Latvia's future is in Europe, with Progresīvie

Ciarán Cuffe addressing Kongress, 25 April 2026 

Dear friends, dear Progresīvie, 

 

It is a pleasure to be with you in Riga today. I bring warm greetings from the European Green Party, and from your friends and allies across Europe.

Let me start by making it clear - what happens here in Latvia matters far beyond this one country.
Why do I say that? Our continent is living through an age of instability. Russia’s brutal war against Ukraine continues to test our  resolve. Recently, the war in Iran has added new economic strain and renewed pressure on energy prices. Across Europe, citizens are anxious about security, about democratic stability, and about whether their standard of living can be protected in an increasingly uncertain world.

In moments like this, voters ask a simple question: who is serious enough to be trusted to protect the country? To defend the economic wellbeing of citizens, as well as the integrity of our democracies? And who can ensure that the country stays firmly anchored in the European Union and the Euro-Atlantic alliance?This October, Latvia faces a serious decision. Voters will have to choose between a democratic, European and development oriented future, or one dominated by populists who could weaken democracy, damage Latvia’s Western direction and erode the foundations of the state. One thing is certain - if Latvia is to have a democratic, European and development oriented government after the election, Progresīvie will need to be a central part of that government. You have shown that a modern, pro-European, progressive force can govern responsibly. You have demonstrated that it is possible to combine principle with competence, solidarity with security, and reform with stability.

Latvian Minister for Culture Agnese Lāce

And you have an impressive track record in government to show voters. Minister Agnese Lāce has brought intelligence and dignity to the Ministry of Culture, helping to strengthen the civic and cultural fabric of Latvian democracy. Minister Atis Švinka has contributed to the transport and infrastructure agenda that Latvia needs for resilience, mobility and deeper European integration. And Minister Andris Sprūds  has provided calm and credible leadership in defence, reinforcing Latvia’s security, helping to build a drone coalition and maintaining a firm commitment to Ukraine. And who would be better to represent that commitment to your country, to the needs of ordinary citizens and to the democratic integrity of Latvia than your chosen candidate for Prime Minister, Andris Šuvajevs?  Andris brings intellectual seriousness, economic expertise and a clear sense of democratic purpose. He represents a politics that is thoughtful, capable and future oriented. That is precisely the kind of leadership Latvia will need in the years ahead.

The priorities he has set out for this campaign are exactly the right ones.First, to defend democracy and  the foundations of Latvia’s statehood, and to prevent anti-democratic forces from dragging the country backwards. Second, to address the cost of living crisis, while making Latvia’s economy more resilient through real energy security. That means reducing dependence, protecting households, investing in renewables, strengthening infrastructure and making sure Latvia is not exposed every time a geopolitical shock hits global energy markets. And third, to deepen Latvia’s ties with its allies - in the Baltic states, in the European Union, across the wider European continent and in the Euro-Atlantic alliance. Latvia’s voice must be strong, clear and respected. And it is strongest when it stands with its allies.

Opening of Progresīvie Kongress

As I look around this room, I see a party of integrity and confidence. So, as this campaign unfolds, I hope you will carry that confidence with you. Confidence in your record in government. Confidence in your values. And confidence in your ability to help shape Latvia’s future for the better. The European Green Party is proud to stand with you, proud of what you have achieved, and proud of what you are building.

I wish you every success in the months ahead.

Low-carbon travel? Well, about half of it

Yikes, that was quite a travel year. Since I was voted in as co-chair of the European Greens in December 2024, I’ve travelled a lot to meet in person with member parties, and where I can, I take the train, though there’s been a lot of flights as well. I’ve also travelled to speak at events relating to legislation that I worked on over my time as an MEP: the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.

 

Around half my travel was ‘low carbon’ though, so that was a step in the right direction. 80,000 kilometres, 38,000 by train, and ferry. You can see some of my journeys from this map of where I snapped photos along the way. Still, it did involve 200 trains, 50 buses and taxis, and 45 flights. Oh, and did I mention tele-working? There were also about 250 online meetups. My travel carbon footprint? About 9.5 tonnes of CO2. I've made a stab at mapping the travel using the geo-tags from my photos on Google Images.

 

What take-away from all of this? Improve the onboard Wi-Fi on trains and make it easier to log on. Persuade Transport for Wales to allow trains departing from Holyhead to wait for up to ten minutes to facilitate ferry foot passengers. Reduce the security checks in Holyhead ferry terminal for foot passengers embarking by ferry, as they far exceed the checks for those who travel by car. Provide Fast-track disembarkation by bus for foot passengers arriving by ferry at Dublin and Holyhead Port. Show train departures from Holyhead in the Holyhead customs hall for foot passengers arriving by ferry and travelling onwards by train. Provide Wi-Fi, ferry information and announcements in Holyhead embarkation lounge for foot passengers boarding the ferry. Improve the pre-check-in toilet facilities at Holyhead. It is a long list, but achievable. My long list would include an overnight sleeper train between Holyhead and London, or a ‘sleeper bus’ with couchette seating that could take you all the way from Dublin to Paris or Brussels. 

 

Still though, a Sailrail ticket between Ireland and the UK is surprisingly good value. I generally top it up to Club Class which gives you video quality Wi-Fi across the Irish Sea, oh and they throw in a continental breakfast on board, and a free newspaper for that nostalgic feel. The price doesn’t increase before the departure date, unlike the Eurostar ticket which can sky-rocket in price unless you purchase a few weeks out. I absolutely appreciate that many people can’t contemplate a half day travelling from Dublin to Brussels, and for so many who are caring for children, parents or others it is well-nigh impossible. However, if you can afford the time, and if your job involves a lot of screen time, a train or ferry can give you time to think, to read, or to catch up on emails.

 

If you’re not a regular continental train user, be warned that German long-distance trains are notoriously late, Polish train food is delicious, and Belgian trains are pretty reliable. A full water flask is a must, and a warm coat and scarf for winter travel in case you’re stuck on a cold platform. Patience and sense of humour helps, and an understanding that front-line staff can’t work magic if you’re going to miss a connection. 

 

I wrote this post at Holyhead Port, where high winds cancelled the afternoon ferry, but the evening boat sailed. In the meantime, I got a good afternoon’s work done in the town library, housed in a wonderful old Markets building where the locals were friendly, the Wi-Fi free, and the staff called up a cafe for me to check it would be open for an evening meal. The joys of slow travel!