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

Photo: lrv.lt

In the prime minister's words, security of the EU's external borders is the responsibility of all of the organization's members.

"There can be no exceptions or justifications in this respect. We have to keep the Schengen system functional – to preserve what we have created, take pride in and all use. Let's hope that the EC takes a strong position on the matter," Butkevicius said in a press release issued by the government's press service.

In the discussion of the terrorist attacks in Paris, he noted that this was an attack against values of the democratic world.

The meeting in Brussels also addressed the implementation of the Minsk peace agreement to settle the military conflict in Ukraine, enhancement of energy security and development or related projects, as well as other political and economic matters.

The head of the Lithuanian government informed Juncker that Lithuania has initiated resettlement of Ukrainian citizens of Lithuanian origin from Eastern Ukraine and the Russia-annexed Crimea to Lithuania.

Butkevicius noted that the Minsk peace agreements should be executed by the end of this year to help settle the conflict as a key precondition for revision of the sanctions for Russia. The Lithuanian PM urged the EC to continue providing assistance to Ukraine and start implementing the free trade agreement with the EU.

Butkevicius thanked the EC president for political and financial support to strategic projects, the gas system links and Rail Baltica 1.

"Lithuania still has major work ahead of it to enhance energy security of the Baltic region – we have to synchronize our power networks with the continental networks, build a gas pipeline Lithuania-Poland, which would provide a new alternative for Europe. This continues to need support from the EC," said the Lithuanian PM.

According to the press release, Butkevicius invited EC leaders to come to Lithuania for the Dec. 14 inauguration of the electricity links with Poland and Sweden in the port city of Klaipeda.