What Mārtiņš spoke about.

19

May

2026

Speeches EN

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Europe's response to reduced US military deployments in Europe, particularly at its Eastern flank in the light of the latest US decisions (debate)

Madam President, dear colleagues, I serve as a volunteer in the Latvian armed forces, my wife also serves and our son has joined as well. In Latvia and in our region, this is normal. But Europe as a whole faces one problem that too many politicians avoid saying out loud: we simply do not have enough military personnel. Our 'plan A' remains NATO and Article 5 and it must stay that way. Every day we train side by side with our allies from Europe and across the Atlantic, and I hope that never changes. But the truth is that Europe simply does not have enough soldiers, enough officers, enough instructors or enough people capable of leading operations independently. Our armies are too small. Without people, there will be no European command centres, no rapid reaction units, no credible European defence union. The Baltic states, Finland, Germany and others are already showing the way. Military service must return in one form or another: conscription, voluntary systems or a randomised model like we have in Latvia. The form can differ; the principle cannot. Europe needs more people in uniform. And this is not the job of the armed forces – this is the job of politicians.

29

Apr

2026

Speeches LV

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Danger of normalising relations with Russia, including its participation in major cultural and sports events (debate)

29

Apr

2026

Speeches EN

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Topical debate requested by a political group (PfE) (Rule 169) - Commission interference in democratic process and elections (topical debate)

Mr President, let me speak directly to my colleagues from Orbán's political group. In Latvia, we have a saying: 'zaudēt ir jāmāk' – you have to know how to lose. This debate should not be happening because nobody here is confused about who interfered in Hungary's elections. It wasn't Europe, it was the Kremlin, and it was Trump. The fear campaigns, the false flags, Russian bot armies and JD Vance, the sitting American Vice-President, flying in to tip the scales of European elections. That was real interference directed at the heart of Hungary's democracy. But the Hungarian people were smarter than all of it. They saw Orbán's servile relationship with Putin, they saw the corruption and they rejected it and chose a different future. So yes, zaudēt ir jāmāk, you have to lose with dignity and stop serving those who try to steal democracy in a European country. Thank you, Hungarian people, for the right choice.

28

Apr

2026

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Ensuring accountability and justice in response to Russia’s continued attacks against the civilian population in Ukraine (debate)

Madam President, dear colleagues, there is no peace without justice. Every day this war continues and Ukrainian civilians pay – with their homes, their children, their lives and their future. And the man who orders it sits in the Kremlin, untouched. I personally face criminal case in Belarus for flying a free Belarusian flag here in Europe. But as for those who ordered murders, torture and rape, Europe has not prosecuted them, and that is not justice. We have the evidence. The world has seen it. And yet accountability moves slower than Russian missiles, and that must change. We need full support for the International Criminal Court, a special tribunal for the crime of aggression and real compensation for Ukraine, because solidarity with without accountability is just a speech, and this Parliament has heard enough speeches. Slava Ukraini!

10

Mar

2026

Speeches LV

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Tackling barriers to the single market for defence - Flagship European defence projects of common interest

Dear Chair, Dear colleagues, In the report, we included one important section, 'Towards common standards in the European defence industry', and thank you for your excellent cooperation. Let us be honest, however, that the report itself will not do anything until the Commission produces specific legislation, because it is clear that the industry will not agree on its own. Each company has its own standards, its own technologies, its own trade secrets, and this can already be understood. But we have experience that common standards work. And let's take the same USB-C charger case. It was only when Europe adopted a clear common framework that industry also started to work to the same standard. And we must do the same in the defence industry. Uniform regulation of standards, because for soldiers on the front it does not matter what brand is on the ammunition or on the drone. The main thing is that it works enough and achieves effect. And we can't hesitate. In times of war, this hesitation costs human lives. I therefore call on the Commission to draw up this regulation without delay.

