Latvia took over seat at UN Security Council
by Alexander Welscher
For the first time in history, Latvia has taken its place as a temporary member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Starting from 1st January, the Baltic state is for a year on the Council alongside its five permanent members – the USA, the United Kingdom, China, France, and Russia – as well as nine other elected members – Denmark, Greece, Panama, Colombia, Bahrain, Pakistan, Liberia, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
"We will defend not only Latvia's interests but also those of the Baltic states and the whole of Europe. We take on this task with full responsibility," Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa stressed after a meeting with her Baltic counterparts Kristen Michal (Estonia) and Inga Ruginienė (Lithuania) at the end of 2025 in Riga, while thanking Estonia and Lithuania for their support for Latvia's preparations for its membership of the UN Security Council.
In November, Latvia will hold the presidency of the UN Security Council for one month. This will give the country the opportunity to set the Security Council’s agenda and promote issues that are important to it in accordance with the priorities set by the UN Security Council. Latvia will conclude its work in the UN Security Council on 31st December 2027.
