In a decisive push for European integration, Lithuania’s Foreign Minister, Gabrielius Landsbergis, has urged the European Union to initiate talks with Kyiv regarding its membership as soon as possible.
The call for action was made during a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council, with Lithuania’s Public Television network “LRT” reporting Landsbergis’ statement emphasizing Ukraine’s fulfillment of the prerequisites for commencing European Union negotiations.
Landsbergis highlighted, “Ukraine has already done its part by implementing the recommendations necessary for the start of EU negotiations, which we need to assess accordingly and begin membership talks at the earliest opportunity.”
According to the Lithuanian minister, the EU Foreign Ministers have agreed to establish a dedicated fund to aid Ukraine (UAF) within the European Peace Facility (EPF), marking a significant step in the EU’s support for Ukraine amidst ongoing tensions in the region.
Furthermore, Landsbergis stressed the importance of decisive action to alter Russia’s calculations, stating, “It’s time to erase red lines and take decisive steps to change Russia’s calculations… We must plan concrete actions necessary for Ukraine’s victory.”
The Lithuanian Foreign Ministry also disclosed that the EU ministers reached a consensus on finalizing sanctions against those responsible for the death of Alexei Navalny. In addition, a group of countries highlighted the necessity for imposing new sectoral sanctions on Belarus.
The ministers also discussed the situation in the Middle East, focusing on the Gaza Strip, humanitarian aid delivery, tensions in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, the security situation in the region, including the Red Sea, and the potential for reaching an agreement to resume the Middle East peace process.
This call to action from Lithuania comes at a critical time for Ukraine, signaling the EU’s ongoing commitment to support its Eastern European neighbors and enhance security and stability in the region.
The discussions on the Middle East also underscore the EU’s role in addressing global conflicts and fostering peace and humanitarian efforts worldwide.
