Could form a vital part of Europe (6)

I believe the answer is:

latvia

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'part of europe' is the definition.
(I know that Latvia is part of Europe)

'could form a vital' is the wordplay.
'a vital' anagrams to 'LATVIA'.
Though, I'm not clear how this is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for latvia that I've seen before include "Baltic state, capital Riga." , "Baltic republic" , "Baltic country" , "European republic, capital Riga" , "Country in northern Europe" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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