“It is evident that Ukraine needs further support from Lithuania and other NATO allies in its fight for sovereignty and territorial integrity. It is not easy for Ukraine to face the challenges and counter the hybrid threats coming from a significantly stronger adversary on its own. Lithuania and other European countries, as well as the U.S. and Canada, are supporting Ukraine by political and diplomatic means, providing financial and economic assistance, expert support of different forms regarding the country’s reform. Significant support to Ukraine is also given in military and defence areas. Ukraine receives consultations on strategic defence reform, Ukrainian troops receive education and training. It is particularly important that weapons and other military equipment is provided to Ukraine, and it should be delivered as soon as possible,” Vice Minister of National Defence Vytautas Umbrasas said during his visit in Eastern Ukraine on October 19.

The European Commission can confirm that as of 16 October 2017 its officials carried out an unannounced inspection at the premises of a car manufacturer in Germany.

The European asylum system collapsed due to the refugee crisis. A reform of current rules should make it fair and sustainable. Watch our interview with Cecilia Wikström to find out more.

On 18 October, a squad made up of 34 Lithuanian soldiers started their service in the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) as part of the German contingent. The Lithuanian troops will be responsible for ensuring the defence of the forces in the territory of the military base in Mali’s eastern province of Gao.

The European Commission, on behalf of the European Union (EU), has today approved the disbursement of a €100 million loan to Jordan under its Macro-Financial Assistance (MFA) programme.

The EU funded Emergency Social Safety Net (ESSN) programme has now reached one million refugees living in Turkey.

Two-thirds of Europeans believe EU membership has benefited their country, according to an EU-wide survey to be published on 18 October.

President Dalia Grybauskaitė met with Klaus Schwab, founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum, who is currently visiting Lithuania.

On 10 October in Mumbai, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Linas Linkevičius continued his visit to India, met with representatives from the largest Indian and international transport and logistics companies, and presented the potential of the Port of Klaipėda.