The European Commission recently issued additional guidance on transit, allowing Russia to transport some sanctioned goods via the EU to Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave. MP Saudargas believes that this was not Lithuania’s defeat but rather the defeat of Brussels, Berlin and Washington.
“We do not make decisions alone. If we consider what happened to be the loss of the democratic world to the undemocratic world, a manifestation of policy of concessions, non-escalation and softer approach by major countries, then we may assume this to be Brussels’, Berlin’s or Washington’s defeat, but not Vilnius’ defeat. Lithuania is doing what it can do,” Saudargas told the radio station Žinių Radijas on Wednesday.
Therefore, considering all of this, the politician does not rule out that the opposition may decide not to interpellate the foreign minister during parliament’s autumn session, especially as the presidency is also critical of the idea of an interpolation.
“Perhaps seeing this situation the opposition will back down,” said Saudargas.
As reported, following the European Union’s sanctions, Lithuania restricted the transit of steel and other ferrous metals to Kaliningrad Oblast on 17 June. On 10 July, restrictions on Russian cement, alcoholic beverages and some luxurious goods were applied. However, on 13 July, the European Commission published additional guidance on transit, allowing Russia to transport some sanctioned goods via the EU to non-contiguous parts of Russia. However, the volume of goods in transit cannot exceed the 3-year historic average, while transport of military and dual-use goods is prohibited.