10

Feb

2026

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Building a stronger European defence in light of an increasingly volatile international environment (debate)

Madam President, colleagues, I once sat next to a wealthy American who talked to me about the new concept, 'F-you money'. It's not about riches; it's about the ability to sometimes say no, to walk away from your dead-end job and control your own future. And right now, Europe does not have that kind of privilege. Around 80 000 US troops are stationed here, forming a pan-European security force. We are grateful for this. It really strengthens European, as well as American, security. But what if one day they leave? And Europe has no real answer. That isn't strategic autonomy. That isn't strategy at all. That's why Europe needs what I call 'F-you defence' – the ability to stand on its own. This starts with being able to build our own European rapid reaction force: around 100 000 troops fully aligned with NATO. Not because we want to stand alone, but because we must be ready for it.

22

Jan

2026

Speeches LV

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Drones and new systems of warfare – the EU’s need to adapt to be fit for today’s security challenges (debate)

Dear Chair, Dear colleagues, Drones are no longer the future. They are needed today not only for our defence forces, but also for our civil security, because what we see is Russia's attacks on our infrastructure; Example 2:am to paralyse European airports. That is why Europe must be ready to react quickly and effectively. Latvia is an example of how one small country can become a drone powerhouse. Together with our allies, we have created and are leading the International Drone Coalition, which already provides hundreds of thousands of drones and billions of funding to Ukraine today. Our local companies are developing investments that are then used by the whole of Europe. Thus, for example, the Belgian government plans to commission anti-drone air technology produced in Latvia by Latvian companies so that Belgians can protect their airspace. Latvia offers the largest drone testing infrastructure in our region - the Selonia landfill. It has also created a drone centre where new technologies are tested together with scientists and also taking into account the experience of Ukraine. And this there is only one example of the path Europe can take. We simply need to develop our drone technologies and ensure the protection of our citizens.

20

Jan

2026

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CFSP and CSDP (Article 36 TEU) (joint debate)

Mr President, dear colleagues, this report matters because we no longer live in a safe world. On Europe's eastern flank, we see it every day: the violation of our airspace, cyber-attacks, sabotages and disinformation. And these are not just 'cyber threats', as some like to say, they are deliberate acts of aggression, mainly from Russia – meant to scare us, divide us and test our resolve. This report focuses on what actually works: stronger drone defence, electronic warfare, better protection of our skies and real tools to counter hybrid attacks. Europe must also be able to defend itself reliably and without illusions. For four years now, we are witnessing full-scale war in our own continent. People in Ukraine are dying every day. If we do nothing, war will spread. If we show strength, this can stop. I believe that it's that simple.

16

Dec

2025

Speeches LV

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EU Defence Readiness (joint debate)

26

Nov

2025

Speeches LV

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EU response to the continuous airspace violations and sabotage of critical infrastructure in the EU originating from Russia and Belarus (debate)

25

Nov

2025

Speeches EN

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European Defence Industry Programme and a framework of measures to ensure the timely availability and supply of defence products (‘EDIP’) (debate)

Madam President, esteemed colleagues, after a long discussion, the European Defence Industry Programme is finally coming. Europe can be truly independent only if we take our destiny in our hands. Without strong defence, we risk letting other powers like the US, China and Russia decide Europe's future. This is the clearest lesson from Trump's one‑sided EU trade deal and this so‑called 'peace plan' in Ukraine. We keep getting bad deals and our allies are becoming less predictable and our adversaries more aggressive. Europe is strong in diplomacy, but diplomacy can only take us so far if it is not backed by real military strength. So, stronger defence is not a luxury, it is a must. With a joint defence project across the EU, we can produce what Europe truly needs: drones and munitions, a communication system and transport vehicles. Colleagues, EDIP is a good instrument to make Europe stronger, safer and more independent, but it should be only the beginning.

22

Oct

2025

Speeches LV

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Ending all energy imports from Russia to the EU and closing loopholes through third countries (debate)

Dear Chair, Dear colleagues, Too slow and too late, but Europe seems to have finally understood: the sooner we get rid of Russian gas and oil, the sooner this Russian war machine will also be suppressed. Latvia renounced Russian gas 1,000 days ago. And look at what is happening to European countries that have not done so, such as Hungary and Slovakia. I imagined this feeling of humiliation for Hungarians and Slovaks – and these are the peoples who have suffered a lot from this evil empire – when they saw their corrupt politicians going to Moscow to kiss Putin’s hand, instead of having used this time to make sure their countries were energy independent. And to all European political pensioners who are trying to tell us that ‘we already think Russia will change and we traded so well’, I would like to remind you where these brought us Noardstream projects and dependence on Russian oil, at a weak Europe and at Russia’s attack on Ukraine. Europe simply fed this imperial monster in the hope that it would not attack. So a non-cent evil empire – Russia must be defeated and only then will there be peace and security in Europe.

