Meer focus op Europese defensie en veiligheid (en)
President Dalia Grybauskaitė i delivered an opening speech at the Inter-Parliamentary Conference for the Common Foreign and Security Policy and the Common Security and Defence Policy. The conference has gathered high ranking officials, including Catherine Aston i, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, and NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen i, to discuss EU security and defence issues.
The conference will review preparations for the European Council of December that will focus on defence in Europe.
"Today European security faces a mounting number of new threats, and we must search for solutions to deal with them. Most importantly, such solutions are pursued by the joint efforts of EU member states. More security and stability in our neighborhood means more security and prosperity in Europe," the President said.
Dalia Grybauskaitė i highlighted the importance of relations between the EU and its Eastern neighbors. Close collaborative contacts with Eastern partners would not only advance closer trade and economic relations, but would contribute to building a European continent that is secure, stable and prosperous. The European Union must also stand ready to deal with crises around the world, ranging from the use of chemical weapons to cyber attacks.
The Inter-Parliamentary Conference for the Common Foreign and Security Policy and the Common Security and Defence Policy will place primary focus on the relevant EU strategies and priorities, the promotion of democratic values, EU-NATO cooperation, and Eastern Partnership.