Raimonds Bricis

Connecting the dots. Views my own, retweets are not endorsements.

[EPP Group @EPPGroup]

The Eastern flank is of high strategic importance to Europe’s security.

In response to the threats stemming from Russia’s war against Ukraine, the Baltic states, Finland, and Poland have made a tremendous contribution to European defence.  

Recently, the EPP Group held a conference in Riga, Latvia, where our MEPs, policymakers, and experts discussed the future of European security, with a clear focus on the EU’s Eastern flank.

Watch the recap to hear the conclusions. ⏯️

With: @AndrzejHalicki, @Kalniete, @ingeborgterlaak, @RJukneviciene, @alicemedce, @Nicolasdlparte

[EPP Group @EPPGroup]

RUSSIA’S UNFOUNDED ALLEGATIONS: EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT LEADERS EXPRESS FULL SOLIDARITY WITH THE BALTIC STATES

Statement of the European Parliament’s Conference of Presidents in response to Russia’s allegations against Latvia as well as Estonia and Lithuania.

The Conference of Presidents strongly rejects the recent unfounded and dangerous allegations made by the Russian Federation against Latvia as well as Estonia and Lithuania, including claims that the Baltic states are preparing hostile actions against Russia or allowing their territory or airspace or military facilities to be used for attacks against Russia. Allegations which Latvia has categorically denied as disinformation.

These accusations form part of a broader pattern of intimidation, disinformation and provocation directed against EU Member States and are particularly serious in light of repeated incursions of unidentified drones into the airspace and territory of the Baltic states. Such actions are unacceptable and contribute to heightened tensions and instability in the region.

The Conference of Presidents expresses its full solidarity with Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. No EU Member State can be threatened, intimidated or subjected to coercive pressure by Russia. The security of the Baltic states is the security of the European Union as a whole.

We call on the Commission, the High Representative and the Council to continue supporting Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, in close coordination with @NATO, in strengthening airspace surveillance, counter-drone capabilities and situational awareness, and in reinforcing their capacity to prevent and respond to further incursions.

We call on the Commission, the High Representative and the Council to continue countering disinformation with stronger strategic communication, mobilise EU resources to protect the Eastern flank and reject fake news that threaten European democracy and security.

The European Union must remain united, vigilant and resolute in the face of Russian attempts to destabilise its neighbourhood, undermine European security and divide Member States.

[Roberta Metsola @EP_President]

Russia’s intimidation and provocations against Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania are unacceptable and heighten tensions in the region.

We stand firmly with the Baltic States. No Member State should be threatened by Russia.

The security of the Baltics is the security of Europe.

The EU must remain united, vigilant and resolute against Russian attempts to destabilise its neighbourhood and undermine European security.

Statement by @Europarl_EN Conference of Presidents: https://t.co/b2T7cN6s97

[Baiba Braže @Braze_Baiba]

“Russia’s mass kidnapping and deportation of Ukrainian children is a crime under the Genocide Convention.”

Latvia supports all practical efforts to #BringThemHome 🇺🇦. Thank you, Canada and Ukraine for leading the Coalition for the Return of Ukraine’s Children.
@andrii_sybiha

[EPP Group @EPPGroup]

We were honoured to welcome @EvikaSilina, Prime Minister of Latvia, to the EPP Group conference in Riga.

The EU's Eastern flank is not just a frontier. It is Europe's first line of defence.

The Baltic States have led on investments in defence, energy independence, and support for Ukraine.
Europe's security starts here.

Today we discuss how to strengthen it.

[EPP Group @EPPGroup]

A secure Eastern Europe and the Baltic region are also essential for both Europe's security and economic stability.

These countries are facing growing security challenges related to Russia's actions. By reinforcing its Eastern borders, the European Union is safeguarding critical infrastructure and supply chains that are key to the competitiveness of its economy.

But above all, a strong and secure Eastern border protects peace and democracy across the EU.

The EPP Group is today in Riga, Latvia to discuss situation on the ground. We welcomed @nbskomandieris Kaspars Pudāns, Chief od Defence of Latvia, @a_latkovskis, Chairman of the National Security Commission in the Latvian Parliament, and @SkrodeleL, Director of the “Entrepreneurs for Peace” Foundation, as well as an address by @Braze_Baiba, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia.

[EPP Group @EPPGroup]

In Riga, EPP Group MEPs, policymakers, and experts discuss the future of European security, with a clear focus on the EU’s Eastern flank.

Countries in this region - including the Baltics, Poland, and Finland - are facing growing security challenges linked to Russia’s actions.

The key question: Should Europe’s Eastern flank be seen merely as a strategic frontier, or recognised as its primary line of defence?

