Can Latvia ensure access to essential medicines for its population in the event of a major crisis? Is the country’s healthcare system prepared to operate in the face of cyberattacks, military threats or prolonged disruptions to supply chains?
These key issues will take centre stage at the “FIRST LINE OF DEFENCE. HEALTHCARE AND PHARMACEUTICALS FOR NATIONAL RESILIENCE” conference, taking place on 15 October 2026 at the Embassy of Latgale GORS in Rēzekne, Latvia.
The conference will convene policymakers, representatives of European institutions, healthcare and pharmaceutical industry leaders, business representatives, scientists and experts to address the increasingly important role of healthcare and pharmaceuticals in national resilience.
The conference organisers emphasise the growing importance of healthcare resilience as a dimension of national security. The experience of the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical instability, supply chain disruptions and growing cybersecurity threats have demonstrated that health security and the uninterrupted availability of essential medicines are critical to a country’s resilience and preparedness.
At European level, the Critical Medicines Act and other initiatives have set out a clear objective: to strengthen Europe’s capacity to ensure the availability of critical medicines by supporting local manufacturing, resilient supply chains and strategic autonomy.
The Embassy of Latgale GORS in Rēzekne has been deliberately chosen as the venue for the conference.
As a border region of Latvia, Latgale brings into sharp focus the importance of crisis preparedness, continuity of healthcare services and reliable access to essential medicines. Holding the conference in Rēzekne underlines a broader principle of national resilience: security is closely linked to both defence capabilities and a healthcare system capable of functioning effectively under any circumstances, across the entire country.
The discussions will focus on practical and strategic solutions for strengthening Latvia’s healthcare system, enhancing the competitiveness of its pharmaceutical sector and reinforcing national resilience over the long term.
The conference will also highlight the wider European context and the importance of strengthening pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity, supply chain resilience and strategic autonomy within Europe.
Conference: FIRST LINE OF DEFENCE. HEALTHCARE AND PHARMACEUTICALS FOR NATIONAL RESILIENCE
Date: 15 October 2026, 11:00–16:15
Venue: Embassy of Latgale GORS, Rēzekne, Latvia
Conference languages: Latvian and English (interpretation will be provided).
Participation is free of charge with prior registration. Places are limited and early registration is recommended.
Free bus transfers between Riga and Rēzekne will be available for conference participants:
- Departure from Riga: approximately 7:00, from Triangula Bastion (exact departure time to be confirmed).
- Departure from Rēzekne: approximately 17:20, following a guided tour of the Embassy of Latgale GORS.