22

Oct

2025

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Situation in Belarus, five years after the fraudulent presidential elections (debate)

Madam President, honourable Members, the people of Belarus do not stand with Lukashenka, and they don't stand with Putin either. And we share their dream of freedom and a country where the government serves its citizens, and does not imprison them, where the Belarusian language is celebrated, not suppressed, where allies treat Belarus with respect, not as a platform to start wars or for nuclear weapons. We want to see Minsk stand proudly among the free capitals of the European Union, if that is the will of the people, and the day when Belarus competes in ice hockey under the white-red-white flag of free Belarus. But Lukashenka stands against this, and Putin seeks to export this current Belarus model to Georgia and to as many countries as he can. Because the Kremlin fears freedom, because freedom proves that change is possible even in Russia. Long live free Belarus! Zhyve Belarus!

8

Oct

2025

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United response to recent Russian violations of the EU Member States’ airspace and critical infrastructure (debate)

Madam President, dear colleagues, Russia is collapsing: over 1 million soldiers dead or wounded; more than 11 000 armoured vehicles, tanks, have been destroyed; and billions of euros lost. War spending now consumes almost 40 % of the state budget. Yet, after three and a half years, Russia still has no victory in sight. That's why the Kremlin has changed its tactics. Unable to win on the battlefield, it now seeks to divide and intimidate Europe by financing corrupt politicians, spreading disinformation and striking our infrastructure to test our readiness. So, Europe must respond with decisive action: frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine; provide long-range weapons capable of striking deep inside enemy territory; apply Ukraine's drone-war experience; and rebuild our defence industries. Above all, we must discard peacetime thinking. This is how we will secure the victory.

11

Sep

2025

Speeches LV

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Solidarity with Poland following the deliberate violation of Polish airspace by Russian drones (debate)

Dear Chair, Colleagues, Today we hear a disclaimer here that these are already a few drones. Well, who doesn't?! It's human to make mistakes. Maybe next time everything will fall into Ukraine. I listen and see in which country’s information space some live – obviously Russian. Russia hates the Western world. Russia hates a united Europe. Instead of the European Union, Putin would like small, ludicrous vassal countries managed by greedy autocrats, and our indecisiveness feeds this beast in the east. That's why he's testing us. Until recently, some drones fell in the Baltic States. Twenty Russian-Iranian drones have now attacked Poland, and hundreds of drones and missiles kill Europeans nearby, in Ukraine, every day. Here in Parliament, there are Members who go to Moscow to kiss the ring of the dictator or demand that Ukraine stop its attacks on the Russian war machine, the energy infrastructure. And that's disgusting. Only European unity, only heavier sanctions, only more weapons for Ukraine, only Ukrainian attacks deeper into Russian territory is our chance to prevent more war. And Russia must be defeated.

10

Sep

2025

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State of the Union (debate)

Madam President, dear colleagues, I too dislike the one-sided trade deal with the United States. I too dislike watching Europe quietly accept the shifting world order, or the next sudden decision from the US President. We can shout in the sky, tear our eyes out, or hold an endless non-confidence vote, but nothing will change if we do not understand one simple truth: any Commission will have its hands tied if Europe depends on others for security. Our values are the strongest in the world, but our muscles are weak, so relying on America's shield comes at a price for Europe. Only a Europe able to defend itself will be treated as an equal by Washington or by Beijing, so defence must come first, the better trade deals and influence will follow.

9

Jul

2025

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EU Preparedness Union in light of the upcoming wildfire and droughts season (debate)

Madam President, colleagues, crises are part of Europe. But when disaster strikes, it's not a governmental official who knocks first at your door – it's your neighbour. And that is where true preparedness begins: in trust between people; in the strength of local NGOs and community groups, who know the names and needs in their neighbourhoods. They can organise training, build resilience from the bottom up, and often they are more trusted than government institutions. We see this in Finland, where networks like Vapepa link citizens and state, and across Europe, like in Latvia, where the Latvian Platform for Development Cooperation works to build local resilience. We must support the human infrastructure with recognition, with resources and with a seat at the table, because resilience starts with the person next door, not the system above. So let's include strong support for NGOs in the EU preparedness strategy as well.

