence area, BALTBAT (the Baltic Battalion), BALTNET (Baltic Air Surveillance System) and BALTRON (Baltic Naval Squadron) are focal points of this co-operation. Latvia is preparing for military participation in the EU Rapid Intervention Force as of 2003; assets for the European Police mission have been put in place and participation in peace missions is ensured.

Latvia is seeking to strengthen its bilateral relations with neighbouring countries. Relations with Russia are characterised by openness for dialogue. The border agreement with Russia was finalised by Latvia, but still awaits final approval on the Russian side.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is connected to the Associated Correspondents` Network information system, through which the EU communicates with associated partners within the CFSP. The functions of a Political Director and European Correspondent are fulfilled by different persons within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but close co-ordination is ensured.

Conclusions

In its 1997 Opinion, the Commission concluded that the assessment of Latvian foreign and security policy led to the expectation that as a member it could fulfil its obligations in this field.

Since the Opinion, Latvia has made steady progress in aligning with the CFSP acquis. The alignment of legislation is in general satisfactory at this stage and administrative structures are being put in place.

Negotiations on this chapter have been provisionally closed. Latvia has not requested any transitional arrangements in this area. Latvia is generally meeting the commitments it made in the accession negotiations in this domain.

In order to complete preparations for membership, Latvia's efforts now need to focus on ensuring that its foreign policy orientation remains in line with the Union's developing foreign and security policy, adopting the legislation on economic sanctions and finalising the development of the necessary administrative structures. In particular, Latvia should ensure that its national policies and practice conform to the EU's common positions, should defend these positions in international fora, and should ensure that all sanctions and restrictive measures can be duly implemented.

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