LaSER researcher Roberts Kits participated in the high-level conference Latvia–Poland Strategic Defence Cooperation Day in Riga, where he emphasised the need to strengthen regional defence cooperation among the Baltic states through closer engagement with Poland and the Nordic countries. The conference brought together policymakers, security experts, and representatives of the defence industry from Latvia and Poland.
During his presentation, Kits stressed that security policy cannot rely solely on increasing defence budgets but must focus on developing real military capabilities, strengthening practical coordination, and advancing joint solutions. Particular attention was given to hybrid threats, the importance of regional cooperation, and the potential for developing Latvia’s defence industry.
The themes of the presentation closely reflect those explored in this year’s policy report, Towards the Baltic Tiger: Strengthening Defence Cooperation Among the Baltic States, which analyses the experience of the Baltic states and offers concrete recommendations for closer regional coordination, the development of a shared defence vision, and the growth of the defence industry.
The policy report Towards the Baltic Tiger: Strengthening Defence Cooperation Among the Baltic States can be accessed and downloaded here.
More information about the conference is available here.
Photo: Toms Svilāns