Thank you for your warm welcome. Yesterday you celebrated Lithuania's Freedom Day. 32 years ago, the last Russian troops left Lithuania, putting an end to decades of Soviet occupation. Today, Europe fully stands with Lithuania as a frontline state. You face Russia in Kaliningrad. You face Belarus on your border. You live under geopolitical and economic pressure. As well as constant military and hybrid threats. The instrumentalisation of migrants, for example, is something Lithuania knows all too well. And I heard that last month, two drones crossed your border with Belarus. Let me reassure you that, as Lithuania is being tested, Europe as a whole is being tested. We are with you, in all possible ways. This is also one of the reasons why I am very glad to be here with you today.
We have already made it possible to redirect cohesion funds to address economic and security challenges at the border. Looking now at the next long-term European budget, we have proposed to triple investment in migration and border management. So there is a strong focus on that topic. We want that Member States with a direct border with Russia and Belarus will also receive additional European funding. It is in the Europea interest that the border here is protected. Because Europe's borders are a shared responsibility – the Lithuanian border is a European border. Overall, if we look at the long-term budget and the defence topic, we have proposed a fivefold increase in defence investment and a tenfold increase in funding for military mobility. You have mentioned the importance of military mobility, specifically here for Lithuania. Let me reassure you that cohesion policy will remain at the heart of our budget. So, we continue to support both border security and strong livelihoods.
While the next budget is in its phase of negotiation, we need to now move rapidly and efficiently to improve our defence posture. We cannot wait for the new budget. We have to act now already. Together, we have enabled and agreed on financial support of EUR 800 billion: It is the national escape clause and the SAFE instrument. These EUR 800 billion are accessible until 2030. SAFE will focus on pan-European defence projects. For example, capacities to counter drone attacks. 19 Member States have applied to SAFE, including Lithuania. I am glad to say that all EUR 150 billion of the instrument have been fully subscribed. And I was glad hear, Gitanas, that the three Baltic states and Poland are already preparing joint procurement for the East Shield initiative. This is an excellent investment of common European interest that we should focus on. You also applied for the second instrument, the budgetary flexibility – we call it the national escape clause. Lithuania is already among NATO's top spender by GDP. And you now have requested more flexibility in the budget, so do other 15 Member States.
Finally, not only the funding is important but also the way it is implemented. We must have a coherent approach. Therefore, we will present a roadmap to the European Council in fall. It will be about what is necessary to defend our defence posture, what are our gaps, what capabilities are needed, what our milestones and targets are. Because we know that only what can be measured gets finally done.
Dear Gitanas,
Having broken free from Soviet oppression, Lithuania deeply understands Ukraine's fight for survival. You have been a staunch supporter from day one on. I want to thank you for your support and generosity towards our brave neighbour, including your new plan to allocate EUR 200 million more to the Ukrainian armed forces, as announced last week. That is excellent news. You also mentioned the security guarantees. We are also working on them together in the Coalition of the Willing. The first line of defence regarding security guarantees for Ukraine in peacetime is a strong, well equipped and experienced Ukrainian armed army. The second line of defence would be a multinational group from the Coalition of the Willing, with the backstop of the Americans. The third important line of defence is our own defence posture. And of course, EU membership is also a security guarantee in itself.
Dear Gitanas,
Today I am here to reaffirm Europe's indefectible solidarity with Lithuania. Because Europe needs a strong Lithuania to protect our borders and our people. I know that Europe can count on you. I also know that I can personally count on you and the Lithuanian people.
