“The connectivity and cooperation between our countries is the key to ensuring energy security and stability in our region,” said Jānis Vucāns, President of the Baltic Assembly (BA) and Head of its Latvian Delegation, at the BA and Nordic Council Summit in Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland.

“Europe has long been dependant on Russian gas, and we must do everything within our power to change that as soon as possible. If not, we become co-funders of the violent attacks against Ukrainians by the Russian Federation. The use of Russian gas is not merely immoral, it is also impractical,” said the Head of the Latvian Delegation to the BA.

Vucāns noted the need for strengthening Baltic cooperation with the Nordic countries, including in the energy and sustainable research and innovation area. The Head of the Latvian Delegation to the BA also highlighted the interests that the countries share in terms of the European Union energy policy, emphasising in particular the promotion of interconnectivity in the region, as well as the preservation of the biological diversity and economic potential of the Baltic Sea. “We must make sure that the regulation regarding the Baltic Sea is balanced in order to achieve both our climate and energy goals,” said Vucāns.

As stated by Jānis Vucāns, during the BA and Nordic Council Summit, members of both organisations heard and held discussions with the invited Ukrainian guests, including Lesia Vasylenko, Member of the Ukrainian Parliament, who addressed the parliamentarians in both organisations and called on the countries to provide all the necessary help for Ukraine so that its people could survive the upcoming winter, including weapons, warm clothing for soldiers, especially winter uniforms for women soldiers, vehicles, and all types of humanitarian aid. She also called on the parliamentarians of the Baltic and Nordic countries to urge their peers in their respective countries as well as abroad, to provide more assistance to Ukraine and ensure that the war in Ukraine does not disappear from the political agenda and news headlines.

During the summit, a meeting was also held with the leaders of the Russian and Belarusian opposition. “Many Russians and Belarusians are fighting for freedom and democracy in their countries. This is a fight against their government and political leaders who see democracy as a threat, not a privilege. The situation is different in Russia and Belarus; however, the democratic movements in both countries are facing serious challenges and obstacles, including human rights violations, threats, and even violence,” said Jānis Vucāns.

The Head of the Latvian Delegation to the BA emphasised that support for Russian and Belarusian democratic movements was of particular importance for peace and prosperity in Europe.

In the summit in Reykjavik, Jānis Vucāns is joined by Inese Voika, Deputy Secretary of the Saeima and Deputy Head of the Latvian Delegation to the BA.

Saeima Press Service