Latvia's Resilience Shapes New European Democratic Security Strategy
Council of Europe leadership argues that Latvia's historical experience with occupation offers a practical blueprint for addressing modern hybrid threats and strengthening democratic institutions across the continent.
Alain Berset, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, has argued that Latvia’s historical trajectory offers critical insights for Europe’s current security challenges. According to Berset, the Baltic state’s experience in confronting hybrid threats provides a valuable framework for reinforcing democratic security. He emphasized that this period of reflection is essential as the continent grapples with complex pressures from war, disinformation, and economic instability.
Berset concluded a two-day visit to Riga with high-level meetings involving President Edgars Rinkēvičs, Foreign Minister Baiba Braže, and Speaker of the Saeima Daiga Mieriņa. During these discussions, he acknowledged Latvia’s significant role in supporting accountability mechanisms for Ukraine. Specifically, he highlighted the country’s status as a founding member of the Register of Damage, an initiative designed to document evidence and claims related to losses resulting from Russian aggression.
Democracy as a Core Security Element
In a guest lecture at the University of Latvia, Berset advanced the case for the Council of Europe’s New Democratic Pact for Europe. He posited that democratic security is no longer distinct from national security, but rather a fundamental component of it. The Secretary General urged European leaders to reject the notion that security and democracy are mutually exclusive, arguing instead that a robust democracy requires the ability to hear opposing views and engage in open argumentation.
Ukraine’s Integration Into Legal Frameworks
Participating in a panel at the Riga Conference, Berset addressed the question of Ukraine’s future position within European security structures. He noted that Ukraine has been part of Europe’s common legal space for three decades, having joined the Council of Europe in 1995. According to Berset, this long-standing integration means that Europe will not need to create new frameworks for post-conflict settlement. Instead, existing structures regarding justice, property, and elections are already in place to accommodate Ukraine’s continued presence within the European legal architecture.
Institutional Collaboration On Strategic Resilience
Efforts to strengthen collective resilience included discussions at NATO’s Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence. There, officials explored how NATO’s expertise in countering hybrid threats could be better linked with the Council of Europe’s focus on human rights and the rule of law. This dialogue reflects a broader trend toward institutional cooperation, aiming to combine military and diplomatic tools to address emerging security risks.
The visit also included engagement with civil society representatives and a visit to the Occupation Museum of Latvia. Berset concluded his itinerary by attending a flower-laying ceremony at the Freedom Monument alongside the Latvian Foreign Minister. This symbolic act underscored the shared commitment to remembering the past while preparing for future challenges. As reported by GN geopolitics/rights, these interactions highlight a growing recognition that historical resilience is a key asset in modern geopolitical strategy.
