In his address, the Head of State underlined the continued need for EU legal instruments and tools to address the challenges of migration. The President stressed that not only the migratory pressure in the Mediterranean countries, but also the situation at the EU’s eastern borders calls for decisive action at EU level. According to Gitanas Nausėda, special focus should be placed on the protection of the EU’s external borders and on working with the countries of origin of irregular migration.
“The instrumentalization of migrants at the EU’s eastern borders continues. For two years now, we have been facing this issue, which requires not only adequate preparedness and an operational response, but also legal measures at the EU level,” the President said.
The leaders of the European countries discussed the security situation in the Western Balkans and the South Caucasus. According to the Lithuanian leader, for lasting peace and stability in the Caucasus, it is essential that Armenia and Azerbaijan are back at the negotiations table. Gitanas Nausėda expressed his support for the negotiations initiated by the President of the European Council, Charles Michel.
In the discussion on the economy, the Lithuanian President stressed the need to continue to strengthen the EU’s competitiveness by working in two directions, namely, strengthening the EU’s internal market and developing international partnerships. According to Gitanas Nausėda, it is important to focus on creating a business-friendly environment, reducing fragmentation in the services sector and increasing business access to finance.
The Euro Summit discussed the economic situation, the review of economic governance, fiscal policy coordination, and the future of Europe’s financial and capital markets. President Gitanas Nausėda stressed the importance of continuing close coordination of fiscal and economic policies within the Eurogroup in order to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth. According to the Head of State, given the challenges Lithuanian companies face in financing their operations, the issue of increasing access to finance needs special attention.
