In his address, the President emphasized key priorities in Lithuania’s foreign policy for 2021: ensure secure and safe neighborhood, implement ambitious Eastern Partnership policy agendas, strengthen the transatlantic link, cooperate with NATO, as well as enhance multilateralism and presence in international organizations.
In his address, the President highlighted the complex situation in Lithuania’s neighborhood. “We are witnessing how the international order, based on rules and principles, is being seriously challenged, shamelessly broken or simply ignored. I sincerely believe it is worth every effort to preserve it”, the President said.
According to the President, Lithuania was tested many times in the past and therefore understands the strive for freedom of the neighboring countries as well as their wish to defend democratic elections and human rights. “Now everyone else’s right to be free and safe is our concern. We know the true price of freedom and independence. We know this is not a given thing”, the President said.
President Nausėda reassured that ambitious Eastern Partnership policy and assistance to the Eastern Partners in their aspirations for closer relations with the EU remain among the priorities of Lithuania’s foreign policy.
The President pointed out the area of security and defense adding that European security as well as Lithuania’s security depended on a strong transatlantic bond. “We are grateful for the Allied presence in the Baltic region for it is the strongest security guarantee”, the President said. The President reassured that Lithuania will continue to allocate more than 2 percent of GDP for defense and will aim at increasing it up to 2.5 percent by 2030.
The President reminded of Lithuania’s concern over the threat posed to entire Europe by the unsafe Ostravets nuclear power plant and stressed the need to ensure that unsafely produced electricity in third countries’ nuclear facilities does not enter the EU market.
Referring to the EU policy, the President underlined major achievements of the Community last year, including agreements on an unprecedented multiannual EU budget and Recovery fund as well as ambitious climate change targets.
“I can assure all of you that Lithuania will remain a reliable partner in implementing the ambitious EU strategic agenda: making the European Union stronger and more competitive. The debate on the future of Europe, implementation of the Green Deal, digital and innovation agendas, and deepening of the internal market will be Lithuania’s main priorities for 2021”, the President said.
The President invited foreign companies to establish in Lithuania, taking advantage of the highly favorable conditions for business, and strengthen cooperation between the countries in the field of science and innovation.