Politics

New EU rules to combat money-laundering adopted

2024-04-25T10:06:00+03:00

The European Parliament has adopted a package of laws strengthening the EU’s toolkit to fight money-laundering and terrorist financing.

The new laws ensure that people with a legitimate interest, including journalists, media professionals, civil society organisations, competent authorities, and supervisory bodies, will have immediate, unfiltered, direct and free access to beneficial ownership information held in national registries and interconnected at EU level. In addition to current information, the registries will also include data going back at least five years.

The laws also give Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs) more powers to analyse and detect money laundering and terrorist financing cases as well as to suspend suspicious transactions.

Wide-reaching due diligence

The new laws include enhanced due diligence measures and checks on customers’ identity, after which so-called obliged entities (e.g. banks, assets and crypto assets managers or real and virtual estate agents) have to report suspicious activities to FIUs and other competent authorities. From 2029, top-tier professional football clubs involved in high-value financial transactions with investors or sponsors, including advertisers and the transfer of players will also have to verify their customers’ identities, monitor transactions, and report any suspicious transaction to FIUs.

The legislation also contains enhanced vigilance provisions regarding ultra-rich individuals (total wealth worth at least EUR 50 000 000, excluding their main residence), an EU-wide limit of EUR 10 000 on cash payments, except between private individuals in a non-professional context, and measures to ensure compliance with targeted financial sanctions and avoid sanctions being circumvented.

Central watchdog

To supervise the new rules on combatting money laundering, a new authority - the Authority for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AMLA) - will be established in Frankfurt. AMLA will be charged with directly supervising the riskiest financial entities, intervening in case of supervisory failures, acting as a central hub for supervisors and mediating disputes between them. AMLA will also supervise the implementation of targeted financial sanctions.

The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) package consists of the sixth Anti-Money Laundering (AML) directive (adopted with 513 votes in favour, 25 against, and 33 abstentions), the EU “single rulebook” regulation (adopted with 479 votes in favour, 61 against, and 32 abstentions), and the Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA) regulation (adopted with 482 votes in favour, 47 against, and 38 abstentions).

Next steps

The laws still need to be formally adopted by the Council, too, before publication in the EU’s Official Journal.

By adopting the law, Parliament is responding to the demands of citizens put forward in the conclusions of the Conference of the Future of Europe, notably proposal 16(1) and 16(2) on preventing tax evasion and cooperating on corporate taxation.

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Geopolitical situation makes voting in European elections even more important

2024-04-17T10:13:53+03:00

The European Parliament’s last Eurobarometer survey before the elections in June reveals awareness among citizens and concern for the current geopolitical context.

Today’s pre-electoral publication reveals a positive, upward trend on key election indicators with just a few weeks to go until EU citizens cast their ballots 6-9 June. Interest in the election, awareness of when it will take place as well as likelihood to vote are all on the rise since the last survey in autumn 2023, when they were last measured. Increases are even more striking in comparison to the Spring 2019 survey (three months prior to the previous European elections).

60% now say they are interested in voting in June (+3 pp compared to autumn 2023 and +11 pp compared to February/March 2019). 71% say that it is likely that they will vote (7 to 10 on a scale from 1-10), representing +3 pp in comparison to autumn 2023 and +10 pp compared to February/March 2019. Findings suggest that EU citizens are very much aware of the importance of the elections in the current geopolitical context, with eight in ten (81%) respondents agreeing that it makes voting even more important. Large majorities in all Member States endorse this statement.

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, commenting on the results of the survey, says: “Europeans are aware that the stakes are high at the ballot box, and that voting is even more important in the current geopolitical context. I call on our citizens to cast their vote in the upcoming European elections, to reinforce European democracy and to shape the future of Europe.”

As this legislature concludes, 81% of EU citizens hold a positive or neutral image of the European Parliament, while only 18% are negative. What is more, a majority in the EU (56%) would like the EP to play a more important role, while only 28% would like to see the opposite and 10% would keep the role as it is now.

President Metsola adds: “The Parliament and the European Union have delivered in an unprecedented way in the past years. We have been confronted with exceptional and challenging circumstances yet we have come out even stronger and more united as a result. Parliament has been and will continue to be the citizens’ voice and advocate in the EU.”

