LU konference
From October 9 till 11, 2025, the annual Rīga Conference – the largest security and foreign policy forum in the Nordic-Baltic region – will take place at the House of Science of the University of Latvia in Riga. This year’s theme, “Unity, Security and Resilience in a Fragmented World”, will focus on the future of NATO and the division of responsibilities between Europe and the US, strengthening collective defence in the face of new threats, Ukraine's long-term security and containment of Russia, as well as strengthening European defence through strategic investment.
The conference will be opened by the Prime Minister of Latvia Evika Siliņa and the Rector of the University of Latvia, Prof. Gundars Bērziņš. Conference participants will be addressed by President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia Baiba Braže, Minister of Defence of Latvia Andris Sprūds, U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO Matthew J. Whitaker, EU Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius, EU Commissioner for Economy and Productivity Valdis Dombrovskis, Vice-President of the European Investment Bank Karl Nehammer, and former NATO Military Committee Chair Admiral Rob Bauer.
“The Rīga Conference this year will shine a spotlight on the questions that will shape our security environment in the coming decades. It is not just an annual gathering - it is a place where problems are addressed, ideas are formulated, and transatlantic partnerships are strengthened, influencing the political and military decisions of allies. For Latvia and the Baltic states, this is an opportunity not only to participate in discussions, but also to actively promote the international agenda, confirming the importance of our region in strengthening global security,” says Jānis Karlsbergs, Chairman of the Board of the Latvian Transatlantic Organization.
Allied support mechanisms for Ukraine and its long-term security will be discussed by Representative to the EU Vsevolod Chentsov and Matti Maasikas, Head of the European External Action Service for Europe and Central Asia, underscoring both practical assistance and allied political unity. Meanwhile, a session on the security of the Baltic Sea region will bring together Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, former Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis, and NATO Legal Adviser John Sword, who will analyse the challenges facing the Baltic region's defence and opportunities for strengthening cooperation with allies.
One of this year’s novelties is a special side event for business leaders, “Business, Security and Resilience in an Era of Uncertainty”, which will take place on October 8. At this event, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and international experts will discuss crisis management, adaptation, development in times of geopolitical and economic challenges, as well as the role of the private sector in strengthening national and regional security.
Since 2006, The Rīga Conference has been one of the most important discussion platforms on security and foreign policy in Northern Europe. This year, the conference is expected to host more than 500 participants from over 45 countries. The live stream will be available at www.rigaconference.lv and on Latvian and international informative partner channels. The conference will also be available to watch on social media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube and elsewhere.
The Rīga conference is jointly organized by the Latvian Transatlantic Organization (LATO), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia, and the Ministry of Defence, in close cooperation with the University of Latvia, the European Commission Representation in Latvia, and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. The conference is supported by the Embassy of Sweden in Latvia, the Embassy of France in Latvia, the Embassy of Spain in Latvia, the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Latvia, the Embassy of the Netherlands in Latvia, the Embassy of Turkey in Latvia, the Embassy of Israel in Latvia and the Embassy of Canada in Latvia.
The conference is also supported by: SIA “Addiction”, Riga International Airport, mobility service provider “SIXT”, aerospace and defence company “Patria Latvia”, Insurance JSC “BALTA”. Ltd. “Pure Chocolate”, Spanish company “GDELS”, Ltd. “Atlas Aerospace”, Ltd. “Edge Autonomy Riga”, Military Technology, Drones and Robotics Association (MilTech), International Practitioners' Partnership Network (PractNet), Ltd. “NEWT21”, Latvian Institute of International Affairs and GLOBSEC.
Acknowledgements for content and informational support: University of Latvia, Latvian Public Media (LSM), LETA, ReTV, DELFI, TVNET Group, Latvijas Mobilais Telefons, Ir magazine, Sargs.lv, LA.lv, TV24, 360TV, jauns.lv, GEOpolitics magazine, Delphi Global Research Center, Visegrad Insight, The Lithuania Tribune, New Eastern Europe, Postimees, Gnomon Wise, Hromadske, Estonian Atlantic Treaty Association (EATA), Heinrich Böll Foundation, Konrad Adenauer Foundation, Riga Stradiņš University, Riga Technical University, Riga Graduate School of Law, and Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences.
