"Lithuania wants to send the key message that transatlantic unity remains essential in addressing the emerging security challenges. Although the importance of the transatlantic unity is not new, it is, however, always important to remember why NATO and the EU were created, and what values unite the transatlantic family," said L. Linkevičius.
The head of Lithuania’s diplomacy emphasized that in order to secure a safe and united Europe it was necessary to maintain NATO’s strength and solidarity. In addition, the U.S.A. has to get actively involved in security issues facing our continent.
At the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA) in Washington, D.C., L. Linkevičius participated in a discussion on a close cooperation with the U.S.A. in strengthening European defense, NATO's deterrence efforts, and collective defense in the context of current threats.
"The EU and NATO's defense activities should not duplicate or be competitive. Cooperation and coordination are essential to our success; and we should aim to fill the existing gap in the defense field, " said the Minister.
The Senior Vice President at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA) Edward Lucas moderated the discussion that was also attended by Romania's Vice Prime Minister Ana Birchall, the Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs Jacek Czaputowicz, and the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic Miroslav Lajčák.
