“I am happy about the close and active cooperation between the Baltic states. The current difficult geopolitical situation requires as close cooperation as ever to implement strategic decisions on security, economic prosperity and energy independence”, said Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevičius today at the informal meeting of the prime ministers of the Baltic Council of Ministers in Riga.
The Prime Minister also used this opportunity to congratulate Latvian Prime Minister Māris Kučinskis on becoming the Head of the Latvian Government and wished him every success in this important position.
At the meeting the Prime Ministers of all three Baltic states stressed that all the efforts need to be made in strengthening the joint capabilities of the Baltic states against any threats to their security; therefore, the Baltic states need to speak with one voice and find an appropriate solution both at the national and the international levels. Common measures to tackle the refugee influx in Europe were also discussed as well as the challenges of migration.
The Head of the Lithuanian Government was pleased that the power interconnection projects with Sweden (NordBalt) and Poland (LitPol Link) have been successfully completed and have been functioning smoothly. He also noted that the Baltic states need to proceed with joint regional integration projects for the energy independence of the Baltic states. The synchronisation of the power systems of the Baltic states with the continental Europe remains a priority. “Particular importance needs to be given to the creation of regional gas market”, said Butkevičius.
Nuclear safety issues were also pointed out at the meeting. “The nuclear power plant under construction in Astravyets, Belarus, needs special focus. Astravyets is close to the external border of the European Union; therefore, we see this project as a threat not only to the national security of Lithuania but the whole of Europe as well”, stressed the Lithuanian Prime Minister, urging Estonia, Latvia and the European Commission to increase their efforts in ensuring that the nuclear power plant under construction in Belarus meets the international standards for nuclear safety and environment.
Great concern was also expressed regarding the Russia’s initiative to build the gas pipeline Nord Stream-2. “This project goes against the objectives of the European Union, Lithuania and, certainly, all three Baltic states to reduce the energy dependence on Russia”, said the Lithuanian Prime Minister and also informed that he had discussed these challenges to energy security with Vice-President of the European Commission, responsible for Energy Union Maroš Šefčovič on Monday.
“With our colleagues we welcomed the successful implementation of the Rail Baltica project. We highly appreciate the political and financial support by the European Commission to this project. Our common goal is to create an effective rail network that would ensure a quick and convenient public transport between the Baltic states and Western Europe”, noted the Head of the Lithuanian Government.
“We will increase cooperation in the area of strategic communication as well. We need to increase public awareness against the threats of propaganda and disinformation by cooperating at the levels of the Baltic Council of Ministers, the European Union and NATO”, said Butkevičius at the meeting.