“Lithuania and Denmark both belong to the advanced region of the Baltic Sea – a region that has always supported an open, growing and economically strong European Union which responds to the expectations of people and is capable of ensuring their security. We are like-minded with respect to what kind of Europe we need. Therefore today, when decisions are made on the future of the European Union, our united voice is critically important,” the President said.
According to the President, Lithuania and Denmark agree that EU member states must address issues of importance to European people as a priority for the future: managing the migration crisis, ensuring external and internal security, boosting EU growth, and creating new jobs.
Lithuania and Denmark are unanimous on the need to strengthen external borders and maintain closer cooperation with the migrants’ countries of origin and transit when implementing the return policy. Both countries underline that deeper collaboration between European nations in the field of security should not duplicate NATO’s functions, but must reinforce the EU’s response to hybrid, energy and cyber threats, and prevent terrorist attacks.
The President and the leaders of Denmark addressed the security situation in the Baltic Sea region and bilateral defense cooperation. According to the President, Denmark is Lithuania’s close and reliable ally in NATO. It thoroughly understands the threats we face and takes commitments to collective defense very seriously. Denmark was among the first countries to voice its intention of contributing to NATO’s multinational battalions which will be deployed to our region. Denmark participated five times in the Baltic Air Policing mission. It takes part in joint exercises. Lithuanian and Danish troops together participate in international missions. The NATO Force Integration Unit in Lithuania is headed by a Danish officer.
The two countries keep to the principled position of maintaining sanctions against Russia until the Minsk agreements are fully implemented.
Regional energy security issues were also discussed in Copenhagen. Both Denmark and Lithuania have joined the Nord Pool exchange and support the maximum possible integration of electricity markets. Denmark’s support to Lithuania’s strategic goal of synchronizing its electricity grid with Western Europe is very important. Denmark fully understands the threat posed to all European people by the Astravyets nuclear power plant which does not correspond to international nuclear safety standards.
Among the other issues on the agenda were economic relations. Lithuania and Denmark are connected by successful cooperation in trade, business and investment. Denmark is among top ten investors in Lithuania, with more than 9000 jobs created by Danish companies.
The visit also focused on bilateral relations. The President said that Lithuania remembers and highly values Denmark’s support for our national independence, its assistance to creating a modern army and building transparent European institutions. Denmark was among the first countries to recognize Lithuania’s restored independence, while Queen Margrethe II was the first monarch to visit re-independent Lithuania.
This is the President’s second official visit to the Kingdom of Denmark. The first visit took place in 2013.
