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On January 16, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Kęstutis Budrys opened the 19th Snow Meeting, during which politicians and experts will discuss strengthening support for Ukraine, NATO's deterrence and defense policy, challenges in ensuring security in the Nordic-Baltic region, and opportunities for closer cooperation.

"European security is no longer a static thing; it is changing rapidly, and there are only two roles to play: either you shape it, or you will be buried under its ruins," said Budrys.

According to the Minister, although Europe has finally taken measures to strengthen security, the pace of action does not match the scale of the threats.

"NATO's Baltic Sentry and Eastern Sentry, together with the EU's Defense Readiness Roadmap 2030, are steps in the right direction, but we must recognize that this is only the beginning. Deterrence does not work in a fragmented fashion; it only works when it is applied consistently, visibly, and clearly," Budrys asserted.

According to the head of Lithuania's diplomacy, the transatlantic relationship remains the foundation of our security, and we must do everything we can to maintain and strengthen our partnership with the U.S.

"Europe has no choice but to re-establish itself as a strong and reliable player whose voice is important in the international arena. We must take responsibility and ensure our own security. A strong Europe is not an alternative to the U.S. presence, but an equal transatlantic security partner," said the Minister.

According to Budrys, it is the duty of Europeans to deter and, if necessary, defend themselves against Russia; success will depend on two things: strengthening defense capabilities and supporting Ukraine.

"Europe must learn to act according to the logic of war: faster decisions, less bureaucracy, more mass production, better protection of critical infrastructure, better preparation for long-term confrontation. Fewer illusions. More resilience. More determination," said the head of Lithuania's diplomacy.

The Snow Meeting is a premier security policy event in Lithuania. This year, it is attended by the Foreign Ministers of Estonia, Romania, Finland, and Türkiye, the Deputy Secretary General of NATO, officials from Sweden and Germany, as well as Lithuanian politicians, representatives of institutions and the academic community, and security policy experts from the U.S., Germany, France, the UK, Spain, and other countries.