European citizens would like to see the fight against poverty and social exclusion (33%) as well as supporting public health (32%) as the main issues under discussion during the electoral campaign. Support to the economy and the creation of new jobs, as well as EU defence and security are both in third place (on 31%). The importance citizens attach to EU defence and security has increased over the course of the parliamentary term, particularly in light of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. It is now mentioned as a first (or joint first) electoral campaign priority in nine countries, with highest results in Denmark (56%), Finland (55%) and Lithuania (53%).

Likewise, looking to the future, EU citizens put defence and security (37%) as first priorities in reinforcing the EU’s position globally, energy issues and food security/agriculture follow (both on 30%). While four in ten citizens say the role of the EU has become more important over the past years, 35% think it has stayed the same and 22% that it has diminished. At the national level, relative majorities in 15 countries believe that its role in the world has become more important over the years, with proportions reaching 67% in Sweden, 63% in Portugal and 60% in Denmark. Meanwhile, Slovenian and Czech citizens are the most likely to say that the EU’s role has become less important (32% and 30%, respectively).

Almost three quarters of citizens (73%, +3 pp in comparison to autumn 2023) say that EU actions have an impact on their daily lives, including a fifth (20%) for whom they ‘very much’ have an impact. In addition, a large majority of Europeans agree that their country, on balance, benefits from EU membership (71%). These results are stable in comparison to autumn 2023 and continue enjoying high levels across the EU.

Background

The European Parliament’s Spring 2024 Eurobarometer was carried out by Verian (previously Kantar) research agency between 7 February and 3 March 2024 in all 27 EU Member States. The survey was conducted face-to-face, with video interviews (CAVI) used additionally in Czechia, Denmark, Finland and Malta. 26,411 interviews were conducted in total. EU results were weighted according to the size of the population in each country.

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MEPs approve reforms for a more sustainable and resilient EU gas market

2024-04-16T10:12:32+03:00

Last Thursday, MEPs adopted plans to facilitate the uptake of renewable and low-carbon gases, including hydrogen, into the EU gas market.

The new directive and regulation on the gas and hydrogen markets aim to decarbonise the EU's energy sector, enhancing the production and integration of renewable gases and hydrogen.

These measures are designed to secure energy supplies disrupted by geopolitical tensions, particularly the Russian war against Ukraine, and address climate change. In negotiations with Council on the directive, MEPs focused on securing provisions around transparency, consumer rights, and support for people at risk of energy poverty. Plenary adopted the directive with 425 votes in favour, 64 against and 100 abstentions.

The new regulation, adopted with 447 votes in favour, 90 against and 54 abstentions, will beef up mechanisms for fair pricing and stable energy supply, and will allow member states to limit gas imports from Russia and Belarus. The legislation will introduce a joint gas purchasing system to avoid competition among member states and a pilot project to bolster the EU’s hydrogen market for five years.

The regulation also focuses on increasing investments in hydrogen infrastructure, especially in coal regions, promoting a transition to sustainable energy sources like biomethane and low-carbon hydrogen.

Quotes

"Europe’s steel and chemical industries, which are hard to decarbonise, will be placed at the centre of the development of a European hydrogen market," lead MEP on the directive Jens Geier (S&D, DE) said. "This will enable fossil fuels to be phased out of industry, secure European competitiveness, and preserve jobs in a sustainable economy. Unbundling rules for hydrogen network operators will correspond to existing best practices in the gas and electricity market."

Lead MEP on the regulation Jerzy Buzek (EPP, PL) said: "The new regulation will transform the current energy market into one based primarily on two sources - green electricity and green gases. This is a huge step towards meeting the EU's ambitious climate goals and making the EU more competitive on global markets. We have introduced a legal option for EU countries to stop importing gas from Russia if there is a security threat, which gives them a tool to phase out our dependence on a dangerous monopolist."

Next steps

Both texts will now have to be formally adopted by Council before publication on the Official Journal.

