Vilnius, 14 December 2015 - Speaking at the meeting of the prime ministers of the three Baltic states in Lithuania, Prime Minister Rõivas said today that joint Baltic infrastructure and energy projects have enhanced security in our region.
According to Prime Minister Rõivas, the Rail Baltic project and energy connections are a clear priority for the three Baltic states. ‘Independence and good links to Europe enhance security in our region,’ said Rõivas.
The Prime Minister considers it positive that the meeting decided to give the go ahead for the transnational Rail Baltic agreement as soon as possible and to submit it to the Baltic heads of government for discussion in June 2016.
In commenting on the launch of interconnections – the NordBalt submarine cable linking Sweden to Lithuania and the LitPol Link between Poland and Lithuania – Rõivas said that the launch of the two additional energy interconnections means a better security of supply for Estonia and downward pressure on energy prices.
The issue of security focuses on preparations for the NATO Summit in Warsaw, the state of play regarding the Eastern Partnership and aligning our positions on migration and on reinforcing the security of the European Union’s external borders. According to Prime Minister Rõivas, we need to bear in mind that the security situation in the world has become unpredictable and will not improve anytime in the near future.
‘Our efforts should focus on preparing for the NATO Summit in Warsaw to ensure the continued presence of our allies. The coordination of the Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian positions before the Warsaw Summit is paramount,’ emphasised Rõivas.
Prime Minister Rõivas will return to Estonia tonight.
Joint statement of the Baltic Prime Ministers: https://valitsus.ee/sites/default/files/content-editors/failid/bcm_joint_statement.pdf (PDF) (PDF)
Photos: https://valitsus.ee/et/galeriid/balti-peaministrite-kohtumine-leedus-14122015