On 7 January, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Gabrielius Landsbergis had a telephone conversation with the U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo and discussed topical issues of cooperation between Lithuania and the U.S., and international security policy.

The Venezuelan elections of 6 December 2020 for the National Assembly regrettably went ahead without a national agreement on electoral conditions. The European Union considers that the elections failed to comply with the international standards for a credible process and to mobilise the Venezuelan people to participate. The lack of political pluralism and the way the elections were planned and executed, including the disqualification of opposition leaders, do not allow the EU to recognise this electoral process as credible, inclusive or transparent, nor do they allow its outcome to be considered as representative of the democratic will of the Venezuelan people. The EU deeply regrets that the National Assembly assumed its mandate on 5 January on the basis of these non-democratic elections.

On 5 January, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Gabrielius Landsbergis had a telephone conversation with the Ambassador of Romania to Lithuania Cosmin George Dinescu. Landsbergis welcomed the good relationship between Lithuania and Romania. Both sides agreed to further strengthen their bilateral political and economic cooperation.

On 30 December, following a request for assistance from Croatian authorities, Lithuania allocated EUR 100, 000 for humanitarian aid to the country in the aftermath of an earthquake.

The European Commission has announced today an additional €3.5 million in humanitarian aid to help vulnerable refugees and migrants in Bosnia and Herzegovina facing a humanitarian disaster. More than 1,700 refugees and migrants remain without appropriate shelter and support in Una Sana canton. After the closure of the reception centre in Lipa, which was not winter-proof and which also suffered a fire, 900 people are currently on the former campsite. In addition, a further 800 refugees and migrants are staying outdoors in harsh winter conditions, including children.

The situation facing more than 900 migrants in Lipa, Bosnia and Herzegovina, is dire. They are without adequate shelter in severe winter conditions. This morning I spoke with Zoran Tegeltija, the Chair of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This followed a conversation yesterday evening with Mustafa Ružnić, PM of the Una-Sana Canton.

President Gitanas Nausėda extended congratulations to President Guy Parmelin of the Swiss Confederation on assuming the office.

The European Union (represented by President of the European Council, Charles Michel and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen held a leaders' meeting with China (represented by President Xi Jinping) via videoconference on 30 December 2020.

The European Commission has found €73.02 million of Italian support in favour of Alitalia to be in line with EU State aid rules. This measure aims at compensating the airline for the damages suffered on 19 routes due to the coronavirus outbreak between 16 June and 31 October 2020.

Yesterday, the European Commission adopted a package of €70 million under the Instrument for Pre-Accession (IPA II) to help fund the access of Western Balkans partners to COVID-19 vaccines procured by EU Member States.