News

On 24 March, the Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Albinas Zanavičius participated in a video conference of Ministers for European Affairs. Ministers discussed the EU’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak, as well as exchanged views on the enlargement and association process, focusing on Albania and the Republic of North Macedonia.

As regards the EU’s coordinated response to the COVID-19 crisis, Lithuania’s Foreign Vice-Minister A. Zananavičius stressed the importance of ensuring a smooth procurement for medical devices and of avoiding barriers, especially in the procurement of essential products. At the same time, the European Union must also ensure the safe repatriation of its citizens stranded in third countries. In regards to long-term effects of the Covid-19, a coordinated response of the EU to social and economic challenges facing all member states is needed.

The Council also decided to open accession negotiations with Albania and the Republic of North Macedonia.

“Today, we send a very important political message not only to North Macedonia and Albania, but also to the entire Western Balkan region. The enlargement process built on mutual trust, clear criteria and commitments will continue,” said A. Zananavičius.

“Today we also demonstrate that, even in such extraordinary situation as the COVID-19 pandemic, the European Union is able to deliver on its promises and to make political choices. Lithuania fully supports the Council conclusions on the enlargement and stabilization and association process, as both countries have made great progress and fulfilled the requirements needed," noted Lithuania’s Foreign Vice-Minister.