Presidium calls for a strong and clear position of the Member States of the EU on how to jointly address the provocations by the regime of Alexander Lukashenko or Russia

On 12 November 2021 the Presidium of the Baltic Assembly has sent the letter on the escalating hybrid attacks of the regime of Alexander Lukashenko targeting the EU to President of the European Parliament David Maria Sassoli, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council Charles Michel.

The Presidium of the Baltic Assembly is deeply concerned about the escalating hybrid attacks of the regime of Alexander Lukashenko targeting Lithuania, Latvia, Poland and the whole European Union (EU). Recent threats in the border areas of Lithuania, Latvia and Poland with Belarus show the need for greater European solidarity and common understanding between the Member States about the commitments, targets and approaches in addressing the common threat that is out of control, does not respect the international community and is ready to use other people’s lives to achieve its goals. The Baltic states and Poland have repeatedly highlighted that the recent developments show that the regime of Alexander Lukashenko is moving towards active offensive and provocative actions. The actions of the regime also create a need for a different approach and solutions in the EU addressing migration issues.

For this reason, the Baltic Assembly highly appreciates the efforts of the EU Member States and institutions in support of Lithuania, Latvia and Poland that are in the middle of the escalating political relations of the EU with the regime of Alexander Lukashenko and Russia; draw your attention to the escalating hybrid attacks of the regime of Alexander Lukashenko that are not just a threat to Lithuania, Latvia and Poland but also the EU and the entire community of democracies; concludes that the current activities of the EU, sanctions regime and general position of the Member States, in practice, does not fully prevent the regime of Alexander Lukashenko from bringing damage and conflict to the EU; calls for a strong and clear position of the Member States of the EU on how to jointly address the provocations by the regime of Alexander Lukashenko or Russia, recognising the seriousness and escalation of the threats where both named regimes are involved; draws attention to the significant changes in the political situation that indicate the need for changes in the approach previously applied by the EU, and calls on concrete measures and activities taken at the EU level to provide all the necessary assistance to Lithuania, Latvia and Poland that are investing financial and human resources to protect the external border of the EU.

The Baltic states are committed and responsible Member States of the EU, and have always protected the common European values as strongly as we protected our independence. Our firm stand and consistent activities ensured that the Baltic states broke free from the totalitarian regime of the Soviet Union. The Baltic Assembly will continue to insist that the moral duty of all free and democratic countries is to support Belarusian people in their aspiration for freedom but also to present a strong position in situations when security and values are threatened.