Background

The legislative package reflects the EU’s growing climate ambitions, as set out in the European Green Deal and its 'Fit for 55' package. The updated directive aims to decarbonise the energy sector and includes provisions on consumer rights, transmission and distribution system operators, third-party access and integrated network planning, and independent regulatory authorities. The updated regulation will push existing natural gas infrastructure to integrate a higher share of hydrogen and renewable gases, by means of high tariff discounts. It includes provisions to facilitate blending hydrogen with natural gas and renewable gases, and greater EU cooperation on gas quality and storage.

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Uninterrupted rotational U.S. force presence in Lithuania is my priority, says Minister of National Defence L. Kasčiūnas

2024-04-15T14:43:44+03:00

Minister of National Defence Laurynas Kasčiūnas underscored at a meeting with Ambassador of the United States to Lithuania HE Kara McDonald the importance of the U.S. force presence in Lithuania, the necessity to support Ukraine and to develop cooperation between the Lithuanian-U.S. defence industry. Besides the key highlights, other important aspects of bilateral cooperation were addressed as well.

“The U.S. force presence “on the ground” is a critical component of deterrence,” said Minister L. Kasčiūnas. “Further uninterrupted presence of combat U.S. capabilities in Lithuania is the MoD priority, that is why our we put our best efforts in military infrastructure development and the best possible Host Nation Support for the U.S. military.” The Ministry of National Defence allocates approx. 10 percent of the defence budget to finance the aforesaid efforts.

“U.S. assistance in the Baltic capability development improves deterrence in the region and accelerates the process,” noted Minister thanking Ambassador K. McDonald for the financial assistance given to Lithuania under the Baltic Security Initiative which aims for a better deterrence in the region and accelerates development of the missing capabilities.

“We are not skipping the homework. Defence spending stands at 2.77 percent of GDP today and we are on track towards 3 percent, we are developing a national division and building capabilities in the Lithuanian Armed Forces. Procurements from the Unite States make up 20 percent of our overall procurement. We wish to collaborate with the U.S. defence industry. Attract investment to Lithuania and your support about it would be very helpful,” Minister said at the meeting. According to him, Lithuania places significant value on the U.S.-Lithuania cooperation in defence industry area and attraction of investment to Lithuania, which is all underpinned positively by the recently grown Lithuania’s acquisitions from the United States and the need to deliver the equipment quickly and safely, as well as to maintain it. “The average value of the defence acquisitions the Ministry of National Defence plans to conduct from the United States in the average period of time amounts to USD 1,3 million, 20% of our overall procurement,” said Minister L. Kasčiūnas.

Discussing assistance to Ukraine, L. Kasčiūnas emphasized the imperative to help Ukraine achieve the decisive success on the battlefield and without delay. “We will continue consistently supporting Ukraine. Since the start of the war, Lithuania has provided Ukraine the military assistance worth of approx. EUR 605 million. The assistance to Ukraine our state has rendered makes up 1.5% of GDP,” he said. Lithuania with Iceland co-leads the Ukraine Demining Coalition. “Mines and mined fields poses a serious problem to Ukraine which will outlive the war. Other countries would feel encouraged to follow suite and contribute to coalition success if the Unite States would adhere practically,” said Minister inviting the Unite States to join the initiative.

The United States is Lithuania’s strategic partner and one of the key Allies for Baltic security. It actively contributes military personnel, equipment ta and finance in support of our defence. The U.S. is also one of the main partners of Lithuania in defence equipment acquisition. Rotational U.S. battalions have been maintaining an uninterrupted presence in Lithuania since 2019. The current units serving in Pabradė are the Hounds Battalion (3rd Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment (3-67) and the Battle Kings Battalion (1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery (1-9).

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Discharge: MEPs sign off EU budget for 2022

2024-04-12T09:48:12+03:00

The European Parliament on Thursday granted discharge to the Commission, all decentralised agencies and the development funds.

With more than 95% of the EU’s expenditure managed by the European Commission, MEPs generally endorse its budgetary management (by 438 votes in favour, 167 against and 5 abstentions), but they criticise the high error rate in the 2022 spending. This rose to 4.2%, up from 3% in 2021 and 2.7% in 2020, prompting MEPs to warn against underestimating the level of risk.

