Budrys: The Nordic and Baltic countries are united by common values, shared interests, and the responsibility for the future of the region

On 20 January in Vilnius, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Kęstutis Budrys met with the Ambassadors of the Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB8) residing in Lithuania. The meeting focused on regional cooperation among the NB8 countries, Russia's aggression against Ukraine, and further support for Ukraine, as well as security challenges facing the region and other relevant foreign and security policy issues.

The Minister emphasized that the NB8 format is an exemplary and effective model of regional cooperation, which can be consistently strengthened and expanded into more areas.

"The eight Nordic and Baltic countries are united by common values, shared interests, and the responsibility for a safe and prosperous region. We work together to strengthen coordination, make societies more resilient, and ensure faster response to security challenges," said Budrys.

The head of Lithuania's diplomacy and ambassadors discussed issues of support for Ukraine, ensuring the continuity of sanctions against Russia and Belarus, as well as Ukraine's EU integration process. According to Budrys, it is necessary to aim for Ukraine to join the EU by 2030, because the country's EU membership is one of the most important non-military security guarantees for Ukraine.

The Minister noted that the Nordic and Baltic countries allocate no less 0.25% of their GDP to military support for Ukraine, contributing to ensuring continued and vital support for Ukraine.

NB8 is an informal (non-institutionalized) regional co-operation format that includes the five Nordic and three Baltic states: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden. The NB8 countries rotate annually to coordinate NB8 activities and organise and mentor meetings that take place during the year. In 2026, the NB8 cooperation is coordinated by Estonia.