Speakers of the Baltic Parliaments in Tallinn endorse common priorities for security and support for Ukraine

Press release, 20 August 2026  (News ● Photos ● Broadcasts and videos)

On 20 August 2026 in Tallinn, Juozas Olekas, Speaker of the Seimas, met with Lauri Hussar, President of the Estonian Riigikogu, and Daiga Mieriņa, Speaker of the Latvian Saeima. The leaders of the Baltic Parliaments discussed the common priorities of the Baltic States, regional security, further support for Ukraine, and cooperation within the European Union and NATO.

Following the meeting, the Speakers of the three Parliaments issued a Joint Statement on continuing support for Ukraine and common priorities.

‘The strength of the Baltic States has always rested on our ability to act together. This helped us in restoring our counties’ independence and in pursuing membership of the European Union and NATO, and it is of particular importance today, as well. Our countries share the same security interests; therefore, we must stand united in defending our positions both in Europe and in the transatlantic space,’ said the Speaker of the Seimas.

The Joint Statement focusses in particular on Ukraine, which marks the 35th anniversary of its Independence on 24 August 2026. The Speakers of the Baltic Parliaments reaffirm their steadfast support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders, and emphasise that no seizure of Ukrainian territory by Russia will be recognised, either de jure or de facto.

‘The people of Ukraine are defending more than just their own country today. They are defending a principle that is of vital importance for us too, meaning that no state may, by use of force, redraw another country’s borders or deprive its people of the right to determine their own future. That is why our support for Ukraine must remain firm and enduring,’ Mr Olekas emphasised.

In the Joint Statement, the Speakers of Parliaments of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania pledge their commitment to continuing political, economic, financial, and military support for Ukraine, stepping up their pressure on Russia by sanctions and finding ways to use frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine. The Statement also highlights the need to ensure accountability for Russia’s crime of aggression, war crimes, and violations of international law.

The Speakers of the Baltic Parliaments strongly advocate for Ukraine’s full accession to the EU, and for its irreversible path to NATO. They also stress the need to strengthen the European Union and NATO’s eastern borders, counter disinformation and hybrid threats, and ensure strong NATO presence, including that of the US forces, in the Baltic region. 

The meeting also addressed the shared interests of the Baltic States in the negotiations on the new EU Multiannual Financial Framework, particularly in the areas of defence, cohesion policy, connectivity, and agriculture.

Finally, the leaders of the Estonian and Latvian Parliaments expressed their support for Lithuania’s forthcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU, which is due to begin in January 2027. Among the key issues, the agenda of the forthcoming Presidency includes security and defence in the EU and the Euro-Atlantic area, EU enlargement, competitiveness, economic resilience, internal security, management of migration and external borders, social security, and demographic challenges.

Follow this link for the full text of the Joint Statement in Lithuanian. 

Follow this link for the full text of the Joint Statement in English.

Gitana Letukienė, Adviser to the Speaker of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania, tel. +370 5  209 6171, mob. +370 614  019 97, e-mail: [email protected]