Survey finds Latvia sees France as cultural and security partner

France is seen in Latvia not only as a cultural destination but also as a partner in European security, according to a public opinion survey commissioned by the French Embassy in Latvia and reported by LSM.

Seventy percent of respondents consider France a reliable NATO partner, while 45% said they would count on France to contribute to defending the Baltic states in the event of a military threat.

Asked to name the three countries currently playing the most important role in Europe, 72% named France. Germany was named by 84%.

Philippe Perchoc, a representative of France’s Interior Ministry Strategic Research Institute, said France’s image in Latvia remained very positive. He said perceptions of the country’s role in Europe were also positive, and that ties now included defence, education and the economy, alongside familiar associations with art, food and the Eiffel Tower.

The French Embassy said French forces had maintained a continuous presence in Estonia over the past decade. France’s air force has regularly taken part in the Baltic airspace surveillance mission since 2014.

Perchoc said France should communicate more about security and reach out to young people on language learning and study opportunities. Survey data showed that the French language and studying in France were less prominent aspects of the country’s image than its culture.