The President calls for accelerating European energy independence and strengthening transatlantic partnership in New York

Continuing his visit to New York, President Gitanas Nausėda took part in the Concordia Annual Summit on Monday, where he delivered remarks in the panel discussion Pioneering a New Era: Baltic Leadership in Changing Europe and underscored the urgent need to secure Europe's energy independence and resilience.

The President recalled that earlier this year, the Baltic countries disconnected from the Russian electricity system, achieving full energy independence. According to him, this was the result of a long-term, strategically planned path built on diversification, regional cooperation, and resilience.

"Our experience shows how strategic thinking and political will can transform dangerous dependence into leadership - we have become a regional energy hub. Looking ahead, it is clear that close transatlantic cooperation is, and will remain, essential to Europe's energy independence and security," said the President.

Mr. Nausėda highlighted the importance of the Klaipėda LNG terminal, which currently serves five countries and enables U.S. gas to reach Ukraine, as well as Lithuania's strong support for EU and U.S. sanctions against Russia. The President stressed that every purchase of Russian energy resources means subsidizing the Kremlin's war against Ukraine.

President Nausėda also pointed to Lithuania's efforts in developing renewable energy and underlined the potential of small modular reactors (SMRs) in nuclear energy, where he sees promising opportunities for cooperation with the United States.

Following his address, the President joined a panel discussion with the leaders of the Baltic states, where they discussed strengthening NATO's eastern flank and coordinating support for Ukraine. He emphasized the importance of long-term assistance, noting that Lithuania, together with its Baltic allies, allocates at least 0.25% of GDP annually to military aid and contributes to the PURL and Patriot initiatives. The President stressed the need to accelerate the implementation of NATO air defense plans, build a joint "drone wall," and invest in radar and anti-drone systems. He underlined that close unity among the Baltic states and Poland, along with strategic U.S. support, are key to regional security and European resilience.

The leaders of the Baltic states and the President of Poland also attended a working lunch, where they discussed joint measures to strengthen regional security and additional support for Ukraine.