Study finds Latvians least willing in Baltics to defend their country

Only 37% of people in Latvia say they would personally defend the country in the event of a military attack, the lowest share among the Baltic states and Finland, according to research by the Saeima Analytical Service reported by LSM.

The survey, conducted last autumn, found that 45% of respondents in Estonia, 52% in Lithuania and 64% in Finland would be prepared to defend their country personally. In Latvia, 66% said they supported armed resistance, a higher share than those willing to take part themselves. Support was also higher in Finland and neighbouring countries.

Inta Krūmiņa, a researcher at the Saeima Analytical Service, said Finland introduced a comprehensive national defence system after the Second World War. She said public knowledge of such a system can influence people’s willingness to defend their country. Finland continues to seek ways to strengthen that willingness, she added.

In Latvia, willingness to defend the country varies by region. It is highest among residents of Riga and lowest in Latgale, where survey results show a continued decline. The research review links this trend to weaker economic conditions, different social memories, closer ties with Russia and Belarus, and greater influence from Russian media.

Krūmiņa said measures to strengthen security in Latgale, a region of Latvia, were important because of its significance for the security of Latvia and Europe. The report also recommends improving educational materials.