18

Jun

2025

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Upcoming NATO summit on 24-26 June 2025 (debate)

Madam President, dear colleagues, our threat has one clear name: it's Russia. And that's why NATO countries have to do more than just make a stand. Ukraine is leading by example with courage, with strategy and with a refusal to back down. We all saw what Ukraine achieved when it reached deep into Russian territory, and destroyed the very bombers that had been terrorising its cities and people. Most of us cheered, but not all. Some here travelled to Moscow to cheer with the aggressor, and some still attend events that twist truth and excuse the war crimes. The rest understand the stakes, but a one-size-fits-all defence strategy is not going to work. It's time to focus. If one house is on fire, you don't split firefighters across the whole neighbourhood. You concentrate resources where the threat is greatest. And in this case, it's the eastern flank. It's not about building 1 000 tanks that stay parked in Western Europe. It's about sending 100 tanks where they are needed, where Europe's security is truly tested. To protect Europe's future, we must invest in the Baltic Defence Line and support all frontline countries. This is smarter and cheaper than spreading resources across all countries. Defending Europe means defending the most vulnerable edge: Europe's border with Russia. That must be our shared mission.

2

Apr

2025

Speeches EN

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Immediate risk of further repression by Lukashenka’s regime in Belarus - threats from the Investigative Committee (debate)

Mr Preisdent, if someone from Belarusian opposition spoke here today, they would be risking for freedom, safety and family well-being. In Belarus, the government doesn't just go after those who speak out inside the country, it also punishes those who voice their opinions, even here in the European Union. Simply travelling to the EU or speaking up can lead to jail time and losing everything they owned. This is one of the regime's many tactics. Take Aleksandra Herasimenia, Olympic medallist. She was sentenced to 12 years in prison and had her property take away just for protesting peacefully. Her story. Just one of the thousands. Belarus is losing what little independence it has left. Putin may soon take full control, turning this country into a base of new wars. That is why standing with the people of Belarus who want freedom is more important than ever. (the speaker finishes in a non-EU language)

1

Apr

2025

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CFSP and CSDP (Article 36 TUE) (joint debate)

Madam President, this report should mark a turning point. We welcome the progress made: higher defence budget, stronger EU- NATO cooperation and increased support for our defence industry. But it is not enough. 2 % GDP target for defence is a peacetime goal. There is a war in Europe. Shouldn't we invest much more in defence? Countries on Russia's border, we allocate at least 5 %. Latvia, for example, is doubling its army and building Eastern Shield and Baltic Defence Line to secure our borders with Russia and Belarus. We are asking for more support, not for ourselves, but to defend European borders and our shared values, peace and democracy. Russia must be defeated right now in Ukraine. If we fail, we will be forced to stop Russia within our own borders. Ukraine needs 0.25 % of GDP on military aid, as it was proposed by Ms Kallas. Thank you for supporting this target in this report. But now every European country must act. This is not just about individual nations. It is about defending all of Europe. Winter is coming. Ukraine has already found ways to create a smart and efficient military industry that produces cost-effective, advanced technology. This means Europe can follow this example. More investment, more cooperation and stronger defence. Europe must act now before it's too late.

11

Mar

2025

Speeches EN

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European Council meetings and European security (joint debate)

Madam President, Europe is a giant in chains: wealthy, powerful, yet paralysed. Objective reality and data show that there is no need to despair. Quite the opposite. We have given Ukraine EUR 134 billion. That sounds like a lot, but it's just 0.2 % of our GDP. If the US steps back, we can raise that to 0.4 % without difficulty. The Baltics, Finland and Denmark already contributed nearly 1 % – a small price for lasting security – and our economies have only become stronger as a result. We can make Russia pay. Let's seize 200 billion of frozen Russian assets and direct them to Ukraine. Madam President, the European Commission must make a decision on this right now. Dear colleagues, the numbers don't lie. We are 450 million Europeans. Russia has just 140 million people. Our economy is 12 times larger. We have everything we need to defend ourselves and others. The only step left: removing the chains we have placed on ourselves.

