Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki emphasised that Poland and Lithuania have long talked about Russia being a threat to Europe and the world.

We warned our Western partners about the risks and concessions related to aggressive Russian policy. Unfortunately, the events of recent months were necessary for entire Europe to admit we were right

- the Prime Minister stressed. 

The Prime Minister also pointed out that the Polish and Lithuanian governments had long taken steps at the EU forum to stop Russia's blackmail against Europe. He recalled that it was to be expected that energy would sooner or later be used as a geopolitical weapon, and Poland and Lithuania acted to reduce that risk.

The Head of Government also spoke about the role of sanctions in halting Russia.

We cannot succumb to blackmail and treat gas pipelines between Russia and Germany as a business project. Similarly, the sanctions imposed on Russia should not be considered as something extraordinary and unnecessary

- Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki emphasised.

Migration and war refugees from Ukraine

During the bilateral meeting, the Ministers of the Interior discussed, among other things, the situation on the Polish and Lithuanian borders with Belarus. Minister Mariusz Kamiński highlighted that over the past year, Poland and Lithuania have faced two different but interrelated events: a hybrid attack from Belarus using migration and the reception of war refugees from Ukraine. 

Moreover, the participants discussed the consequences caused by Russia's aggression against Ukraine, namely the mass influx of refugees into EU countries and other challenges to internal security. Both sides agreed that Poland and Lithuania expect further and deepened support from the EU. It is about financial aid in connection to the challenges of the number of war refugees residing on the territory of both countries and, given the instrumentalisation of migration, the preparation of appropriate countermeasures. The ministers also discussed the principles of implementing a joint sanctions policy toward Russia.

It was another fruitful meeting with Minister Agnė Bilotaitė on regional security, border protection, sanctions policy, and civil protection mechanisms. We continue to work for common security 

- concluded the Head of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration. 
 
At the end of the intergovernmental consultations, the Joint Declaration of the Prime Ministers of Poland and Lithuania was adopted.