Similarly, the EU’s outstanding commitments in 2022 have reached a record-high (€450 billion, largely due to the NextGenerationEU package). They are also concerned about member state reporting and control systems for the EU’s recovery and resilience funds and warn of the risk they pose to the EU’s financial interests.

In the resolution that accompanies the discharge decision, MEPs regret the “political contradiction” in disbursing the previously suspended funds to Hungary in exchange for its endorsement of aid for Ukraine. They warn the Commission against “watering down” the EU’s climate goals and ask to speed up the pace of investments, noting that in 2022 the European Union fell short of the efficiency needed to achieve the goals set for 2030, 2040 and 2050.

Misuse of EU money by Hamas and diversifying the EU aid to Palestine

With 305 votes in favour, 245 against and 44 abstentions MEPs adopted an amendment voicing concerns about “credible reports” that EU money “could have been partially misused” by Hamas and that UNWRA staff could have been involved in terrorist acts, MEPs urge the Commission to diversify the recipients of EU support to Palestinian civilians and to include the WHO, UNICEF and the Red Crescent. They also urge the Commission to guarantee independent controls of UNRWA.

Alleged COVID-19-related misuse of EU funds

Parliament also voices concern about the alleged COVID-19-related misuse of European Union funds in Spain and Czechia for the purchase of medical equipment and urge the Commission to rely on external auditors if there is a “severe lack of capacity in a member state”, and call for in depth ex-post audits for all contracts awarded without procurement. They also point to another recently uncovered alleged fraud in Portugal involving European Regional Development funds.

Appointment process for the new EU SME Envoy

In an amendment adopted by 382 votes in favour, 144 against and 80 abstentions, MEPs criticise the politicised process to appoint the EU’s SME Envoy “despite having been outqualified (...) by the two remaining female candidates from underrepresented Member States”, and who is an outgoing MEP from “President von der Leyen’s own German political party”. They ask the Commission to select a new candidate using a “truly transparent and open process”.

Quote

“The budget is the most effective tool to deliver our political priorities, to improve the lives of citizens and to act in the face of crises of all kinds. That is why it must be protected by all means from any irregular use, be it errors or fraudulent behaviour”, rapporteur Isabel García Muñoz (S&D, Spain) said. “We need greater simplification and flexibility, without undermining controls, measures to improve the absorption of funds and to make progress in digitisation to improve the management of European funds and fight fraud and corruption more effectively”, she concluded.

Listen to the plenary debate on Wednesday evening that preceded the vote.

Council

MEPs agreed (by 515 votes to 62 and 20 abstentions) to delay the vote on the Council discharge until the next plenary, awaiting a decision by member states to provide Ukraine with missile protection systems.

Background

The annual discharge is a crucial part of Parliament’s budgetary oversight role. Its purpose is to hold the EU institutions accountable for spending the EU budget according to EU rules, principles of sound financial management and the EU’s political priorities. In their scrutiny process, MEPs take into account the annual report published by the EU Court of Auditors.

Parliament can decide to grant, postpone or reject the discharge for each EU institution and body.

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Conflict and harassment in the workplace: towards mandatory training for MEPs

2024-04-09T12:06:07+03:00

The Committee on Constitutional Affairs endorsed changes to internal rules to tackle workplace conflicts and promote good office management.

The report endorsed on Wednesday (15 votes for, nine against, no abstentions) aims to strengthen Parliament’s rules on preventing conflict and harassment in the workplace and promoting good office management by introducing mandatory specialised training for MEPs. Parliamentarians who do not complete this training within the first six months of their term of office (except in exceptional cases or unless they have previously done so) would face penalties and would not be able to be elected as parliamentary office-holders (e.g. to the EP Bureau or as committee chair), be appointed as rapporteur, or participate in an official delegation or interinstitutional negotiations.

The Conference of Presidents (i.e. the President and political group leaders) may, by a three fifths majority comprising at least three groups, table a proposal in plenary to remove any elected office-holder (e.g. a member of the EP Bureau or a committee chair) if they fail to complete the training. A double majority threshold would apply in such a vote: two-thirds of votes cast and a majority of all MEPs. The same procedure will also be applicable for rapporteurs, with the final decision in this case taken by the relevant committee.

