At a Glance
Alliances & Memberships
- NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization)
- European Union (EU)
- Eurozone
- Schengen Area
- OECD
- Three Seas Initiative (3SI)
- Three Baltic Nations (B3)/NB8
Foreign Policy Overview
Latvian foreign policy is defined by "Western orientation" and the containment of Russian revisionism. Strategy centers on deepening integration with EU and NATO structures to ensure national survival. Latvia maintains a "vanguard" role in supporting Ukrainian sovereignty, advocating for total Russian isolation and increased permanent NATO presence on the Eastern Flank. It prioritizes the "rules-based international order" and digital resilience against hybrid warfare. Relations are strained with Moscow over minority rights and historical narratives, while strategic partnerships are strongest with the United States, Poland, and Baltic neighbors.
Key Positions on Major Issues
SECURITY: Absolute priority on NATO Collective Defense (Article 5). Supports permanent stationing of Allied brigades and "forward defense" posture. CLIMATE: Committed to EU Green Deal. Focuses on energy independence from Russia through renewables and LNG imports via Skulte/Paldiski. HUMAN RIGHTS: Champion of media freedom and democratic values. Vocal regarding human rights violations in Belarus and Russia. TRADE: Supports EU single market integrity and sanctions against aggressive states. Promotes the Rail Baltica project to link with Western Europe. REGIONAL: Strong advocate for the EU Eastern Partnership, specifically the EU aspirations of Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia.
UN Voting Record Notes
Latvia consistently votes with the EU/US bloc. Voted 'Yes' on all UNGA resolutions condemning Russian aggression in Ukraine (ES-11/1, ES-11/2). Regularly supports resolutions promoting human rights in Iran, Syria, and North Korea. Abstains or votes against resolutions that single out Israel in ways perceived as biased, aligning with a more moderate EU stance. Holds a candidate seat for the UNSC for the 2026-2027 term.
Economy & Trade
GDP Composition: Services (73.7%), Industry (22.3%), Agriculture (4%). Key Industries: Timber, Food processing, Machinery, Pharmaceuticals, IT. Exports: Wood items, Electronics, Chemicals. Imports: Machinery, Mineral fuels, Vehicles. Currency: Euro (EUR). Primary Trade Partners: Lithuania, Estonia, Russia, Germany, Sweden. High emphasis on transit and logistics due to ice-free ports.
Military & Security
Latvian National Armed Forces (NBS) and National Guard (Zemessardze). Spending: 2.3% of GDP (rising to 3%). Host to NATO Enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) Battlegroup led by Canada. Reintroduced mandatory State Defence Service (VAD) in 2023. Doctrine focuses on total defense and early warning against hybrid threats. Non-nuclear state.
Recent History
Restoration of independence in 1991 following the collapse of the USSR. The 1990s were marked by a transition to a market economy and the 'Return to Europe.' Joined NATO and the EU in 2004. Experienced a severe financial crisis in 2008-2010 but recovered to join the Eurozone in 2014. Since the 2014 annexation of Crimea and the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Latvia has shifted to a 'war footing' regarding civil defense and has dismantled Soviet-era monuments, sparking tensions with its ethnic Russian minority.
International Memberships
- NATOsince 2004
Security cornerstone against regional threats.
- European Unionsince 2004
Economic integration and political alignment with Europe.
- OECDsince 2016
Integration into global economic standards and best practices.
- United Nationssince 1991
Primary forum for global diplomacy and international law.
- OSCEsince 1991
Monitoring human rights and democratic standards in the region.
MUN Negotiation Profile
Western Bloc / European Union / NATO Eastern Flank (Bucharest Nine)
Principled and legalistic. Latvia frequently takes a hawkish stance on security and human rights but remains a highly cooperative multilateralist on trade and climate. Expect high coordination with Estonia and Lithuania.
- Any reduction or dilution of NATO Article 5 guarantees.
- Recognition of any Russian 'sphere of influence' over former Soviet states.
- Compromise on the territorial integrity of Ukraine as per 1991 borders.
- Lifting of sanctions on Russia without complete withdrawal from Ukraine.
- "Latvia reminds this committee that security in Europe is indivisible; a threat to one is a threat to all."
- "My delegation calls for the immediate establishment of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression to ensure accountability."
- "Total energy independence from authoritarian regimes is not just an environmental goal, but a national security imperative."
- "We must strengthen the resilience of our democratic institutions against the rising tide of disinformation and hybrid interference."
- "Latvia stands ready to share its expertise in cyber-defense to protect the integrity of the international system."