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

Toomas Hendrik Ilves, Andris Berzins and Dalia Grybauskaite. Birini, 31.10.2013. Photo: president.lv

Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite expressed the point of view that there is no doubt that the signing of such an agreement will be beneficial both for Ukraine and the EU, thus it is clear it will be signed. ''Of course, Ukraine must still do its homework and solve the so-called Tymoshenko affair, however, taking into account the importance of the agreement, I believe it will be signed,'' she said.

Both Latvian President Andris Berzins and Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves confirmed that the EU has done everything necessary from its side to make sure the agreement will be signed.

In regard to the signing of the association agreement, the presidents also pointed out to the pressure that has been exerted against Lithuania by the Russian side. ''Russia has been putting pressure on Lithuania for the sole reason that it is carrying out its duties towards Eastern Partnership initiative countries. Using trade as a weapon is not acceptable to us,'' Ilves said.

''We – Eastern Partnership countries and Lithuania – have been put through an unprecedented amount of pressure by the Russian side. It is a trade war, and an information and propaganda attack against us. Nothing like this has yet been experience in the 21st century, and we could not have predicted such an outcome. However, this whole situation just strengthens our resolve, and we are confident that we are on the right track,'' Grybauskaite said.

During today's meeting, the presidents also talked about the necessity to integrate more the three Baltic economies. The Estonian president also mentioned the high-speed rail link project, saying that it is not only important for the Baltics, but Europe as a whole.

Grybauskaite said that this annual meeting of Baltic president has already become a tradition, as the same problems all three countries are going are being discussed. ''We must think about our energy security, information security, and of course our military security,'' she said.

Berzins also thanked the Estonian president for the support and experience Latvia has received from the Estonian side in implementing the European single currency.

The Estonian president also expressed satisfaction that Latvia will be joining the eurozone at a time its reputation is better than when Estonia joined. Ilves also promised to visit Latvia on January 2 of next year, to purchase ''Rujiena'' ice cream with euros.

Meanwhile, Grybauskaite said that Latvia's eurozone membership is extra motivation for Lithuania to join the European single currency. ''We will do everything we can to be invited to join the eurozone,'' the Lithuanian president emphasized.