The German chancellor affirms his firm support for strengthening Baltic security

The security of NATO allies is also our security and “an attack on the Baltics would be an attack on all of us”, which cannot be allowed, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized at the press conference on Monday after the talks between the leaders of the Baltic states and Germany.

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The German chancellor assessed that the security situation on NATO’s eastern flank – the Baltics – is still tense, so it is important to confirm that the allies continue to provide support for strengthening security, including by deploying larger military forces in the Baltic states. Scholz noted that Germany’s 35,000 rapid-reaction troops would be ready to provide immediate support to their allies in an emergency.

Scholz reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to be involved in the defense of any NATO country “from the first centimeter” should such a threat arise. At the same time, the European Union must increase its own security and increase its armament production capacity for its own needs.

The German politician pointed out that Germany still supports Ukraine in the fight against Russia, in which Russia has generally recalculated its capabilities, including recalculating that it will succeed in splitting NATO.

Germany and the Baltic states have pledged to extend support to Ukraine by increasing sanctions pressure against Russia, as well as taking additional measures to prevent circumvention of sanctions, which is currently all too easy.

During today’s meeting, the Baltic Prime Ministers and the German Chancellor discussed ways to best provide support to Ukraine. The German chancellor emphasized that Germany will allocate one more air defense system “Patriot” to Ukraine in addition to the two already allocated to Ukraine. Scholz emphasized that he will also invite partners to provide additional assistance to Ukraine in the military field.

Scholz emphasized that Germany is the biggest supporter of Ukraine in Europe, providing a total of nearly 28 billion euros in supplies and other forms of support.

Scholz reminded that Germany and the Baltic states have been partners in the European Union (EU) and NATO for 20 years, and Germany also provides support in supporting NATO’s eastern flank, namely with its soldiers in Lithuania and airspace control from Estonia and now Latvia.

On the other hand, Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa (JV) stated that during today’s conversation, the Baltic prime ministers and the German chancellor agreed that Ukraine should be given the kind of support that would ensure victory over Russia.

Siliņa emphasized that cooperation between the Baltics and Germany is important not only for Latvia, NATO and the EU, but also for Ukraine.

The Prime Minister of Lithuania Ingrīda Šimonīte also emphasized that the security of the Baltic states directly depends on the victory of Ukraine.

Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas stated at the press conference that if we do not stop the aggressor – Russia – in Ukraine, it can attack other European countries as well.

“Ukraine’s membership in the European Union is a cornerstone of our security and a guarantor of prosperity,” Kallas said, expressing hope that Ukraine and Moldova will move forward in further EU accession talks.

Kallas emphasized that the upcoming NATO summit in Washington should also give direct indications that support to Ukraine will be continued.

It is also necessary to work on Europe’s readiness to protect itself. Kallas emphasized that we must be ready for confrontation, we must continue to increase defense spending, and we must also look for operational solutions to achieve more together in the EU.

Silina added that when preparing for the NATO summit in Washington, the most important thing is to continue working on the full implementation of regional defense plans, the military industry should also be strengthened, and the results of the summit should bring Ukraine closer to NATO membership.

The Prime Minister particularly highlighted Germany’s initiative to form a coalition of countries to ensure the protection of Ukrainian airspace. Latvia continues to work within the drone coalition to ensure drone deliveries to Ukraine, and in general this year and the following years provides Ukraine with military support in the amount of 0.25% of the gross domestic product.

The parties also discussed the most important issues of the EU agenda, including moving forward with the 14th sanctions package against Russia, as well as the possibilities of using the profits of Russia’s frozen funds for Ukraine’s needs. Latvia also supports the introduction of new instruments to finance the defense industry of European Union countries.

In connection with the enlargement of the EU, the Prime Minister emphasized that the framework of negotiations between Ukraine and Moldova should be approved by organizing an intergovernmental conference by the end of June. Speaking about the issues to be solved in the European Union, the Prime Minister highlighted security, connectivity, strengthening of the EU’s external borders and economic competitiveness. The leaders of the countries also discussed close cooperation in the direction of regional energy and transport projects.

Siliņa emphasized that the negotiation agenda proposed by the parties was similar, with the main emphasis on security, connectivity, external borders and economic competitiveness.

“We continue to be united in our values, interests and actions. We have a close and productive cooperation. This is important not only for our region and the entire European Union and NATO, but also for Ukraine in order to defeat Russian aggression,” said the Prime Minister of Latvia. She positively highlighted Germany’s contribution to Latvia’s security as well, providing NATO airspace patrolling in the Baltic countries from Lielvārde Air Force Base.

“During the conversation, we agreed that we should continue to provide Ukraine with the kind of support that helps it defeat Russian aggression. We are pleased with Germany’s leadership and the contribution of the Baltic states in achieving this goal. Germany is a strategic partner of the Baltic states, both in economy and security, and today’s meeting only proves it once again,” emphasized Siliņa.

On Monday, the heads of the governments of the Baltic States, Evikas Silinas (JV), Kaja Kallas and Ingrīda Šimonīte, met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Riga. Security and defense issues, topical issues of the European Union’s agenda, support for Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression, as well as economic cooperation and the development of regional projects in the fields of energy and transport were at the center of the talks between the heads of government.

The State Chancellery states that the “3+1 format” has become a tradition in which the leaders of the Baltic states discuss current issues with the Chancellor of Germany. The purpose of the meetings is not only to strengthen the cooperation between the Baltic States and Germany, but also to coordinate joint action in solving the most important international challenges.