In Vilnius, Baltic Prime Ministers discuss security, defence, support for Ukraine, and progress on infrastructure projects
The meeting of the Prime Ministers of the Baltic Council of Ministers (BCM) took place at the Sapiega Palace in Vilnius, attended by the Prime Ministers of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia - Ingrida Šimonytė, Evika Silina, and Kaja Kallas, to discuss security and defence, support for Ukraine, the EU agenda, preparations for the NATO Summit in Washington, progress on joint infrastructure projects, and other pertinent matters.
‘I thank my colleagues Kaja and Evika for their visit to Vilnius, for their continued close communication, and for their cooperation in the spirit of Baltic unity and mutual understanding. Together as one, we stand and will stand in solidarity with Ukraine until its victory, to the best of our ability, as our own security depends on it. I am pleased that we are also united by our shared views on strengthening and expanding the EU family, as well as by our agreement on the implementation of joint Baltic infrastructure projects as fast as possible. This unity is a great asset and our strength,’ said Prime Minister Šimonytė.
The Heads of Government of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia expressed the need to continue to increase pressure on Russia and regimes complicit in the aggression against Ukraine, including through sanctions. Of particular importance is the use of Russian funds frozen and immobilised by sanctions for the reconstruction and recovery of Ukraine. Russia’s economic indicators show that sanctions are working, said the Prime Ministers.
It is essential to concentrate efforts in our region, within the EU and beyond, to effectively prevent the circumvention of sanctions, emphasized the Lithuanian Prime Minister. The expansion of cooperation among the Baltic States and neighbouring regions in this area at the customs level sets a commendable example of leadership.
The priorities of the Baltic States at the upcoming NATO Summit in Washington include the implementation of regional defence plans in line with all the criteria and increasing the Alliance’s defence spending. The 2% of GDP for defence must become a minimum threshold, the parties noted, and the Baltic countries are showing by example their strong pledge to collective security.
We need to bring Ukraine realistically closer to NATO membership, Ingrida Šimonytė said, and the Washington Summit is an opportunity to send an important signal to both Ukraine, which is defending itself and defending us, as well as to Russia, the aggressor.
The Prime Ministers of the Baltic countries celebrating the 20th anniversary of their EU membership also discussed issues on the EU agenda, including Community enlargement. As the Lithuanian Prime Minister said, we must not only be proud of our successes, but also defend the fundamental values that underpin them, and do our utmost to ensure that this area of success expands.
We must start real negotiations on EU membership with Ukraine and Moldova within the next six months,’ said Ingrida Šimonytė, fulfilling our promise to the people of these countries and seizing this historic moment to strengthen the EU.
The progress of joint infrastructure projects and planned work was also discussed at the meeting - the synchronization of Baltic electricity grids with continental Europe by 2025 and the Rail Baltica project, due by 2030.
‘Our regional infrastructure projects are invaluable contributors to the EU Green Agenda, all the while ensuring our independence and security,’ emphasized Ingrida Šimonytė.