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

David Lidington and Linas Linkevicius. Photo: urm.lt

Minister Linkevicius stated that we have to remain consistent in our relations with Russia; at present time we cannot take a step back and return to business as usual relations with Russia. According to the Minister, “the latest events in Ukraine re-confirm that together with other EU member states we have to stay committed to the agreed position – consider additional Russian sanctions”.

Lithuanian Minister noted the necessity to strengthen EU strategic communication, to address threats of information security, including propaganda. The Strategic communication document, that was signed by the foreign ministers of Lithuania, UK, Denmark, Estonia, urges EU institutions to have a common EU action plan for strategic communication.

Minister Linkevicius underlined the necessity to help Ukraine, which is on the way of European reforms. He stated that we together have to address the difficult financial situation in that country. In his opinion, we have to join our efforts in providing humanitarian, financial, expert and military assistance to Ukraine.

When in London, the Foreign Minister of Lithuania also met with Lord Tugendhat, Chairman of the Committee on External Affairs in the House of Lords, read the report Appraising EU Engagement with Russia and Eastern Partnership Countries” at a session of the Wilton Park conference and discussed the issues of Russia, Ukraine and the future of Eastern partnership in the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR).