Speaker of the Seimas in Paris: ‘Sustained commitments are important both for Ukraine’s victory and for the security of the European Union and Lithuania’

Press release, 6 March 2024

The meeting between Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen, Speaker of the Seimas, and Gérard Larcher, Speaker of the French Senate, focused on supporting Ukraine and strengthening the security of NATO’s eastern flank and the Baltic States.

 
‘We are all well aware that Ukraine’s decisive victory is an essential prerequisite for European and global security. Therefore, it is imperative to provide timely military, economic, political and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, thus accelerating its path to victory in the conflict and simultaneously enhancing global security,’ Ms Čmilytė-Nielsen said. 

According to Ms Čmilytė-Nielsen, financial and military assistance to Ukraine is also an investment in the security of Europe, including the Baltic States. ‘Therefore, more funds are primarily needed to finance Ukraine’s budgetary needs and economic recovery. Secondly, accelerating the production of weapons in Europe is crucial. Thirdly, the European Union must provide unwavering support to the Ukrainian armed forces by facilitating their procurement of essential military equipment, including munitions, from the global market,’ she insisted.

In the words of Ms Čmilytė-Nielsen, only transatlantic unity and determination can stop the war and deter enemies from aggression in the future. Meanwhile, the European Union and NATO need to devise a clear plan for Ukraine’s victory, envisaging sustained and uninterrupted military support. 

‘During the discussion with my French counterpart, we both emphasised that this plan should also include the provision of long-range missiles, drones, munitions, aviation and other defence support systems to Ukraine. Long-term commitments to provide uninterrupted military support are important not only for Ukraine’s victory, but also for ensuring national interests of the EU and NATO countries,’ Ms Čmilytė-Nielsen said. 

As part of the visit programme, the Speaker of the Seimas will also meet with the Speakers of Parliaments from other countries and engage in various events aimed at gathering women political leaders to sign a declaration in support of women’s rights. 

A meeting between the Speakers of Parliaments and Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic, is scheduled on 7 March. In the evening, Ms Čmilytė-Nielsen will meet with the French Lithuanian community.

Ilona Petrovė, Spokesperson for Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen, Speaker of the Seimas, 
tel.+ 370  5 209 6030, mob. + 370 698 42071, e-mail: [email protected], www.lrs.lt