Budrys: A strong, secure and resilient Europe starts with unity and responsibility

On 16 December, Kęstutis Budrys, Minister of Foreign Affairs, delivered the Princess Beatrix Lecture at Maastricht University titled "Building a case for a stronger, safer and more resilient Europe: Lithuania's perspective".

The Minister emphasised in his speech that security and resilience today are not a given, but a conscious choice made by states and societies. According to the Minister, Lithuania's experience demonstrates that European integration and democratic transformation can be successful even under extremely challenging conditions.

"Back in 1992, the European Union seemed more like a dream than a real promise for Lithuania. Yet we never doubted our choice-to seek EU membership. Today, Lithuania is a living proof of the transformative power of the promise of the Maastricht Treaty," Budrys said.

In his speech, the Minister reminded that Lithuania had become a stable democracy in three decades, a member of NATO and the EU, joined the eurozone and the OECD, while its economy has grown by more than 400 per cent since 1990. The Minister also underlined the historical partnership between the Netherlands and Lithuania and the importance of high-level visits for strengthening bilateral relations.

Much of the speech was dedicated to Russia's aggression against Ukraine and the challenges it poses to Europe. According to the Minister, the war in Ukraine is not only an attack on one state, but also on the entire European peace project.

"Every Ukrainian soldier defending Pokrovsk, Kharkiv, or Odessa is also defending Vilnius, The Hague and Lisbon. Ukraine's fight is a fight for the cause of all European states, who have chosen peace," he stressed.

The Minister note that concessions to the aggressor would only encourage further undermining of peace. Therefore, the EU must maintain and strengthen its support for Ukraine, impose sanctions against Russia and ensure accountability for war crimes.

When speaking about hybrid threats, Budrys stressed the importance of economic, energy and societal resilience. According to him, Lithuania has set an example that abandoning dependence on Russia is economically viable.

"Since 2022, we have not imported any oil, gas, or electricity from Russia. It was difficult, but possible," said the Minister.

The head of Lithuania's diplomacy also highlighted the role of civil society in the fight against disinformation and hybrid warfare, the need to increase defence spending and strengthen the European defence industry, while maintaining a close transatlantic partnership.

"Europe's security requires a real investment. Lithuania will allocate more than 5% of its GDP to defence next year. Deterrence works when we are united and ready," he said.

According to the Minister, Europe's future is not predetermined; it is chosen.
"Europe was built not on fear, but on commitment. Let us ensure that our solutions are worthy of the challenges we face," said Budrys.

Photo: Studio Europa