Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Baiba Braže hosted Netherlands Minister of Foreign Affairs Tom Berendsen on September 9, 2026, during his first visit to Latvia. The ministers traveled to the Terehova border control point on the European Union’s external border to inspect border guard operations, review the practical enforcement of international sanctions, and address hybrid threats. Braže stated that the instrumentalization of migrants by Belarus and Russia constitutes an organized hybrid threat directed against all of Europe, emphasizing that Eastern border security remains a shared continental responsibility.
Border Security and Hybrid Threats at the EU External Border
During their inspection at Terehova, the ministers reviewed how Latvian border guards manage security and implement sanctions on the frontline of the EU and NATO. Braže thanked the State Border Guard, the National Armed Forces, the State Police, and other domestic services for protecting the frontier. Both officials agreed that the next multi-annual financial framework of the European Union must allocate adequate funding for border infrastructure, modern technological upgrades, and the operational capabilities of frontline services. Both ministers characterized the situation on the border not as a local immigration challenge, but as targeted aggression requiring a unified European response.
NATO Eastern Flank Defense and Drone Innovation
Minister Braže praised the Netherlands for its military contributions to Baltic regional security. This support includes the German-Dutch corps holding responsibility for NATO land forces in Latvia and Estonia, Dutch participation in Baltic air policing missions, and the deployment of Dutch personnel to the NATO multinational battle group in Lithuania. In addition to conventional defense, the ministers discussed expanding cooperation in drone technology, innovations, and testing procedures. This includes evaluating the potential for the Dutch armed forces to utilize the Sēlija military training range for testing and development.
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Support for Ukraine and Accountability Measures
Turning to the conflict in Ukraine, the ministers stressed the ongoing necessity of delivering military assistance to Kyiv and increasing economic pressure on Russia. Braže urged the adoption of targeted restrictions alongside broader sanction packages. These focused measures aim to restrict companies, technologies, and supply chains that assist Moscow in manufacturing missiles, drones, and other military equipment. Furthermore, Braže thanked the Netherlands for its readiness to host the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, asserting that Russia’s top political and military leadership must face legal accountability for their actions.
Key Areas of Latvian-Dutch Cooperation
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the foreign minister of the Netherlands visiting Latvia?
Tom Berendsen serves as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands and undertook his first visit to Latvia on September 9, 2026.
What border checkpoint did the ministers inspect?
Baiba Braže and Tom Berendsen visited the Terehova border control point to evaluate security conditions on the EU’s external border.
How is the Netherlands contributing to Baltic defense?
The Netherlands contributes through the German-Dutch corps covering NATO land forces in Latvia and Estonia, air policing missions over the Baltic states, and troop deployments in Lithuania.
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