On November 20-21 Minister of National Defence attended meetings of the Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB8) and the Northern Group in Copenhagen.
The main focus of the meeting with the Defence Ministers of the Northern Group was on assistance to Ukraine. L. Kasčiūnas underscored the necessity to step up cooperation with Ukraine’s defence industry by purchasing from its manufacturers as often as possible.
“Lithuania’s support to Ukraine remains unwavering. We will continue dedicating 0.25% of GDP to military assistance in the fight against occupying forces,” said Minister L. Kasčiūnas.
Ministers of the Northern Group issued a joint declaration at the meeting which underscores that no peace negotiations can take place without Ukraine and records an agreement to strengthen the military assistance. Ministers also underlined the need to continue the efforts strengthening security of the critical undersea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea and agreed to develop Ukraine’s technological capabilities and the potential of the European defence industry.
The NB8 meeting focused on regional security, NATO agenda and the situation in Moldova as well. Ministers agreed that Russia continue to be posed as the principal threat in the region and 2% of GDP ceases to be an adequate contribution to the shared Allied security. Minister L. Kasčiūnas stressed at the meeting that all Allies had to take the responsibility for their security and to develop defence industry at pace: growing national capabilities make all of the Alliance safer.
L. Kasčiūnas called for attention to the necessity to help Moldova as the EU Eastern Partnership countries were facing the uncertainty.
“We need to assist Moldova in strengthening its defense capabilities. As we continue our consistent support, Lithuania has passed from the stage of sharing expertise to direct assistance to the Moldovan Armed Forces. We are ready to take the role of leadership in ensuring coordination of assistance provided by the Nordic and Baltic countries,” said Minister L. Kasčiūnas.
In the nearest months Lithuania will hand over to Moldova thermal sights, UAVs, anti-tank grenade launchers. It has also been agreed to introduce a three-year military assistance plan with a yearly budget of up to EUR 2 million as of 2026.
