Lietuvos Respublikos Prezidentas

09/01/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/01/2025 05:30

Gitanas Nausėda met with the President of the European Commission at the Lithuania–Belarus border: Baltic Defense Line must become an EU priority

On Monday, President Gitanas Nausėda met with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, at the Lithuania-Belarus border to review the border security situation. At their bilateral meeting, the leaders discussed the protection of the European Union's eastern frontier and support for Ukraine.

The President thanked the Commission President for her visit, emphasizing that it is a powerful sign of solidarity: "Your presence here shows that Lithuania's security is the security of the entire European Union."

During the meeting, the President highlighted the shared commitment to defend the EU's eastern border and to strengthen Europe's overall resilience. "Lithuania, together with Latvia, Estonia, Finland, and Poland, stands at the forefront of these efforts. Our mission is both urgent and long-term: to deter threats, enhance resilience and ensure the security of Europe's borders," the President said.

Gitanas Nausėda underlined that the Baltic Defense Line and the Eastern Shield are projects of common European interest. He noted that the region faces real threats: hostile drone attacks, hybrid operations and constant pressure from illegal migration at the border. "The SAFE instrument provides us with the tools to respond to these threats. Lithuania's estimated needs amount to about 8 billion euros - investments that will strengthen our defense, help implement the Baltic Defense Line and contribute to supporting Ukraine," he emphasized.

The importance of military mobility was also stressed, with the aim of ensuring the swift movement of troops and equipment across EU territory. The President welcomed the Commission's proposal to increase funding for this area in the next multiannual financial framework.

The situation in Ukraine was also discussed. The President underlined the need to strengthen military support and tighten sanctions against Russia, noting that the 19th sanctions package must target sectors such as Rosatom, energy, banking, and the shadow fleet. "Security guarantees must be credible: a strong Ukrainian army together with significant European and transatlantic commitment," the President said.

Gitanas Nausėda emphasized that Ukraine's membership in the European Union is both a strategic necessity and a moral obligation. "2030 must be the target year for Ukraine's EU membership," he noted.
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