The two leaders agreed that the EU Eastern Partnership initiative needed new dynamics and a boost. “There is a sense of ‘fatigue’ in the EU in respect of the Eastern Partnership but Lithuania remains a loyal supporter of the initiative. We want to give this policy a new impetus therefore it is highly important to listen to what members of the Eastern Partnership expect and what vision for further cooperation they have,” the President said.
The two Presidents discussed the progress and results of reforms and President Nausėda expressed hope that Moldova would continue the judicial reform and tighten the anticorruption measures.
“Specific and tangible results in the implementation of reforms are crucial in the context of closer EU-Moldova relations. We hope that the EU will provide a larger share of the macro-financial assistance package for Moldova's economic development, if it successfully implements the reforms. Lithuania also supports deeper integration of the EU associated countries - Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia - into the EU internal market,” said the President adding that Lithuania is ready to continue providing experts and bilateral support and expertise.
The situation regarding the spread of the COVID-19 virus was also discussed during the conversation. Lithuania has already allocated 100 thousand euros in support to Eastern Partnership countries – Armenia, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine – and plans to continue to support Eastern partners in the fight against coronavirus.
On April 23, the President spoke with President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko and next week calls with Presidents of Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Ukraine are scheduled.
