Baltic States – CIS, EU – Baltic States, Legislation, Lithuania, Russia, Ukraine

Talking about the EU's relations with Russia, Minister Linkevicius emphasised that present circumstances do not allow to change the EU's policy regarding Russia. The situation in eastern Ukraine remains tense, provisions of the Minsk Protocol are being violated, separatists have gained more territory, civilians were killed in the attack in Volnovakha and battles for the control of Donetsk Airport are continuing.

According to the minister, with regard to Russia, the EU has to take into consideration the actual situation and not illusions. The prospects of EU-Russia relations cannot be disassociated from the situation in Ukraine. Linkevicius said that first of all Russia must make concrete steps in resolving the conflict in Ukraine and only then the normalisation of relations may be considered.

Linkevicius does not think that it is possible to mitigate sanctions imposed against Russia. "The unity of the EU should persuade Russia to change its policy. EU sanctions against Russia do have an effect. We must remain consistent and patient," said the minister and noted that European heads of state will continue discussions on the Russia-Ukraine issue in March.

The ministers also discussed the necessity for the EU to take action against propaganda and supported the document drafted by Lithuania, the United Kingdom, Denmark and Estonia. The document calls EU institutions and Member States to take action against Russian propaganda.

The council also addressed the fight against terrorism, taking into account last week's events in France. The ministers noted the need to enhance anti-terrorism cooperation with countries of the Middle East and North Africa, to urgently implement the EU's anti-terrorism strategy and devote more attention to communication and prevention of terrorism.