Lithuanian President Gitanas urges continuation of financial support for Ukraine

In a statement released by the Lithuanian presidency, Nausėda emphasized the importance of focusing on the sustainable development of the European Union and allocating financial resources to areas that require the collective attention of all member states.

Nausėda stressed the need to maintain and increase financial support for Ukraine, while also advocating for enhanced funding in key areas concerning European security, such as military mobility, border protection, and solutions for war refugees amidst Russia's ongoing aggression against Ukraine.

The discussions also encompassed proposals for new revenue sources for the EU budget, with Nausėda expressing support for the carbon border adjustment mechanism and the taxation of profits generated by major multinational companies. However, he expressed reservations about creating a revenue source solely based on the EU emissions trading scheme, as it currently serves as Lithuania's primary funding avenue for climate-related initiatives.

The two leaders also exchanged views on the draft EU budget for 2024. Nausėda emphasized the significance of securing funding for agriculture and cohesion policies, as well as the urgent need to augment support for Ukraine. Given the ongoing Russian aggression and the critical infrastructure reconstruction required in Ukraine, Nausėda called for continuous and increased financial and humanitarian assistance from the EU to Ukraine. (ILKHA)