We are united in our belief that Ukraine deserves a place in Europe. The Baltic States and the Czech Republic advocate granting the European Union (EU) candidate status to Ukraine. This was noted by Ināra Mūrniece, Speaker of the Saeima, following the meeting in Prague between the speakers of the parliaments of the Baltic States and the officials of the Czech Parliament.

“These four countries are very like-minded, and we recognise that the democratic world must do more to support Ukraine. First, we must continue sending the necessary weapons so that Ukrainians can defend themselves. We must also increase sanctions to make this war too expensive for Russia. We must continue working to isolate Russia from the international community. On this path, fighting together with Ukraine for European values, we cannot afford to become weary and ease our efforts,” highlighted Mūrniece.

While on their visit to Prague, the speakers of the Baltic parliaments met with Miloš Vystrčil, President of the Senate of the Czech Republic, and Markéta Pekarová Adamová, Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies.

The speakers of the Baltic parliaments and the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Republic also adopted a joint statement on the war initiated by Russia in Ukraine, expressing joint support for the Ukrainian fight for freedom and democracy. The statement that joins the international community in its condemnation highlights the importance of a unified and coordinated response of the EU, NATO, and other allies. The statement emphasises that Ukrainians are protecting not only their country, but also the democratic values upon which the current European security order and lifestyle are based on.

The speakers of the Baltic parliaments joined to lay flowers at the Jan Palach memorial in Wenceslas Square, Prague. Jan Palach was a Czech student who in 1969 set himself on fire in protest against the occupation of Czechoslovakia and the suppression of the so-called Prague Spring.

The speakers also visited Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, where they met with its President Jamie Fly, as well as representatives of the radio’s Ukrainian, Russian and Belarussian Service and the Head of the Current Time TV Channel.

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Saeima Press Service