When you walk through Riga, it is impossible to miss it: a 42-metre-high column of granite and travertine, crowned with a copper figure of Liberty stands silent and graceful at the heart of the city. The Latvian Freedom Monument. I look forward to visiting it later today. But even now I can say I am impressed by its history. Because it is a testament to Latvian courage and perseverance. It demonstrates the pride of your country and the free and steadfast spirit of your people. And it does not only speak to your freedom, it also speaks to our freedom – if you allow me to put it this way.

It is especially relevant to us Germans, because – in recent decades – we have sometimes taken our freedom too much for granted. It took us a while to heed the Baltic wake-up calls. And it also speaks to the European Union as a whole. It reminds us that freedom is neither an abstract value, nor a lasting historical achievement. But rather a responsibility that needs to be renewed every day.

Today, freedom is once again under pressure – challenged by military aggression, disinformation, and attempts to redraw spheres of influence.

The Freedom Monument reminds us Europeans of what we stand for: A Europe that protects its freedom. A Europe that stands together with determination. In other words: a strong, united Europe.

Ladies and gentlemen, the post-war order – as we have known it for decades – no longer exists. We live and work in a situation of global reorganisation. In a state of upheaval in which we need to demonstrate European strength and position ourselves on the world stage. Last week emphasised this once again.

The good news is: We used last week to prove our ability to stand together as Europeans. We underlined that the European Union is committed to the principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty as fundamental principles of international law. That no one can put pressure on us, when we use our full European weight. And we remained firm and solidary while working to deescalate.

The response of US President Donald Trump in Davos was clear: There will neither be military force nor new tariffs with regard to Greenland. And the US administration is willing to address security concerns in the Arctic within the NATO framework.

So, if you ask me, what can we learn from last week, my answer is: We are facing a balancing act here. On the one hand, we need to continue to represent and defend our European interests – also when it comes to the United States. We have therefore consistently underlined our shared transatlantic interest in peace and security in the Arctic – including through NATO. But that’s only one side of the coin. The other side is that dialogue always remains essential, especially with our most important partner outside Europe. That the willingness to discuss difficult issues – within the European Union, but also with the United States – is the main task of diplomacy.

That is one of the reasons why I travelled to the US two weeks ago. Talking to my counterpart Marco Rubio, many senators and members of the House of Representatives underlined once more that we agree on many points and are connected by common interests. We need the US for our European security. We need US support to defend Ukraine. And we believe that the close transatlantic economic ties are integral to prosperity in both Europe and the US.

In 2026, European strength and unity will be crucial: When it comes to strengthening Europe’s capability to act while working on the transatlantic relationship. When it comes to reducing dependencies on China and enhancing European competitiveness. But also, when facing Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine.

Ladies and gentlemen, speaking of Russia: It has been nearly four years now that our European security architecture is under attack. We see reports of Russian atrocities and of the Ukrainian people suffering every day. And the sad truth is: While constantly demanding concessions from others, Putin himself shows absolutely no sign of willingness to engage in serious negotiations and to stop the killing. He has no desire for peace. On the contrary, Putin wants to break the Ukrainian resistance. Thus, he is creating a humanitarian crisis by attacking Ukraine’s civilian energy infrastructure. In the depth of winter.

Ukraine, on the other hand, has demonstrated time and again its willingness to engage in meaningful negotiations. But Ukrainian engagement and the peace efforts of the US and Europe are met again and again with even more brutal military force by Russia. It’s good that there are now renewed efforts by the United States in pursuing a lasting peace in Ukraine and that they have initiated the first trilateral talk last weekend.

Dear Baiba Braže, we discussed Russian hybrid threats at the Kiel Security Conference last summer: Ships from the Russian shadow fleet are damaging undersea data and energy cables in the Baltic Sea. We have witnessed several mysterious drone incursions. And Russian disinformation efforts aim to manipulate our democratic elections.

Both of our countries know that disinformation is not a side effect of geopolitical tension. It is a weapon in itself – used to attack our democracies from within. Where truth is deliberately blurred, security itself is undermined. These Russian actions call for an adequate response.

That is why we summoned the Russian ambassador in Berlin last December: To send an unmistakable message that we are fully aware of Russia’s actions. That we will call them out. And that we will counter and respond to them, united with our partners. Just last week we summoned the Russian ambassador again and declared a Russian diplomat persona non grata due to allegations of espionage. We do neither accept disinformation campaigns nor espionage in Germany – particularly not under the cover of diplomatic status.

What conclusions can we draw from this?

First, it is fundamental that we Europeans and NATO Allies increase the pressure on Russia in order to end the bloodshed in Ukraine. We need to let Russia know that the costs of continuing its senseless war are only about to rise. And second, we need to uphold and intensify our support for Ukraine – political, financial, and military. Because it is in our own interest to achieve a sustainable and just peace – without rewarding the aggressor. And to create a viable new European post-war security order in the long term.

But that’s not all! Dear Latvian colleagues, you know better than anyone what it means to be ruled by others. You know what it means to fight for freedom. Thus, you have been telling us for a long time: Beware of Russia’s imperialism and its aggression! We must prepare ourselves! Let me assure you that we have listened and understood.

Putin has made confrontation with the West the guiding principle of Russia’s foreign policy. And he is creating the option for a war against NATO in the future. Sadly, no peace agreement with Ukraine will change that. We must therefore invest in strengthening the resilience and security of NATO’s eastern flank. Latvia is setting a good example by investing nearly 5% of its GDP in defence spending in 2026.

Ladies and gentlemen, we live in deeply uncertain times. 2026 is already proving to be a very challenging year. A year that is testing our European unity, our ability to speak with one European voice. But I believe that we Europeans are up for these challenges. We have already come a long way, demonstrating our willingness to act: With the 19 packages of sanctions against Russia. With the recent loan of 90 billion euro for Ukraine. And with demonstrating unity vis-à-vis the US.

Colleagues, let us continue to stand together in these difficult times! As EU partners and as NATO Allies. And as friends – united and strong. And let us remember those men and women who fought for Latvia’s independence and democracy – various times in Latvia’s history. May their courage and determination inspire us!

For our European freedom.

Thank you.