During the discussion on migration, the Head of State pointed out that the hybrid attacks by Russia and Belarus in the form of instrumentalized migration continue to pose a serious threat to the national security of Lithuania and other states in the region. According to the President, it is essential to reassess the EU’s legal framework and equip the Member States with effective tools to address the challenges posed by instrumentalized migration.
The Lithuanian leader also pointed out to the EU leaders that Russia’s hybrid and kinetic attacks on the territory of the EU Member States have intensified.
“Russia is finding new ways to harm the EU. We must respond adequately to this and protect our territory and citizens. Some countries have already implemented measures to prevent or restrict the entry of Russian and Belarusian citizens into the Schengen area. This is a means of ensuring the integrity of the Schengen zone. The Schengen area without internal borders is one of Europe’s fundamental values. We must preserve it,” Gitanas Nausėda underlined.
At the European Council, EU leaders also discussed issues related to the EU’s competitiveness and the situation in the Middle East.
