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

According to the president, a secure and democratic Ukraine is in the interest of the whole Europe. Therefore, upcoming parliamentary elections in this country must be held without outside interference and provocations. Grybauskaite underlined that elections in the entire territory of Ukraine, including Donetsk and Luhansk regions, must take place in accordance with Ukrainian legislation. Arbitrarily held elections will be deemed unlawful and their results will not be recognized.

The Lithuanian head of state noted that now it was especially important to ensure the renewal of gas supplies to Ukraine. The EU is ready to help complete the trilateral negotiations of Ukraine, Russia and the European Commission, and to render financial assistance to Ukraine.

EU leaders exchanged views on the truce in eastern Ukraine emphasizing that Russia must abide by agreements reached in Minsk. Due to obvious ceasefire breaches by this country, there is no ground for changing the sanction regime in respect of Russia.

The meeting discussed joint efforts of the European Union and the United Nations to contain the spread of the Ebola virus. The EU has already committed half billion euros in assistance to the West African countries most severely affected by this virus.

The leaders also debated international efforts to fight the terrorist group Islamic State. Lithuania provides humanitarian aid to the people who suffered from attacks of this group and is ready to render additional medical assistance.