Kęstutis Budrys: the main priority is the safety of our citizens in conflict-affected countries
Kęstutis Budrys emphasizes that ensuring the safety of citizens in conflict-affected countries is a primary concern for the EU.
In a remote Council meeting, Kęstutis Budrys stated that the safety of citizens in conflict-affected countries is currently the top priority for the EU. He highlighted the need for coordinated actions at the EU level to facilitate their return and provide consular assistance. Addressing the ministers' discussions, the Lithuanian Foreign Minister noted the situation in Iran and the implications of Iranian attacks on other regional countries, stressing the importance of a unified EU stance to de-escalate the tensions.
Budrys further elaborated on the threats posed by Iran's nuclear ambitions, its destructive behavior, openly antisemitic policies, ongoing support for Russian aggression against Ukraine, and repression of its own citizens. He argued that these issues have long been detrimental to international security and destabilize the entire region. The minister pointed out that the recent events in Iran send a clear message to leaders like Vladimir Putin of Russia and Aliaksandr Lukashenko of Belarus, indicating that their rule is not eternal and that coercion, repression, and terror will ultimately face retribution.
In this context, Budrys expressed the hope that EU actions would reflect a strong commitment to international norms and the safety of its citizens abroad. He reiterated the necessity of a proactive approach towards emerging conflicts and the importance of solidarity among EU member states in addressing these pressing global security challenges.