While the government promises a foreign policy based on values, experts ask that there be no practical changes

“We will form a foreign policy based on the following principles: Lithuania’s foreign policy must be based on freedom, democracy, human rights, the rule of international law and multilateral decision-making; our foreign policy is inconceivable without participation in structures. global or regional; it must be not only defensive but also proactive; this policy must be shaped not only by direct interest, but also by the principle of strengthening our role at the international level, “says the new government’s program.

Laurynas Kasčiūnas, Chairman of the Seimas Defense and National Security Committee (NSGC), and Žygimantas Pavilionis, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee (CSC), unanimously agreed that a values-based foreign policy will focus more on outreach and development of democracy. Meanwhile Delphi The political scientists interviewed assured that no major changes in foreign policy should be expected and predicted the strengthening of Lithuania’s position in the European Union (EU).

The search for democracy and democratization

“It is about spreading democracy, developing it and defending the rule of law, first of all in our relations with authoritarian states, not those of Western civilization, but those that want to weaken or destroy that civilization. First of all, it is a challenge for Russia and a new challenge for China.

In practical terms, this means helping the Eastern Partnership countries, which is not something new in strategic terms, to promote an EU-NATO open-door policy so that these countries have the perspective of belonging and modernization. With regard to China, we will not be silent on the human rights violations in Hong Kong and Taiwan, “commented L. Kasčiūnas, the representative of the ruling, the chairman of the NSGK, on ​​values-based foreign policy.

He was seconded by a colleague from the Conservative Party, president of the CEC Ž. Pavilionis, emphasizing that the processes related to strengthening democracy are currently relevant throughout the world.

“When democracy in the world is under attack, for 14-15 years our democratic space in the world has been reduced, even within the states there is increasing resistance, radicalization, the traditional center in the United States is disappearing and the Political left and right are becoming radicalized, wars are beginning within the states, what the new government is emphasizing is, in essence, a hot topic: strengthening democratic processes within us and in the region.

The potential of our economic diplomacy has doubled in ten years, we are actively talking about the Eastern Partnership, but we are not developing it ourselves. Words must be translated into deeds through the diplomatic tools that we have and can develop. In the case of Belarus, we have a historical possibility of 10 million. to make the life of Europeans truly European, ”the politicians said about foreign policy and their ambitions.

There will be no changes, a rapprochement with the EU will be sought

Political scientist, professor at the Vilnius University Institute of International Relations and Political Science (VU TSPMI), Tomas Janeliūnas, pointed out that the declaration of values ​​related to democracy, human rights and the rule of law is not something new in the Lithuanian foreign policy configuration. According to him, we will probably not see significant changes in the work related to the implementation of foreign policy.

“It is not something very new or unexpected. Until this Government, this was declared and tried to implement. The protests of the Belarusian people against electoral fraud received very clear support from Lithuania. Not surprisingly, Sviatlana Cichanouskaja is in Lithuania. In one way or another, those actions that encouraged people to defend their freedom were really done, ”said the professor.

According to the political scientist from Vytautas Magnus University (VMU), Dr. Mindaugas Norkevičius’s main focus on foreign policy will in fact remain the main directions of Lithuania’s foreign policy and its observance, including positions on Russia. and Belarus. At the same time, a greater role for Lithuania in the EU institutions can be expected, which did not happen after the withdrawal of President Dalia Grybauskaitė from active politics.

“Relations with our neighbors may already be in the background when it comes to this value base. Although relations with neighbors should not be forgotten: strategic agreements were signed with both the Baltic states and Poland on the basis of cooperation values, from which current relations between states developed, however, that framework of values ​​that is now being emphasized is more focused on presenting a clear position on foreign and security affairs.

Another important moment is the trends of the EU’s foreign policy, where the value base and the adherence of the states to the common provisions and values ​​of the EU are emphasized. We see examples of states that do not follow these positions. It also means striving to maintain good relations in the EU institutions, “commented M. Norkevičius.

