‘Solidarity and mutual trust between democracies is our strength as members of the Euro-Atlantic family,’ said Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė at the session, which was also attended by Italian Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, French Member of the National Assembly, Benjamin Haddad, and Co-Chair of the German Social Democratic Party, Lars Klingbeil.
The discussion has focused on the strengthening of the European security, the EU’s economic competitiveness and resilience, the potential of the Community’s global role, and cooperation between democracies in the face of the authoritarian challenge.
The Lithuanian Prime Minister has noted that the European Union is a highly successful project for peaceful coexistence that is based on values. Despite the different historical experiences, cultures and institutions, common values allow us to find a consensus to act in unity, even at a time of great challenges, when Russia has attacked not only Ukraine’s freedom and sovereignty, but also the security of the whole of Europe and the rules-based world order.
The session has highlighted that the EU’s strength in the global context depends on the unity of its members, discussed the importance of reducing dependencies on autocratic regimes in energy and other areas, and addressed Russia’s challenge to the continent’s security in the context of its war in Ukraine.
‘Russia is trying to exploit all that we own for its own benefit. They are trying to use our independent judiciary to challenge sanctions, they are trying to hide their propaganda under the principles of freedom of speech and freedom of the press that we cherish in our countries, they have long used the achievements of Western education and healthcare for their own and their relatives well-being, and they have accumulated wealth, knowing that it is here that property rights are most closely protected,’ said Prime Minister Šimonytė.
The Prime Minister noted that autocratic regimes also cooperate, adapt, learn, and observe the Western response to the challenges they face, which is why strategic patience in support of Ukraine is particularly important now.