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On 27 April together with representatives of Ukrainian and European institutions, Minister of Foreign Affairs Linas Linkevičius launched the Ukraine Forum organised by the think-tank European Policy Centre in Brussels.

In his opening address, the Minister emphasised that Ukraine was carrying out complicated reforms in the conditions of Russian aggression, therefore significant changes in the economy, in combating corruption and other areas could not be expected before the country ensured its security and strengthened its national defence. Nonetheless, even with the war going on, Ukraine advanced with its reforms more in the last three years than it had done during two previous decades, while Ukrainians found their true identity after Maidan.

Linas Linkevičius underlined that changes in Ukraine were as important as EU’s reliability because partnership and commitments were based on reciprocity. “We must ask ourselves whether we do all we can to help Ukraine. Lithuania sends experts, gives in-kind and financial support to Ukraine; however this is not enough, other EU member states must follow its example. There is a need for more political will and wish,” the Minister said.

“Ukraine’s success will be our success, too. That is why we must join our efforts, defend our values, be more active, and provide effective assistance to the country,” was Linas Linkevičius’ invitation to the participants of the Forum.

Attempts are being made to turn the Ukraine Forum into the main platform of debate about Ukraine in Brussels with the focus on the development of foreign, security, economic, and domestic policies of Ukraine and relations between the EU and Ukraine.