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On 18 October, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Gabrielius Landsbergis, participated in the 30th Baltic Council in Vilnius. During the meeting, Landsbergis gave an overview of security challenges facing the Baltic Sea region, assessed the cooperation among Baltic States in assisting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression, emphasized the need to strengthen transatlantic relations, and cooperation with NATO partners.

“Being on the front lines, the Baltic states understand Russia’s threat and the rapidly changing geopolitical environment faster and better than anyone else. The Baltic states must maintain a strong and united voice by spreading the message that Ukraine’s victory is a strategic goal for the West and it would be a victory for the democratic world,” said Landsbergis.

In his speech, the Foreign Minister also mentioned important regional transport infrastructure and energy projects. When discussing the region’s energy independence, the Foreign Minister highlighted that Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania had reached a significant milestone: the Baltic states were on the verge of disconnecting their electrical grids from the Russian-controlled BRELL energy system.

During the meeting, the traditional statement of the Baltic Council, which evaluates the cooperation of the Baltic states in 2024, was signed.

The bilateral meeting between Landsbergis and Estonia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna also took place on the margins of the Baltic Council. The event focused on Ukraine support, regional cooperation and security, hybrid threats, and transatlantic relations.

The Baltic Council is a joint meeting of the Baltic Assembly   that embodies Baltic parliamentary cooperation of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, and the Cooperation Council of the Baltic Council of Ministers that incorporates intergovernmental collaboration.

In 2024, Lithuania presides over the Baltic Assembly and the Baltic Council of Ministers, while Latvia will take over in 2025.