The membership of the Baltic states in the EU and NATO has changed the geopolitical landscape, say the presidents

The joint statement of Gitan Nausėda, Edgar Rinkevičius and Alar Karis states that the accession of the Baltic States to the EU marks a joyful return to a rightful historical place in the European family.

According to the presidents, EU and NATO membership fundamentally changed the geopolitical landscape and determined the future of the Baltic States.

“During these two decades, our confidence has grown, we enjoy freedom, democracy and prosperity. We have achieved rapid economic growth, stability and security while becoming an impressive success story of European integration and transformation. Today, we boldly accept the responsibility to contribute to the creation of Europe’s future”, reads the statement of the presidents of the Baltic states published on Wednesday.

The leaders of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia also emphasized the positive impact of the EU on the economy of the Baltic countries. According to them, now the gross domestic product of the three countries reaches more than 160 billion. euros, which is almost four times more than two decades ago, foreign direct investment increased six times.

The presidents of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia also emphasized the need to support the European integration aspirations of Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia.

“In 1990-1991, the Baltic countries expressed their democratic choice. Today, Ukrainians, Moldovans and Kartvelians are fighting for European values ​​and the European family, their most important choice. They have the same dream as we did back then. Because of historical experience, we understand and feel it. We strongly support those countries that cherish common European values ​​and strive to be together. We will support European integration countries on their path to full EU membership,” the statement reads.

Lithuania became a member of the EU on May 1, 2004, along with nine other Central and Eastern European countries.