Prime Minister meets with Presidents of European Investment Bank and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
As part of the sideline events under the Three Seas Initiative Business Forum in Vilnius, Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė has met with Nadia Calvino, President of the EIB, and Odile Renaud-Basso, President of the EBRD to discuss the economic development and investment priorities of both Europe and Lithuania, also the support for Ukraine.
‘The efforts towards economic growth and prosperity in Europe, which is the desire and goal of us all, cannot ignore the war unfolding on the continent today. Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine and the chosen confrontation against the democratic world compel us to make defence strengthening a priority for our investments - not only in our country but in Europe too, and also to help Ukraine win,’ said Ingrida Šimonytė.
In her meeting with EIB President Calvino, the Prime Minister has welcomed the long-standing fruitful partnership between Lithuania and the bank. The parties have discussed various sectors where the EIB has invested, highlighting successful projects financed with EU funds.
They also have noted the need to invest in Europe's defence industry, amidst Russia’s ongoing conflict and its long-term threat to continental security.
The meeting with EBRD President Renaud-Basso has focused on the significance of supporting Ukraine’s civilian and energy infrastructure, which, as the Prime Minister emphasized, should not be postponed indefinitely despite the ongoing war.
The Prime Minister has also highlighted Lithuania’s current experience in reconstruction projects in Ukraine, such as the rebuilding of educational institutions, through bilateral cooperation.
Lithuania's energy transformation goals outlined in the National Energy Independence Strategy until 2050 have also been touched upon in the meeting.