**Baltic Parliaments Unite in Support of Ukraine’s NATO and EU Membership**
The three Baltic parliaments – Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania – have issued a joint statement expressing their strong support for Ukraine’s integration into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the European Union (EU). This move is seen as a significant step towards strengthening Euro-Atlantic security.
In a statement released on June 6th, the foreign affairs committees of the three Baltic countries reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine’s victory against Russian aggression. They emphasized that Ukrainian membership in NATO would provide “a more effective and enduring framework for safeguarding Euro-Atlantic security.”
**A Shared History**
The Baltic states have a unique understanding of what it means to be free from Soviet occupation. All three countries were once part of the Soviet Union, and their people experienced firsthand the price of freedom and the threat posed by Russian imperial ambitions. This shared history has led them to take a strong stance against Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.
**A Five-Point Commitment**
The Baltic parliaments outlined five key commitments regarding Ukraine’s future security and political alignment:
1. **Full Support for Ukraine**: The statement calls for continued support for Ukraine until its full victory, including the liberation of all temporarily occupied territories, accountability for war crimes, and full implementation of international justice.
2. **EU Membership by 2030**: The Baltic countries support Ukraine’s EU membership with a goal to conclude accession negotiations and welcome Ukraine as a full member by January 1st, 2030.
3. **NATO Membership**: They also support Ukraine’s path toward NATO membership and urge the 2025 NATO Summit in The Hague to take concrete political steps for Ukraine’s accession.
4. **Defense Cooperation**: The statement welcomes growing defense cooperation between Ukraine and its partners, including an invitation to join the Joint Expeditionary Force as “a meaningful step towards deeper regional security integration.”
5. **Pressure on Russia**: Finally, the Baltic parliaments commit to continuing diplomatic efforts to isolate Russia and its supporters, expand sanctions regimes, and ensure full legal and political accountability for crimes against Ukraine.
**A Strong Message**
This joint statement sends a strong message to the international community that the Baltic states are committed to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. It also highlights their determination to preserve the rules-based international order globally.
As experts in international relations and European affairs, it is clear that this move by the Baltic parliaments has significant implications for regional security. The commitment to NATO membership for Ukraine would provide a more effective framework for safeguarding Euro-Atlantic security, while EU membership would bring economic benefits and strengthen democratic values.
The Baltic states have been among the top contributors of military aid to Ukraine relative to their GDP. Their support for Ukraine’s integration into international organizations is a testament to their understanding of the importance of collective defense and shared values.
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