EU needs to open the doors for Ukraine and Moldova in June - Presidents of Baltic states
On the 20th anniversary of their countries joining the European Union, the Presidents of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia have called for the EU to initiate accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova this June.
Edgars Rinkēvičs, Gitanas Nausėda, and Alar Karis expressed this unified stance on X, highlighting the ongoing conflict in Ukraine as a stark reminder that European peace is precarious and not to be taken for granted.
The Baltic leaders emphasized that Ukraine's struggle underscores the essential need for international support, as the nation defends democratic values and the rules-based international order. "We will support candidate countries on their European integration path to full membership in the EU," the three presidents stated. They specifically advocated for intergovernmental conferences with Ukraine and Moldova to begin the accession negotiations in June 2024.
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Reflecting on their own experiences, the Presidents remarked that EU membership has significantly contributed to the modernization and economic growth of their nations, proving to be a worthwhile investment. They shared a collective sentiment that Ukrainians, Moldovans, and Georgians are also striving for similar European values and integration, drawing parallels with their own historic aspirations for EU membership.
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They also noted the strategic importance of the Baltic states in the EU, especially given their proximity to Russia, which they described as the greatest threat to European and global security. "In 20 years since joining the EU, the Baltic States have become strong and significant European and transatlantic contributors to collective defense," they added.
The leaders described EU enlargement as a "geopolitical necessity and a call of history," emphasizing that it is crucial for fostering freedom, democracy, and human dignity. They argued that a more extensive and capable European Union would enhance peace and security on the continent and help counter the influence of authoritarian regimes.
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This call comes shortly after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on April 30 that Ukraine could start negotiations to join the European Union as early as June this year. In his speech, Zelenskyy asserted, "Europe can only be strong and truly peaceful when no European is left behind," stressing the importance of unity and resistance against oppression.
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