12

Feb

2025

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Need for targeted support to EU regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine (debate)

Dear Chair, Latvia, Finland, Estonia, Lithuania, Poland are currently protecting the external borders of the European Union. Colleagues, that's a fact. The regions of Latvia – Latgale and North Vidzeme – are the first bastions of freedom and democracy in Europe. Already after the borders of Latgale and North Vidzeme, there is Mordor – an aggressive, tyrannical territory that wants to subjugate its neighbours. Of course, living next to the aggressor is neither profitable nor profitable. Economic cooperation is not possible. Attracting private investment is also difficult. At the same time, we need to strengthen our borders to deter the aggressor from invasion. We are building the Baltic Defence Line in Latgale and Northern Vidzeme, thus militarily protecting the external border of Latvia and the European Union as a whole. Therefore, colleagues, we are not praying. The economy of Latgale, Northern Vidzeme and other border regions and strengthening the well-being of citizens are in the interest of all of us – Europe. This would be Europe's contribution to its security and defence against the aggressor. Rafael Fito, the European Commissioner responsible, has already expressed his support for specific support programmes for Europe's border regions. I also call for the support of the European Parliament.

11

Feb

2025

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Continuing the unwavering EU support for Ukraine, after three years of Russia’s war of aggression (debate)

Mr President, dear friends, yes, we Latvians see Russia differently because we live beside it. Just imagine an apartment building. We – Latvian and Estonian neighbours – live in the same floor and are improving our house day by day. But behind the door, on the east side, there is our unruly tenant living, Russia, who is aggressive, who is drunk, destructive. Our Ukrainian neighbour suffers the most. Every time they rebuild, Russia comes, steals, destroys and vandalises. Russia has attacked Ukraine 24 times in the last 300 years. So, today they continue to terrorise our floor, but tomorrow, they will come to yours. And if you don't stop them, they will burn down the house. So, the history shows: ignoring the fire won't save you – it only lets the flames spread. That's why our unruly tenant deserves a very hard lesson.

21

Jan

2025

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Need for actions to address the continued oppression and fake elections in Belarus (debate)

Mr President, Commissioner, colleagues every day 1 500 political prisoners in Belarus – teachers, students, journalists, parents, wake up in the cells not for crimes, but for daring to dream of freedom. Among them Dzmitry Kuchuk, leader of the dissolved Belarusian Green Party, sentenced for six years in prison simply for standing up for his beliefs. Since the stolen elections of 2020, the Lukashenka regime has turned Belarus into a prison, crushing dissent with torture, blackmail and fear. Here's what we must do: hit the regime where it hurts and target Belarus' lifeline, its economy. Sanction potash, oil and other key exports, close every loophole that fills Lukashenka's coffers, crush enablers and hold these cronies accountable, freeze their assets, deny them visas, and support the Belarusian people – fund independent media, human rights defenders and activists, and support the families of political prisoners. Europe must fund humanitarian aid and offer asylum to families who flee persecution. If we fail to act decisively, we send a green light to every dictator watching. Please support this resolution – and Zhyve Belarus.

21

Jan

2025

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Need to detect and to counter sabotage by the Russian shadow fleet, damaging critical undersea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea (debate)

Mr President, Dear Commissioner, The Baltic Sea is threatened by Russia, in particular by the Russian shadow fleet. We can only imagine what would happen if, as recently as in the Black Sea, a Russian tanker crashed in the Baltic Sea and large-scale oil spills occurred in the Baltic Sea. Such a disaster would be irreversible for my region. The marine ecosystem would have been destroyed, and for several generations our beautiful beaches would in principle have been finished for decades. NATO has already responded by sending patrol vessels. The European Union must now do its homework and the Baltic Sea must be protected. And what does that mean? Establishment of trained, equipped response teams that can take immediate action in case of oil spills; Baltic Sea States Co-operation Scheme for Coordinated Action and Storage of Oil Spill Prevention Equipment in Strategic Areas Close to High Risk Areas. As long as Russia is not defeated, but sails in the Baltic Sea, we must be prepared for the worst scenario.