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The security forum, organized jointly since 2006 by the Latvian Transatlantic Organization (LATO) alongside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defence, gathers allied defense officials and international experts to shape coordinated responses to geopolitical challenges.
Rinkēvičs Opens Riga Conference Amid Global Security Shifts
Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs delivered the opening address at 14.00 on the first day of the conference, setting the stage for high-level panels on international diplomacy, European Union defense, and the integration of Ukrainian military experiences into NATO frameworks. The initial day of discussions concluded at 19.00, according to the official event schedule published on the Riga Conference website.
Foreign Minister Baiba Braže stated that Russia’s deepening cooperation with Iran and North Korea actively undermines international law while fueling worldwide food and energy crises. “Our response must not be either fragmented or delayed: we must strengthen our defense capabilities, invest in technological superiority, break economic dependencies, and unswervingly support Ukraine,” Braže noted in official remarks.
High-Level Officials and International Experts in Attendance
According to event organizers, the roster of speakers includes Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže and Defence Minister Raivis Melnis. Ambassador to the European Union Andrew Puzder, Head of the NATO Representation in Ukraine Patrick Turner, NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Šekerinska, German Chief of Defence Carsten Breuer, and European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) Executive Director Juhan Lepassaar.
The conference schedule builds toward closing remarks delivered by Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs and LATO Board Chairman Jānis Karlsbergs.
Did you know?
Established in 2006, the Riga Conference has grown into one of Northern Europe’s premier security forums, consistently drawing heads of state, diplomats, and defense innovators to the Latvian capital.
Shaping Coordinated Responses to Geopolitical Crises
Discussions throughout the multi-day event focus heavily on actionable policies rather than purely theoretical analysis. Foreign Minister Braže emphasized that Latvia is actively sharing its national expertise and operational lessons with regional partners. “Latvia is not just talking about these challenges – we are acting and sharing our knowledge and experience with allies and partners,” Braže stated.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Riga Conference established?
The Riga Conference has operated as a key security and foreign policy discussion platform in Northern Europe since 2006.
Who organizes the Riga Conference?
The event is jointly organized by the Latvian Transatlantic Organization (LATO) in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia and the Ministry of Defence.
How can the public watch the event?
Sessions are held in person and broadcast live for online audiences via the TVNET portal.
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