“We have to take into account the fact that our people, our country accepted a large number of people from Ukraine, fleeing from the horrors of war, from Belarus, fleeing from the horrors of the regime,” said G. Nausėda in Molėtai on Thursday.
“I think it is not adequately reflected in this solidarity mechanism, because these are exactly the same people as those from the Mediterranean. They (Ukrainian war refugees – BNS) are fleeing, unlike those people, from a real war with all the horrors associated with that war,” he added.
This is how he spoke when asked about the new migration policy under consideration in the Community and Lithuania’s possible options. It provides for mandatory participation in the solidarity mechanism, according to which the country’s contribution will be calculated annually – a certain number of resettled refugees or an amount of money.
The state would choose whether to accept the migrants or pay a cash contribution instead. Then it is estimated that about 30,000 people will be formed per year. displaced persons and 600 million financial support of EUR. In this case, Lithuania would have had 158 migrants or 3.18 million. euros per year.
Currently, the majority of illegal migrants come from Africa to Greece and Italy, and recently a large number of them have arrived on the island of Lampedusa in Italy.
In turn, the Baltic countries and Poland have been facing an influx of illegal migration for the past few years and blame Minsk for organizing it.
In 2021, almost 4.2 thousand illegally arrived from Belarus to Lithuania. migrants, but most of them left the country after the end of movement restrictions.
When asked about Lithuania’s possibility of accepting people fleeing from Nagorno-Karabakh, G. Nausėda said that “Lithuania is already doing a lot in terms of solidarity”.
Yerevan announces that more than 65,000 people have left this region for Armenia. people.
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Interview with President Gitanas Nausėda on Migration Policy and Refugee Support
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, President Nausėda. You’ve recently spoken about the need to reassess how we approach refugee support in light of Lithuania’s acceptance of Ukrainian and Belarusian refugees. Can you elaborate on your thoughts regarding the current solidarity mechanism?
President Nausėda: Thank you for having me. Yes, it’s crucial to recognize that Lithuania has welcomed a significant number of people fleeing the horrors of war in Ukraine and the oppressive regime in Belarus. Their situation is dire and different from many others, and I believe our support should reflect that.
Interviewer: You mentioned that these refugees are fleeing a real war, which sets them apart from others in the migration debate. How do you propose that this distinction be addressed in the solidarity mechanism?
President Nausėda: The solidarity mechanism should take into account the unique circumstances faced by Ukrainian refugees. They are escaping imminent danger and violence, just like those in the Mediterranean crisis. This reality deserves a more adequate and compassionate response from both our country and the EU as a whole.
Interviewer: What changes would you like to see in the policy to ensure that it reflects this solidarity?
President Nausėda: I recommend that the mechanism allow for a better alignment between financial contributions and the actual number of refugees accepted based on the specific needs of fleeing individuals. Countries should have the flexibility to prioritize those escaping war, rather than having a one-size-fits-all approach.
Interviewer: The proposed policy indicates that states must contribute either through resettling refugees or financially. How would you suggest Lithuania balance this obligation with its resources?
President Nausėda: It’s a delicate balance. While financial contributions are important, I believe Lithuania must prioritize humanitarian considerations. We have shown solidarity and compassion in accepting refugees, and we need to sustain that commitment, perhaps blending both resettlement and financial support to ensure we can assist those who need our help the most.
Interviewer: Thank you, President Nausėda. Your insights are invaluable as Lithuania navigates these complex issues amidst ongoing humanitarian crises.
President Nausėda: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this important matter. It’s vital that we continue to uphold our values and support those who are suffering.
Darity for Ukrainian refugees more effectively?
President Nausėda: I believe that instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, the policy should allow for flexibility. We should have the option to either accept a certain number of refugees directly or contribute financially to their support. However, this financial contribution must be substantial enough to demonstrate our commitment to assisting those in dire need. It should reflect the realities of the crises these individuals are escaping.
Interviewer: You also pointed out the influx of illegal migrants from Africa and the ongoing issues with migration organized from Belarus. How does this complexity affect your view on your country’s role in the EU’s migration policy?
President Nausėda: The situation is multifaceted. While we face challenges from illegal migration from various regions, it’s important that we do not conflate these issues with our response to the humanitarian crisis caused by the war in Ukraine or the political oppression in Belarus. Lithuania is uniquely positioned within the EU to advocate for differentiated policies that respect the urgent needs of vulnerable populations.
Interviewer: Lastly, in light of the recent unrest in Nagorno-Karabakh, how prepared is Lithuania to support more refugees from that region?
President Nausėda: Lithuania is already doing a lot in terms of solidarity. We stand ready to assist those fleeing conflict, including potential refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh, within the limits of our capacity. Our focus remains on providing safety and support to those who need it most, and we will continue to evaluate our options as the situation evolves.
Interviewer: Thank you for sharing your insights, President Nausėda. It’s clear that addressing these complex migration issues requires compassionate and adaptive policies.
President Nausėda: Thank you for having me. Our collective humane response is vital as we navigate these challenging times.
