He called for the start of negotiations on Ukraine’s accession already this year and to help Moldova and Georgia also become members of the European Union (EU).
In this round of EP debates, the leaders of the EU member states are invited to talk about the future of Europe. A month ago, the Latvian President Egils Levits addressed the EP members, and on Tuesday, the Lithuanian President Gitans Nausėda came to the EP.
The ceremonial part is the same for everyone – a photo session with the President of the EP, a short bilateral meeting, signing the guest book, a small press moment and then a debate with the MPs.
But the content of the speeches, of course, differs. The President of Lithuania reminded of Lithuania’s experience on the way to regaining independence and joining the European Union, which in a sense resembles Ukraine’s current struggle for freedom.
Nausėda emphasized the huge public support of Lithuania for Ukraine and the fact that his country donates almost 1.5% of its gross product to Ukraine.
It is interesting that later in the debate the Estonian MP criticized other EU member states that they help too little – for example, Germany’s aid is 0.17% of its GDP, and France’s – only 0.07%.
Nausėda expressed her satisfaction that the EU member states have learned from the fact that they should have listened more to the Baltic states when they spoke about the threat posed by Russia.
“I am pleased that Europe and other freedom-loving nations did not succumb to Russia’s lies, disinformation and intimidation. We stood united and extended a helping hand to Ukrainians when they needed it most.
After overcoming some doubts, we are moving forward with more determination, strength and resilience than ever before.”
Similar to Levits a month ago, Nausėda also emphasized the need for an international tribunal where Russia would be tried for war crimes committed. Nausėda spoke Lithuanian, English and German.
Unlike Levitt, he focused more on current affairs – on migration and strengthening the EU’s external borders, on critically important raw materials, and warned that Belarus plans to start the second nuclear power plant.
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