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European Union

Baltic Parliaments Unite in Support of Ukraine's NATO and EU Membership

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Chairmen of the Foreign Affairs Committees of the Latvian, Lithuanian, and Estonian parliaments have issued a joint statement expressing strong support for Ukraine's path to full membership in the European Union (EU) and its progress towards NATO membership. The statement, signed by Inara Murniece, Remigijus Motuzas, and Marko Mikhelson, calls on the NATO summit in The Hague to adopt concrete political decisions paving the way for Ukraine's accession to the alliance. The parliamentarians emphasize the importance of Ukraine's victory over Russian aggression and its membership in NATO for maintaining European and transatlantic security in the long term.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Baltic States' parliaments have committed to promoting Ukraine's accession to the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) in addition to EU and NATO membership.
  • The statement expresses support for Ukraine's membership in NATO in accordance with the decisions of the 2008 Bucharest, 2023 Vilnius, and 2024 Washington NATO summits.
  • The heads of the committees call on other parliaments, international parliamentary assemblies, governments, and responsible institutions to adopt similar decisions to ensure consistent and resolute support for Ukraine's victory, restoration, and full integration into the European and transatlantic community.
  • The parliamentarians discussed solutions to overcome various geopolitical challenges facing the Baltic States and Europe as a whole during their annual meeting in Birstonas, Lithuania.
  • The meeting included a presentation by Simonas Satunas, Head of the Office of the European Commission's Commissioner for Defence, on the financial instruments available to EU Member States for the development of the military industry and defence capabilities.

Statistics:

  • 2030: The targeted date for Ukraine's full membership in the EU.
  • 1 January 2030: The date by when the Baltic States' parliamentarians aim for Ukraine's EU membership.
  • 2008: The year of the Bucharest NATO summit, which included a decision on Ukraine's future in the North Atlantic Alliance.
  • 2023: The year of the Vilnius NATO summit, which reaffirmed Ukraine's path to membership.
  • 2024: The year of the Washington NATO summit, which emphasized Ukraine's integration into the alliance.

Sources:

  • Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee
  • Lithuanian Seimas Foreign Affairs Committee
  • Estonian Rigikogu Foreign Affairs Committee

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