Today, 29 April, Estonia’s Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna met in Tallinn with Lithuania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Kęstutis Budrys to discuss European Union enlargement, continued support for Ukraine, regional security, and the impact of transatlantic relations on our region. The ministers emphasised that Estonia and Lithuania share a common understanding that strengthening European security requires both steadfast support for Ukraine and determined progress in the EU enlargement process.
The meeting reaffirmed that EU enlargement is a strategic tool that helps make the European Union stronger and more successful. The ministers stressed the need to consider all options for accelerating the enlargement process, as enlargement benefits both the acceding countries and the European Union as a whole. “It increases Europe’s security, stability and prosperity, and supports the spread of the values on which the European Union is founded,” said Tsahkna. “We wish to take the next step with Moldova and Ukraine and to open the first cluster of accession negotiations soon, as both countries have met the necessary conditions according to the European Commission’s enlargement report.”
“The European Union’s united and unconditional support for Ukraine will continue, and it is equally important to keep raising the cost of aggression for Russia,” Tsahkna said. He stressed that supporting Ukraine is not merely value-based assistance but a strategic investment in European security. Foreign Minister Tsahkna thanked Lithuania for its cooperation in adding names to the list of former Russian combatant, noting its practical importance for joint efforts to support Ukraine and for the security of Europe and the Schengen area.
The ministers also discussed current areas of regional cooperation.
According to Tsahkna, these issues will also be addressed at the Nordic-Baltic foreign ministers’ meeting starting this evening, where, alongside support for Ukraine and European security, transatlantic relations and their impact on our region will be key topics.
Photos from the meeting: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCSkAr
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