Baltic: Presidents issue statement on importance of EU membership

The presidents of the three Baltic States issued a joint statement on the 20th anniversary of the accession of their countries to the EU in 2004, BNS reported. The presidents stressed the importance of EU membership for the well-being, security, and economic growth of the three Baltic countries. Also, the presidents called for opening EU…

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Baltic: Sweden’s NATO membership strengthens Baltic security: experts

Sweden joining NATO strengthens Baltic security by allowing for better planning and information sharing among members, according to Estonian experts, ERR reports. Sweden’s membership will make NATO’s defence activities more effective and deter Russia in the Baltic region, the experts believe. Sweden brings strong naval and air capabilities, early warning systems, and a significant defence…

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Baltic: Lithuanians strongest supporters of Ukraine: Eurobarometer

Lithuanians are the biggest supporters of Ukraine in the Baltic States, according to a Eurobarometer poll, BNS reports. As many as 95% of Lithuanians agree with providing humanitarian support to people affected by the war in Ukraine, compared with 91% in Latvia and 89% in Estonia. Another 93% of Lithuanians, 87% of Latvians, and 77%…

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Lithuania: President expects EU accession talks with Moldova to begin in March 2024

Lithuania expects negotiations on Moldova’s EU membership to begin in March 2024, President Gitanas Nauseda said, BNS reports. Speaking after a meeting with Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Nauseda called on Moldova to “mobilise on reforms.” He added that Lithuania was ready to help Moldova…

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Latvia: Government outlines action plan to strengthen national security

The Latvian government has outlined a comprehensive action plan to strengthen national security over the next few years, LETA reports. Key initiatives include securing allied presence, implementing NATO’s strategic concept, contributing to the EU’s security and defence policy, strengthening cooperation with transatlantic partners, and promoting EU-NATO cooperation. The plan prioritises dialogue with NATO member states,…

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Lithuania: President promises Lithuania to be “Ukraine’s voice”

Lithuania’s relationship with Ukraine is growing increasingly sensitive, sincere, and close, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said, BNS reports. Speaking to a large crowd outside the Presidential Palace in Vilnius after a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Nauseda stressed that Ukraine must emerge victorious in the war with Russia because the security of the whole…

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Baltic: Ukraine’s President Zelensky stresses “shared trust” on Baltic tour

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has concluded a two-day official visit to the three Baltic States. At a press conference with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda, Zelensky said that his visit underscored the “shared trust” between nations in Russia’s neighbourhood, BNS reported. Speaking to a large crowd outside the Presidential Palace in Vilnius, Zelensky said that Russia…

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Lithuania: Lithuanian, Georgian foreign ministers meet in Vilnius

Lithuania’s Foreign Minister, Gabrielius Landsbergis, met with his Georgian counterpart, Ilia Darchiashvili, in Vilnius on 11 July 2023, BNS reports. The two ministers discussed the regional security situation and Georgia’s EU membership prospects. Landsbergis noted that Georgia (Sakartvelo) was a NATO partner resisting Russia’s imperialist ambitions and hybrid threats. He urged Georgia to make full…

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