The security of this region requires cooperation in all political and international forums, moving beyond traditional approaches.

We must work together to address challenges such as Russia’s hybrid threats and shadow fleets, and to strengthen cooperation in crisis preparedness and energy security.

[Raimonds Bricis @RBricis]

‼️

[EPP Group @EPPGroup]

The Eastern flank is of high strategic importance to Europe’s security.

Having Russia as a neighbour, the Baltic states, Finland, and Poland have significantly strengthened their border protection and enforcement of EU sanctions.

Today, the EPP Group is in Riga discussing the future of European security from the perspective of the Eastern flank.

[Raimonds Bricis @RBricis]

Russia has no place in Venice Biennale.

The decision to accept Russia’s participation becomes a symbolic verdict on the biennale itself as an institution that pretends not to see reality.

#BiennaleArte2026
#inminorkeys

[Raimonds Bricis @RBricis]

Powerful words.

[EPP Group @EPPGroup]

The EPP Group wants Russia to pay for its war against Ukraine. The European Union must be part of the international initiatives to hold Moscow and its proxies accountable for the damages caused in Ukraine and in the EU.

Watch⤵️
#StandWithUkraine
https://t.co/Lw8ZkWTbzh

[Baiba Braže @Braze_Baiba]

And the highest-scoring joint team of NATO Locked Shields 2026 is

🇱🇻🇸🇬Latvia/Singapore.

Congratulations to the winners and to all participants! #StrongerTogether @ccdcoe

[EPP Group @EPPGroup]

Finally!

The EPP Group has long advocated for this move. We welcome today’s decision to unlock the €90 billion loan for Ukraine.

Unlocking the much-needed funding for Kyiv now is in the common interest of Ukraine and the EU.

#StandWithUkraine

[EPP Group @EPPGroup]

“A major victory for the people of Hungary🇭🇺 – and a strong signal for Europe🇪🇺!

This result reflects the clear democratic choice of Hungarian voters.

Congratulations to Tisza and to our EPP Group MEP Peter Magyar (@magyarpeterMP) on this decisive win.

I am proud of what Peter Magyar and Tisza as members of our EPP family have achieved in these elections - winning the trust of the majority of Hungarians.

This election confirms a simple truth: we win with substance, not slogans. When we focus on improving people’s lives – higher wages, secure jobs, and real economic opportunities – while grounding our approach in European solidarity and cooperation, we build trust and deliver results.

This is how we defeat right-wing populists who thrive on division: with credible solutions, unity, and a politics that puts citizens first.

Now is the moment to welcome Hungary back to the heart of Europe. We must work together on the key challenges ahead: security, migration, and prosperity for all.

The message is clear: center-right politics that deliver on people’s needs win elections – and that is how we overcome populism,” says EPP Group Chairman @ManfredWeber.

[Elina Melngaile @Melngaile]

“Russia’s strategic objective is the destruction of NATO, clearing the path for dominance in Europe. Its aim is to divide Europe internally and to drive a wedge between Europe and the United States”.

[EPP Group @EPPGroup]

Ten years ago today, Brussels was torn apart by terror attacks, and a beautiful morning was turned into tragedy.

Today, we bow our heads in memory of all the victims who lost their lives on 22 March 2016. We extend our deepest sympathies to their families, friends, and loved ones, who have endured so much pain and grief.

Terrorism has no place in Europe.

[EPP Group @EPPGroup]

#InternationalWomensDay

We are the leaders we follow.
And the leaders we raise.

Stand with women.
Everyday.
Everywhere.

Watch ⤵️
#IWD2026 #IWD

[EPP Group @EPPGroup]

Ukrainians, you are not alone. The traitors are with Moscow. We are with you.

Your security is Europe's security; your freedom is Europe's freedom - and your future is in Europe.

And we will keep working to make that happen.

Watch⤵️
#StandWithUkraine
@RobertaMetsola @gahler_michael @ZelenskyyUa

[EPP Group @EPPGroup]

The EU must make Russia pay for its war of aggression against Ukraine with its frozen assets.

The @EPPGroup calls on Member States to take the decision in this regard at #EUCO.

Watch⤵️
@ManfredWeber @ANiebler @ReinholdLopatka @tomastobe @LudekNie @KarloRessler @RJukneviciene

[EPP Group @EPPGroup]

Listen to @IneseVaidere:

Since the full-scale war began, the EU has paid over €216 billion for Russian fossil energy.

We still pay around €40 million every day, and every euro continues to fund the killings in Ukraine.

It must be stopped.

Watch⤵️
#StandWithUkraine