L. Kasčiūnas emphasized that in the context of cooperation with the EU, knowing the geopolitical situation in Lithuania, it will be important to fight so that European values ​​do not apply to one or the other, but apply to all.

Vytautas University political scientist Magnus M. Norkevičius noted that more active transatlantic cooperation can be expected. Ž testified to the strengthening of relations not only with the EU, but also with the US flag.

“It is very important not only for the EU, but also for the new Joe Biden administration.” Biden made it clear that this will be a fundamental difference with the Donald Trump administration: democracy will become the center of foreign policy. ” , detailed the politician.

Poland and Belarus

How will neighboring Poland and Belarus be treated in the context of a policy based on these values? Ž. Pavilionis assured that these problems, which arise in Poland due to a possible disregard for the rule of law, are resolved between democratic countries through the EU institutions. According to the politician, the EU was created to agree that democratic values ​​and the rule of law must become the basis of all. These problems must be addressed through the EU institutions, which have the tools.

In the case of Poland, the EU line must be followed, the political scientist M. Norkevičius also stressed.

“Relations with Poland are a very fragile line. Lithuania, as a neighboring country, should more clearly demonstrate its support for the common values ​​of the EU by sending a clear message to neighboring countries that do not adhere to these values ​​and here, First, there is Poland. We must not close our eyes, as is done in some cases in the Presidency, “he explained.

Therefore, in the planned foreign policy of the new government, as pointed out by T. Janeliūnas, professor at VU TSPMI, there will probably be a two-way movement in relations with Poland. At the highest level, the president, the government and perhaps even the foreign minister, it is very likely that the needs of Lithuania’s strategic partnership will be emphasized, emphasizing that security issues and energy cooperation are currently the main ones. Lithuanian priorities related to national interests and security.

“Cooperation in these areas is necessary regardless of who holds positions in the Government or the Presidency in Poland. Those issues do not change, even with the change of political forces. Movement in the other direction can be left to individual politicians, figures public individuals, that is, less formal actors and their right to express their positions, opinions on how human rights are respected or not in Poland. I think that this much more critical position will not be formally suppressed. they exist throughout Europe are also visible, but they will probably not change the positions of the highest government regarding cooperation priorities, ”said T. Janeliūnas.

In the case of Belarus, significant influence will once again be linked to action at the EU level.

We also have opportunities for bilateral action with representatives of the Belarusian opposition. In this sense, we have done more than any other country in the EU. On the other hand, the impact on the Aliaksandr Lukashenko regime only on the Lithuanian side is relatively small. The EU common position may have a greater but not decisive effect, “explained Professor T. Janeliūnas.

Will there not be tensions between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Presidency?

The politicians and political scientists interviewed have so far predicted that President Gitanas Nausėda and Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis should cooperate quite harmoniously and without great tension.
Ž. The pavilion recalled historical examples of foreign policy, which testify that Lithuania achieved all its objectives, all reforms and integration in the West were successful on one great condition: the total unity in foreign policy of the left, the right and various institutions. According to him, there are now full-minded and like-minded people in top cabinet positions, so unity with the president on foreign policy issues will be the key to success.

“I think cooperation should be fluid enough. In general, these institutions are already ‘supported’ in the past. On the one hand, there are diplomatic resources, on the other, political responsibility and decision-making at the highest level. I don’t think that that must change.
The Foreign Minister should not pose much competition to the Presidency. Of course, so far this is just a guess. When we see practical actions, we will know if this is confirmed, if the relatively smooth cooperation that has taken place so far will continue, ”predicted T. Janeliūnas.

NSGK President L. Kasčiūnas assured me that a state approach would prevail between the two poles of power. He did not rule out that there may be different accents, but it will be a difference in accents, and due to a value system approach.

Vytautas University political scientist Magnus M. Norkevičius pointed out that much will depend on the behavior of the head of state.

“I believe that the designated chancellor will look for starting points and points of connection with the Presidency. “Both national defense and foreign affairs are first and foremost the prerogative of the president, and the president himself must show the initiative of cooperation with ministers in these areas,” he said.