Gitanas Nausėda underlined the significance of the European Commission’s political and financial assistance to Ukraine. According to the President, it is necessary to ensure long-term military and financial support, to back President Zelenskyy’s peace initiative, to help Ukraine prepare for EU membership negotiations, and to continue efforts towards finding a legally appropriate way to use Russian frozen assets for Ukraine’s reconstruction.
“The European Commission’s role in supporting Ukraine, both politically and financially, is crucial. I hope that negotiations on Ukraine’s accession to the European Union will start this coming autumn. We need to assist Ukraine in preparing for this stage of EU integration,” the President said.
The Lithuanian leader underscored the need to further tighten EU sanctions against Russia. According to Gitanas Nausėda, it is necessary to immediately start drafting the 12th package of sanctions against Russia as well as to expand sanctions against Belarus and Iran. Another important issue that requires the Commission’s attention is preventing sanctions circumvention. According to the President, EU institutions should send a clear message that those who circumvent sanctions through third countries face severe consequences.
The President and the Commissioner also discussed the progress made in implementing the Recovery and Resilience Facility and measures to boost EU competitiveness.