The President stated that Lithuania was in favor of the EU enlargement and supported the European countries that adhered to democratic values and met the so-called Copenhagen criteria. According to Gitanas Nausėda, only by working together can we withstand the political and economic pressure by non-democratic countries, fight against the pandemic and climate change as well as ensure economic recovery. “The EU’s active role in the neighborhood, both in the East and the South, is the cornerstone of security and stability in the region,” the President said.
“Today, the EU has reiterated its commitment to strengthening the support for the political, economic, and social transformation of the Western Balkan countries. We need to continue the EU enlargement process and start negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia. We also need to involve the Western Balkan countries in the implementation of the EU’s sectoral policies," President Nausėda said.
On their own behalf, according to Gitanas Nausėda, the Western Balkan countries have to demonstrate progress in implementing the necessary political, economic, and law and order reforms, as well as their full readiness to participate in the implementation of the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy.