Quote

Rapporteur Gabriele Bischoff (S&D, DE) commented: “Parliament has a duty to set the gold standard in tackling harassment in the workplace, with clear rules and strong sanctions for a zero tolerance approach. Prevention is key, as it enables us to address issues proactively, and mandatory training reinforces our commitment to a workplace where the dignity of all is respected and protected. We have fulfilled the clear political mandate provided by Parliament’s Bureau and we are looking forward to the new rules being finalised in plenary, for the sake of all staff working in this House.”

Next steps

The report is expected to be submitted to the 10-11 April plenary session in Brussels.

Background

The training on “How to create a good and well-functioning team” will consist of five different modules covering the recruitment of assistants, successful team management, including conflict prevention and early conflict resolution, administrative and financial aspects of parliamentary assistance, as well as harassment prevention.

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Prime Minister Discusses the future of the EU's Single Market With Enrico Letta, President of the Delors Institute

2024-04-08T15:48:07+03:00

On Monday, Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė met with Enrico Letta, President of the Jacques Delors Institute, who is leading the preparation of a report on the future of the Single Market. At the meeting, which was also attended by Finance Minister Gintarė Skaistė, the Head of Government shared her insights and Lithuania's perceived priorities for strengthening the Single Market's potential and the EU's global competitiveness.

"The European Union is different today than when Lithuania and nine other countries joined 20 years ago, but it is still the most successful project for peace and prosperity, having withstood many challenges, and now facing the biggest one yet - Russia's war against Ukraine and open aggression against the entire democratic world. A united and strong EU has huge untapped potential, and an even better functioning Single Market is the key to unlocking it in the face of the EU's most important challenges in the short term - strengthening the defence industry, green transformation and sustainable development of the Community," said Prime Minister Šimonytė.

At the meeting, Ms Letta presented the process of preparing the report and its main orientations. The report is expected to be formally presented this April at a special European Council meeting.

As the Prime Minister stressed, ensuring a level playing field for all Member States is key to avoiding fragmentation in the EU's single market, as is improving access to capital markets between countries.

A more integrated, stronger Single Market would also strengthen the EU's geopolitical position, the meeting noted. Europe's defence industry can become a driver of the EU's internal market and would also strengthen Europe's security, said Ms Šimonytė.

I. Šimonytė said that the EU has intellectual potential, capital and other strengths that it is important to exploit at a time of particular importance for the future of Europe.

www.president.lt

The President: Lithuania is and will remain one of the most active supporters of Ukraine

2024-04-08T09:45:11+03:00

On Friday, President Gitanas Nausėda met with the Prime Minister of Ukraine, Denys Shmyhal. The President and the Ukrainian Prime Minister discussed Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the situation on the frontline, the need for military and financial support, Ukraine’s reconstruction and joint Lithuanian-Ukrainian defense projects, the process of Ukraine’s integration into the European Union as well as its prospects of moving closer to NATO.

At the meeting, Gitanas Nausėda stressed the need to consider all options of supporting Ukraine in the context of a complex situation on the front. The President reiterated Lithuania’s commitment to continue to support Ukraine with military, financial and political means.

“Lithuania is and will remain one of the most active supporters of Ukraine. The aid we have provided amounts to up to 2% of our GDP. Over the next three years, we will provide another €200 million. We will continue the activities of the demining coalition initiated by Lithuania,” the Head of State pointed out.

According to the Head of State, Lithuania will also continue its participation in the reconstruction projects in Ukraine. Gitanas Nausėda underlined that Lithuania actively supports the use of frozen Russian assets for Ukraine’s needs and will continue to work with partners towards the implementation of this idea as soon as possible. The President also underlined the readiness of Lithuanian business to expand partnerships with Ukrainian investors, especially in defense industry.

Gitanas Nausėda and Denys Shmyhal also discussed the process Ukraine’s integration into the EU and closer ties with NATO. The President emphasized that the main goal at present is to start negotiations on EU membership as early as in June this year. President Gitanas Nausėda said that Lithuania will continue to support Ukraine’s Euro-integration and is ready to share its expertise in the implementation of reforms.

