Europeanisation of Latvian defence policy

In later years after annexation of Crimea, ongoing conflict in Ukraine and Brexit defence is the most discussed issue among politicians and on mass media, because the main question is how to secure European Union (EU) from potential external aggression of Russia? Concerning defence of Europe, we need to take in to the consideration not only North Atlantic Treaty organization (NATO), but also EU Common Security and Defence policy (CSDP). NATO has a major impact on its member states – mostly European countries, but at same time a significant role in European security and defence should be given to CSDP. In Latvia’s case defence policy is based on NATO and most of the case studies about Latvian defence are related to NATO role, but at same time, because of changing threats for EU, it is necessary to pay more attention to CSDP role and impact on Latvia’s defence. Therefore, this paper will describe Europeanisation from theoretical perspective by focusing on top-down Europeanisation, it will provide a historical background of EU CSDP and analysis top-down Europeanisation impact on the Latvian defence policy. This paper is based on Europeanisation theoretical framework, analysis of Latvian national security and defence strategic documents, Latvian legal acts concerning defence, data about Latvian participation in EU missions and Battle groups etc