Latvia in the European Cybersecurity Ecosystem

Cybersecurity governance in the European Union (EU) reflects the complex interplay between national sovereignty and supranational integration. While all EU Member States are obligated to align their national policies with EU cyberse‑ curity legislation, the degree and manner of implementation vary based on national priorities and security contexts. Latvia’s approach to cybersecurity governance is shaped not only by its legal obligations under the EU framework but also by its geopolitical position and evolving threat landscape. As a relatively small yet distinctly pro‑European nation, Latvia has been a vocal advocate for deeper integration in security and defence policy. Public sentiment strongly supports this direction, with 83% of Latvians endorsing a common defence and security policy among EU Member States (Eurostat, 2024). However, Latvia’s security environment is uniquely complex. Even before Russia’s full‑scale war of aggression against Ukraine, Latvia faced significant hybrid threats, particularly in the cyber domain, where the risk of foreign interference has remained persistently high. This volatile landscape has reinforced the Baltic country’s commitment to strengthening its cybersecurity posture through collaboration with allies and inter‑national partners. The EU plays a pivotal role in facilitating Latvia’s cybersecurity efforts, particularly through legislative harmonisation, cross‑border information sharing, and collective capacity‑building initiatives. Latvia prioritises swift and efficient information exchange, joint training exercises, and operational coordination as core elements of its cybersecurity strategy. These priorities align closely with EU‑wide initiatives, where regulatory and policy frameworks serve as the foundation for a more resilient European digital space. This chapter examines Latvia’s engagement within the EU cybersecurity ecosystem by integrating international relations (IR) perspectives with empirical analysis of legislative and policy developments. The discussion situates Latvia’s cybersecurity approach within the broader tension between national sovereignty and European integration, exploring how regulatory compliance, strategic cooperation, and digital sovereignty coexist within the EU framework. The analysis proceeds with an overview of key stakeholders and institutional mechanisms within the EU cybersecurity landscape. It then evaluates Latvia’s contributions and alignments across the core cyber policy dimensions. Through this lens, this chapter highlights Latvia’s role in the European cybersecurity ecosystem.