The President awarded the Prime Minister of Ukraine, Denys Shmyhal, with the Lithuanian State decoration—the Cross of Commander of the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas—for his contribution to active cooperation between Lithuania and Ukraine and for promoting democratic values.

www.president.lt

Metsola at the European Council: This election will be the test of our systems

2024-03-31T09:56:29+03:00

Delivering on our priorities is the best tool to push against disinformation, said EP President Roberta Metsola at European Council

Addressing the Heads of State or Government at the March European Council in Brussels today, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola highlighted the following topics:

European Parliament elections:

“We are meeting today 77 days from the start of the European Parliament elections. We know how much we need to work together to get out the vote.

In this legislature, we have put Europe’s stamp on global geopolitics and we have defended our European way in an ever-changing world. We have become stronger because of the challenges we faced and not despite them. We have held the constructive European majority together and we must do that again.

Europe is delivering for our people, but we have to be able to get that message across every Member State. Together with MEPs, I have visited many countries to convince our people, especially our young people, to go out and vote.”

Disinformation:

“We know how far other actors will go to try to disrupt our democratic processes. We are seeing attempts in many States to push disinformation, misinformation and propaganda which come from actors hostile to the European project. It is a threat that we must be ready for.

We can make use of both legislative and non-legislative tools - particularly through how we tackle social media. Legislatively, we have the Digital Markets Act, Digital Services Act, the AI Act, political advertising and Media Freedom - but we must also be ready to engage better online.

We cannot allow this destructive narrative, propaganda and disinformation to spread without countering it. We have to be ready to engage with the platforms.

This election will be a test of our systems and makes our job of getting the message across even more essential.”

Addressing the citizens:

“My appeal here is to resist the temptation in a difficult campaign to blame Brussels for all that is wrong and give no credit where it is due.

We need to be open and honest about our successes - but also where we could have done better. Where we did not match the expectations of our people. Where people still feel left behind. Where our bureaucracy has pushed people away.

Our industry must be part of the equation. Our farmers have to be a part of the equation. Our young people must be part of the equation. People must have confidence in the process, they must have access to tools that allow them to make the shift and they must be able to afford it. Otherwise, it will not succeed.

The European Union is not perfect, but it is the best guarantee for all of our people. So where we need to fix - let us do so. But let us keep building rather than allow easy cynicism to destroy.

We can hand back a Europe that is stronger, that listens to its citizens, that works better, that is more efficient and effective. That - as Jean Claude Juncker famously put it - is big on the big things and small on the small things.”

Russia’s threat and support to Ukraine:

“There is nothing bigger than the threat posed to peace by Russia. We must continue to do everything within our power to help Ukraine to continue to defend itself.

We have already provided strong political, diplomatic, humanitarian, economic and military support to Ukraine, and here the European Parliament welcomes the adoption of the 13th package of sanctions, and the Ukraine Assistance Fund under the European Peace Facility.

In this critical moment, our support of Ukraine cannot waver. We need to speed-up and intensify the delivery of equipment that they need to sustain its defence.

We also have to help Ukraine by prolonging the Autonomous Trade Measures.”

European security:

“Our project of peace depends on our ability to be secure and autonomous. If we are serious about protecting our collective security we also need to take action on building a new EU security framework.

In shaping this new architecture, we have already found agreement on several issues that many thought impossible. Now we must be ready for the next step of cooperation between us all. In this new world, going alone will not work.”

Enlargement:

“Enlargement remains a priority. For Ukraine, for Moldova, for Georgia and for Bosnia and Herzegovina. For us all.

They all need to follow their own path and fulfil all the criteria required - but - with Ukraine in particular - their progress in meeting the milestones has been impressive.

In the last twelve months, Moldova and Bosnia and Herzegovina have also made remarkable progress in reforms. It is time to make good on our word. It is time to open EU accession negotiations with them and send a clear signal to people in the Western Balkans.

In this new geostrategic environment, an enlarged EU that is based on clear objectives, criteria and merit, will always serve as our best investment in peace, security, stability and prosperity.”

