As Lithuania Concludes its Presidency of the Baltic Council of Ministers, Prime Ministers Discuss Defence and Security, Support for Ukraine and Infrastructure Projects
On Friday, the Lithuanian Presidency of the Baltic Council of Ministers concluded with a meeting of the Prime Ministers of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia in Vilnius, where Ingrida Šimonytė, Evika Silina and Kristen Michal discussed support for Ukraine's victory over Russia and defence and security issues, including critical infrastructure protection.
The meeting also discussed joint critical infrastructure projects in the region, sanctions against Russia and Belarus, and topical issues on the NATO and EU agendas.
To strengthen the implementation of sanctions, the Prime Ministers agreed today to establish a common regional list of controlled battlefield relevant items subject to export restrictions to Russia and Belarus. The Joint Declaration adopted by the Prime Ministers in this regard foresees that the process will be coordinated by the Foreign Ministries of the countries together with the relevant authorities.
"With this meeting, Lithuania concludes its Presidency of the Baltic Council of Ministers, handing over this role to Latvia. The format is now 30 years old, but one thing remains the same - our very close cooperation and consensus on all major issues. We share a common approach to security and defence, which we must continue to strengthen, as well as the need to step up our comprehensive support to Ukraine so that we can start counting the anniversary of its victory as soon as possible, rather than a new anniversary of Russia's brutal, indiscriminate war," said Prime Minister Šimonytė.
The meeting underlined the shared vision of the three countries that the security of Ukraine, NATO's Eastern flank and Europe is directly dependent on Ukraine's victory and Euro-Atlantic integration, and that it is therefore important to step up support for Ukraine and to urge allies to do the same.
Underlining Russia's obvious threat to the NATO alliance, the Baltic countries are setting an example by funding defence above 3% of GDP, which must be increased in view of Russia's readiness for a long-term confrontation, Prime Minister Šimonytė stressed.
Equally important as funding for defence in line with threats is the development of the defence industry at EU level, the Lithuanian Prime Minister said. It is therefore a positive development that the Baltic representatives responsible for foreign and defence policy, Kaja Kallas and Andrius Kubilius, will join Latvia's long-serving Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis in the European Commission, after the final formal procedures have been completed, Šimonytė added.
At the meeting, the Heads of Government of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia also stressed the importance of focusing on critical infrastructure protection. As Ms Šimonytė said, we need to remain calm but also vigilant, ready for a decisive joint response. Last week's cable breaches in the Baltic Sea only confirm the importance of coordination between the Baltic Sea countries.
The discussion also addressed sanctions against Russia and Belarus, as well as against regimes cooperating in the aggression against Ukraine, noting that the Baltic States must remain an example for the EU as a whole in terms of ambitious sanctions policy proposals and strict implementation of sanctions.
The meeting also discussed the progress of infrastructure projects common to the countries, one of which - synchronisation with the continental European electricity grid - is in its final days of completion.
"The disconnection from the Russian energy system, the BRELL network, in February next year, along with connection to the European network – the endevour we have discussed extensively and constructively in this and other formats – is the greatest achievement of our joint efforts. I am very grateful to everyone in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia who contributed to this result. I have no doubt that the same will be true in the future for the Via Baltica and Rail Baltica projects, which are also extremely important in terms of military mobility," said the Prime Minister.
Given the large funding needs, the completion of the Rail Baltica project must be one of our priorities in the negotiations on the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework, added Ms Šimonytė.
After summarising the results of the Lithuanian Presidency of the BCM and presenting the priorities of the next year's Presidency to the Latvian Prime Minister, I. Šimonytė wished the incoming Latvian Presidency every success.
Trilateral Prime Ministers' Declaration in Lithuanian and English.
Last updated: 22-11-2024
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