Budrys: Nordic and Baltic countries are an example in supporting Ukraine and in their approach to defence

On 29-30 April, Minister of Foreign Affairs Kęstutis Budrys attended the Baltic and Nordic (NB8) Foreign Ministers' meeting in Kuressaare, Estonia. Ministers discussed European security and defence issues, Russia's aggression against and support for Ukraine, transatlantic relations and NATO cooperation, and the situation in the Middle East.

Minister Budrys pointed out that Ukraine, which is defending itself against the Russian aggression, is rapidly becoming a global security hub, which makes it necessary for Europe - especially the NB8 states - to respond decisively to this transformation and help Ukraine integrate into the European Union by 2030 at the latest, as delay runs counter to Europe's own security interests.

"Our main focus must continue to be on helping Ukraine. Unfortunately, we are facing challenges due to the unequal level of commitment of the states and the hesitation to grant Ukraine full European Union membership. We must be clear that failure to fill critical gaps in support would have extremely negative consequences for European security. The Nordic and Baltic countries are well aware of this and are among the leaders in providing support for Ukraine. However, our efforts alone are not enough - it is necessary to involve other countries in order to achieve a more equal burden-sharing and greater political support for Ukraine," noted Lithuania's Foreign Minister.

Minister Budrys stressed that it is necessary to preserve the unity of NATO allies, and only a strong Europe can be considered a reliable ally of the U.S. and make the Alliance stronger, fairer, and more capable.

The Foreign Minister welcomed the fact that after Finland and Sweden joined NATO, the entire Nordic-Baltic region became a common security area, and the NB8 countries became allies providing each other with the security guarantees of NATO's Article 5. At the same time, Budrys pointed out that the continued presence of the U.S. in Europe and the deployment of other NATO allies in our region remain vital.

"The United States of America calls on Europe to take greater responsibility for strengthening its security. The Nordic and Baltic countries show leadership in NATO by ambitiously increasing defence spending, but all allies must move in the same direction. It is not our statements that matter, but our capabilities," Budrys stressed.

Minister Budrys stressed the need to strive for sustainable and long-term diplomatic solutions in the Middle East and to actively contribute to strengthening the rules-based international order.

The Foreign Minister welcomed the fact that after Finland and Sweden joined NATO, the entire Nordic-Baltic region became a common security area, and the NB8 countries became allies providing each other with the security guarantees of NATO's Article 5. At the same time, Budrys pointed out that the continued presence of the U.S. in Europe and the deployment of other NATO allies in our region remain vital.

"The United States of America calls on Europe to take greater responsibility for strengthening its security. The Nordic and Baltic countries show leadership in NATO by ambitiously increasing defence spending, but all allies must move in the same direction. It is not our statements that matter, but our capabilities," Budrys stressed.

Minister Budrys stressed the need to strive for sustainable and long-term diplomatic solutions in the Middle East and to actively contribute to strengthening the rules-based international order.