Prime Minister Kaja Kallas commended the European Union’s decision to hand over profits from immobilised Russian assets to Ukraine. “This will mean real funds for Ukraine to buy weapons, but we cannot stop there. We must find a way to use the frozen Russian assets as well,” said Kallas.
“Russia is using hybrid attacks and nuclear threats to intimidate us. We cannot fall into the trap of this tactic. Our actions must show our commitment to Ukraine's victory,” stressed Kallas. The prime ministers emphasised the need to continue strengthening sanctions against Russia and to fight more effectively against circumvention.
The meeting stressed that the NATO Washington Summit must send a clear signal of support for Ukraine. The need to urgently find additional funds at the European Union level to boost the European defence industry was also discussed. The next long-term budget for the European Union must also pay more attention to the Union's defence capabilities.
The Baltic prime ministers agreed to work together to ensure that the next long-term EU budget includes more funding for the development of cross-border transport and energy connections, which are important for the Union’s economy and security.
“Our goal is to complete Rail Baltic by 2030. To reach this goal, we must all stay on track. I greatly appreciate our cooperation in the energy sector, including the synchronisation. We are on schedule with the preparations for the accelerated synchronisation and expect to connect our electricity systems with the Central European grid by February 2025,” said Kallas.
The heads of government of the three Baltic countries also discussed the achievement of climate targets. The meeting took place in the format of the Baltic Council of Ministers, chaired this year by Lithuania.
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