Lithuania Urges EU to Admit Ukraine as a Full Member by 2030

Lithuania Advocates for Ukraine's EU Integration

According to ХВИЛЯ: Lithuania is pushing for Ukraine's swift integration into the European Union, advocating for its full membership by 2030. The country's Finance Minister, Kristupas Vaičiūnas, emphasized that Lithuania not only supports this goal but also views it as crucial for the future development of the region. This call comes as Ukraine continues its challenging path toward European alignment amidst ongoing conflict.

Vaičiūnas stated that Lithuania is in favor of Ukraine's full EU integration by 2030, or even sooner. He also expressed concern that Ukraine might become stuck in an intermediate stage of integration without reaching the final goal of full membership.

"We do not believe Ukraine should remain on this first intermediate step and then never have the chance to take the second step toward full membership," the minister noted.

Lithuania's Stance on Ukraine's European Integration

While Lithuania is prepared to support an interim step in Ukraine's integration, it will only do so with guarantees that it will lead to eventual full membership.

"So, this is a risk, and if we avoid it, we will support this interim step. But the ultimate goal remains Ukraine's full membership in the EU," Vaičiūnas added.

Lithuania's position thus demonstrates its firm support for Ukraine's European path and its desire for greater stability in the region. As a former Soviet state that successfully joined the EU and NATO, Lithuania's advocacy carries significant weight within the bloc.

Lithuania's statement underscores the importance of regional stability and supporting Ukraine's European integration, a priority heightened by the current geopolitical situation. Ukraine's EU membership would not only strengthen economic and political ties but also significantly impact security in Central and Eastern Europe, considering potential threats from Russia. Lithuania, having undergone its own journey to Euro-Atlantic integration, seeks to share its experience and support its neighbor in achieving this goal.