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

Baltic PMs and Arseniy Yatsenyuk. Photo: flickr.com

The meeting was attended by Prime Minister of Latvia Laimdota Straujuma, Prime Minister of Lithuania Algirdas Butkevicius, Prime Minister of Estonia Taavi Rõivas and Prime Minister of Ukraine Arseniy Yatsenyuk.

At the press conference following the meeting, L. Straujuma emphasized that she is pleased with the opportunity for the Prime Ministers of all Baltic States and the Prime Minister of Ukraine to meet in Riga and discuss current events in Ukraine, as well as to demonstrate solidarity with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people.

L. Straujuma noted that international solidarity and a uniform EU policy towards Ukraine should be maintained in order to stabilize the situation in the region and to promote sustainable peace. "The Baltic States have always been in favour of territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, and will continue to support it," said the Prime Minister.

During the meeting the officials stressed – the Minsk Agreement is compulsory, and the revision of sanctions against Russia would be possible only after full implementation of this agreement. The Head of Government welcomed the current contribution of the Ukrainian government to the implementation of the Minsk Agreement.

As regards the EU policy and the implementation of reforms in Ukraine, the officials welcomed the progress made so far in a number of areas.  At the same time, Ukraine must continue the implementation of reforms with a particular focus on fighting corruption and reform of the judicial system because these reforms are essential to enable the EU Member States to decide on granting a visa-free regime to Ukraine.

“The Baltic States not only offer full political support for closer integration of Ukraine with the European Union, but also render practical assistance by sharing their reform experience with Ukraine,” said the Prime Minister. At the conclusion, L. Straujuma confirmed that the Baltic States will provide further support for Ukraine to strengthen its democracy and economy.