A Trip to the Baltics: Schwesig Pursues Economic Growth with Latvia
Strengthening Collaboration with Latvia: Schwesig's New Initiative - Strengthening Collaborative Efforts with Latvia is the Goal of SISIG
Manuela Schwesig, the Minister President of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (SPD), returns from her visit to Latvia with a positive impression. "Latvia was my next stop after Lithuania," she shared in Riga, emphasizing the importance of strengthening ties in the Baltic region.
Despite a stable economic development, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern places great emphasis on enhancing economic contacts. "The potential in the Baltic Sea region is enormous," Schwesig stated. "Future prosperity for our companies lies in this cooperation."
The visit has resulted in a scheduled German-Latvian economic summit, slated for September 26. Latvia's Prime Minister Evika Silina will attend, accompanied by an economic delegation, as announced by Schwesig.
A Partnership for the Future
On her journey to Latvia, Schwesig was accompanied by an economic delegation from Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Speaking at an economic conference, she affirmed, "We are here to build and expand cooperation between Germany and Latvia." She also discussed existing collaborations in higher education and vocational training.
The strengthening of cooperation with Baltic Sea region countries is part of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's Baltic Sea strategy, a stance adopted in 2024. "We speak of the democratic Baltic Sea region," Schwesig stated. "This cooperation excludes any involvement with Russia, due to their attack on Ukraine."
Beyond Controversy
Initially met with suspicion due to her involvement in the Nord Stream 2 project, Schwesig's visits were focused on fostering economic ties rather than controversial topics. Following Russia's invasion in 2022, Schwesig admitted her previous actions were a mistake and shifted her focus to more diplomatic efforts in EU and NATO member state Latvia, which shares a border with Russia, this topic was not discussed during the meetings.
Partnering for a Greener, Brighter Future
The budding partnership between Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Latvia presents promising opportunities, especially in the Baltic Sea region. Cooperative initiatives across key sectors, such as renewable energy, digitalization, biotechnology, and education, can contribute to regional energy security, economic resilience, and technological innovation.
Upcoming business forums, strengthened security cooperation, and integration with the European Union and NATO framework all support the drive towards economic growth, shared prosperity, and regional stability. As both regions work together, they can collectively navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities.
- The Minister President of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Manuela Schwesig, is focusing on enhancing economic contacts within the EC countries, specifically the Baltics, as she believes the potential for future prosperity lies in the cooperation within the region.
- The visit to Latvia by Schwesig and her economic delegation has led to the announcement of a German-Latvian economic summit, scheduled for September 26, which is expected to further strengthen business ties between the two countries.
- Schwesig's partnership efforts with Latvia are part of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's Baltic Sea strategy, adopted in 2024, emphasizing cooperation with other Baltic Sea region countries and excluding any involvement with Russia due to their actions in Ukraine.
- Beyond fostering economic ties, Schwesig's visits to the Baltics have been focused on general news topics such as renewable energy, digitalization, biotechnology, education, and regional stability, with the aim to create a greener, brighter future for both regions.
