Baltic leaders call for unified response to security threats in Europe

The presidents of the three Baltic States met on Friday in Palanga of Lithuania to discuss the migration crisis, regional defense and security issues as well as the Paris terror attacks.

The meeting, attended by Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite, Latvian President Raimonds Vejonis, and Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves, has been held in Palanga, Lithuanian sea resort.

NO NEW COMMITMENTS

After discussing the migration crisis in Europe, the three countries expressed their readiness to accept the previously agreed number of immigrants, but refused to take new commitments before chaotic migration flows in Europe are managed.

"First of all, it is necessary to ensure effective control of EU external borders and proper functioning of registration centers for refugees in Italy and Greece as well as to implement EU-Africa and EU-Turkey joint action plans to reduce migration flows to Europe," said Lithuanian president's office in the press release.

Vejonis said that Latvia won't be able to continue with discussions on new commitments to accept more immigrants, if EU doesn't prepare its homework to strengthen EU external border security, reports news website vz.lt.

Ilves agreed that the EU has to strengthen its external border controls, but should avoid radical decisions with regard to free movement of persons in the Schengen Area.

EUROPEAN SECURITY

According to the president's office, the presidents placed special focus on the security of the Baltic countries, vowing to work together "to build up deterrence measures and deploy more allied troops and military equipment in the region."

The Baltic states have been strengthening their defense capabilities since security situation in Eastern Europe changed a year and a half ago amid conflicts in Eastern Ukraine.

The Baltic leaders have also touched the broader security issues in the EU.

"The international community must remain vigilant and not allow that Ukraine be forgotten," said Lithuanian president's office in the press release.

The traditional annual top-level meeting is held every year. Last year the presidents of the Baltic States met in Estonia. Endit