EU reform:

“We cannot lose sight of the fact that an enlarged EU will require change. Adaptation. Reform. The Parliament has made several proposals to this effect including those on the European Parliament’s right of inquiry, which has seen little movement over the past 12 years, and the triggering of the process for a European Convention.”

Economy:

“Enlargement will also help boost European competitiveness and improve the functioning of our single market. This must be a priority for the next legislature. That is how we grow our economies sustainably. How we pay our debts. How we create jobs and attract investment. How we ensure that growth works for everyone. It is with a strong economy that we can bring prosperity, security and stability. How we can reinforce Europe’s place in the world.”

Middle-East:

“A strong Europe has a role to play in the shifting sands of the world order - not least in the Middle East.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza is desperate. We need to use all the tools at our disposal to get more aid in. I welcome the Amalthea Initiative and would like to especially thank Cyprus for your leadership. Nonetheless, land distribution of aid remains the best avenue to deliver the volumes needed.

That is why the European Parliament will keep pushing for a ceasefire. Why we will keep demanding the return of the remaining hostages and why we underline that Hamas can no longer operate with impunity.

This is why we ask for clear conclusions on this today that will give direction going forward.

That is how we get more aid into Gaza, how we save innocent lives and how we push forward the urgent need for a two-state solution that gives real perspective to Palestinians and security to Israel.

A peace that empowers peaceful, legitimate, Palestinian leadership and that ensures lasting stability in the region.”

Situation in the Red Sea:

“This also concerns the situation in the Red Sea. I welcome the EUNAVFOR Aspides which will help protect this highly strategic maritime corridor. But there is more that we can do.

Across the Euro-Mediterranean, businesses are hugely impacted by delays, problems with warehousing and financial implications. We should consider an EU-led taskforce to assess how we can act together to mitigate the socio-economic consequences. There is a role for Europe to play here too.”

Conclusion:

“Let me assure you that the European Parliament will keep working until the last moment to deliver on the remaining legislative files, including on a new migration package.

Ultimately delivering on our priorities is our best tool to push back against disinformation and where citizens can see the difference that Europe makes.”

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A. Anušauskas hands over MoD flag to L. Kasčiūnas

2024-03-27T14:36:04+02:00

After over three years at the helm of the Ministry of National Defence, Arvydas Anušauskas handed over the flag of the Ministry of National Defence and scepter, symbol of power, to his successor Laurynas Kasčiūnas on March 26.

“I am grateful to everyone for working together. The National Defence System has made significant progress over the past years and it was not all about more defence spending. It was the people who saw meaning in what they did, changes in the System, just like they saw a particularly good connection with servicemembers, an Armed Forces growing in strength and capabilities and its genuine support to Ukraine in its resistance, and our consistent cooperation with Allies,” said outgoing Minister of National Defence A. Anušauskas.

“I assume the responsibilities. Numerous vital projects were kicked off in the term of this Government, they need to be carried on with, including the process of stationing the German brigade in Lithuania and establishment of a national division.

I am grateful to Minister and all the National Defence System civilian and military personnel for the started and completed initiatives. I am certain that we will succeed at significant achievements which will make our country stronger.

I understand that there is a tense time ahead but I am prepared for new challenges. The geopolitical situation as it is we can not afford to halt. We will have to pace up the implementation of the total defence concept, complete the recruitment reform, expand defence industry, strengthen drone capability and implement other necessary projects. So let’s roll up our sleeves and get started,” said incoming Minister of Defence L. Kasčiūnas.

The new Minister studied political sciences, defended a political science doctoral thesis in the area of social sciences and taught at the Institute of International Relations and Political Science, Vilnius University. Worked as a lecturer at the Institute of International Relations and Political Science, Vilnius University, in 2007-2016. Joined the Homeland Union – Lithuanian Christian Democrats in 2011. Led the Eastern Europe Studies Centre in 2012-2016. From 2009 to 2012 worked as a Foreign Policy Advisor to Irena Degutienė, Speaker of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania. Elected to the Seimas in 2016. Before the current appointment L. Kasčiūnas was the Chair of the National Security and Defence Committee.