In the meeting with Klimkin, the participants recalled the delayed entry into force of the part of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, which established a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA). Linkevičius noted that following the entry into force as of 1 January 2016 of the EU-Ukraine DCFTA, the EU-Ukraine trade increased by 11 percent, while the EU exports to Ukraine increased by 18 percent, e.g., exports from the Netherlands to Ukraine increased by 27 percent. Therefore, the Association Agreement cannot be considered as a gift or discount to Ukraine, but rather as a mutually beneficial agreement. Lithuania’s Foreign Minister also expressed his expectations that the decision on visa liberalization with Ukraine would be taken until the EU-Ukraine summit on 24 November.
In a debate on the implementation of the EU global strategy on foreign and security policy, Lithuania’s Foreign Minister stressed that the EU actions and capacities must complement NATO, rather than duplicate and compete with it. The implementation of the EU global strategy should, first of all, respond to real threats.
“Russia’s decision to hold military exercises in Kaliningrad and the deployment of nuclear-capable Iskander missiles into this Baltic exclave correlate with increasing political tensions with the international coalition in Syria. When implementing the EU global strategy, we must, firstly, respond to Russia’s strategic pressure in all directions,” said Linkevičius.
The Foreign Ministers discussed the follow-up to the EU global strategy on foreign and security policy, emphasizing the work on implementation of the strategy, which was expected to focus on such priority areas, as security and defence. Linkevičius also underlined the importance of building resilience not only outside, but also within the EU.
As regards Syria, the Council strongly condemned the attacks by the regime and its allies, in particular the disproportionate and deliberate targeting of civilians, and humanitarian and health care personnel. The EU also expressed its determination to save lives and continue its intense humanitarian diplomatic effort to deliver aid to Aleppo. Linkevičius stressed the need to increase pressure on Russia seeking its adherence to international law and engagement into the process that would allow to resolve the conflict. Meanwhile, the chemical weapons attacks and deliberate strikes against civilians should be investigated as war crimes.
