Lithuanian President Advocates for Additional €20 Billion in Support for Ukraine from the EU

On Thursday, Lithuania’s President, Gitanas Nauseda, urged European Union leaders in Brussels to swiftly approve a €20 billion aid package for Ukraine. He emphasized that the EU should also consider proposing a tentative date for Ukraine’s entry into the Union.

Nauseda expressed optimism regarding the nuclear deterrence strategy introduced by French President Emmanuel Macron, stating, “Their nuclear umbrella could act as a significant deterrent against Russia. It’s crucial to leverage every opportunity to bolster our resilience, particularly along the eastern front, which faces various threats.”

The initiative to support Ukraine, which Nauseda is advocating for, originates from the EU’s chief diplomat, Kaja Kallas. However, its approval remains uncertain, contrasting with the European rearmament plan proposed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, which aims to mobilize up to €800 billion for defense spending.

The assistance for Ukraine, as mentioned by Nauseda, is expected to be delivered by the end of this year, funded in part by contributions from EU member states based on their national income. The goal is to address Ukraine’s most pressing short-term needs.

Nauseda remarked, “While it may sound amusing, I consider it quite serious. We have pledged to support Ukraine with 0.25% of our GDP annually. If other nations commit to a similar contribution, we could generate €43 billion.”

Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of political backing for Ukraine, proposing a preliminary date for its EU membership on January 1, 2030. Although non-binding, he believes it would send a strong message of support from the EU.

When questioned about the potential for a Hungarian veto on summit outcomes, he commented, “We’ll see.” He insisted that decisions must be made regardless of the opposition from one or two countries. “If we don’t act decisively, history will hold us accountable, and the consequences of inaction will be severe,” Nauseda emphasized, criticizing the prolonged inability to make definitive choices. (06.03.2025)