Nausėda discusses NATO summit preparations with Eastern Flank leaders

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda met with the leaders of Baltic states, Poland, and Romania in Jurmala, Poland, to discuss crucial security matters. The meeting focused on preparations for the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara, the regional security situation, and reinforcing NATO's eastern flank.

President Nausėda stressed that Russia's military aggression against Ukraine, coupled with intensifying hybrid attacks, cyber threats, disinformation campaigns, and drone incidents, highlights Russia as the primary and long-term threat to Euro-Atlantic security. "Russia's imperial ambitions do not end with Ukraine. Therefore, we must consistently strengthen NATO's deterrence and defense capabilities, maintain strong transatlantic ties, and ensure long-term support for Ukraine. Europe's security is defended today on the eastern flank," the president stated.

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Russia's imperial ambitions do not end with Ukraine. Therefore, we must consistently strengthen NATO's deterrence and defense capabilities, maintain strong transatlantic ties, and ensure long-term support for Ukraine. Europe's security is defended today on the eastern flank.

Discussions also covered the European Commission's "Eastern Flank Watch" initiative, aimed at enhancing the protection of the EU and NATO's external border. Nausėda noted that this initiative should complement existing regional projects like "Eastern Shield" and "Baltic Defense Line," which align with NATO's defense planning and bolster collective defense.

Regarding the Ankara summit, Nausėda urged NATO to maintain transatlantic unity, increase defense investments, strengthen defense industry capabilities, and continue comprehensive support for Ukraine. "A strong transatlantic bond remains the foundation of our collective defense. At the same time, Europe must take greater responsibility for its own security, invest in defense, and strengthen its defense industry. Only a strong Europe will be a strong ally of the United States," he said. Lithuania, he added, consistently fulfills its commitments, allocating 5.38% of its GDP to defense in 2026, making it the highest-investing NATO nation.

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A strong transatlantic bond remains the foundation of our collective defense. At the same time, Europe must take greater responsibility for its own security, invest in defense, and strengthen its defense industry. Only a strong Europe will be a strong ally of the United States.