Politics
Metsola in Lithuania: Freedom Prize awarded to the European Parliament
At the award ceremony today in Vilnius, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola thanked the Seimas, the Lithuanian Parliament, for its decision to honour the European Parliament with the 2023 Freedom Prize.
President Metsola said in her keynote speech marking the Day of Defenders of Freedom:
“This award does the European Parliament a great honour. It will inspire us to continue our support of democracy. It will inspire us to stand up for Europe. Lithuania knows only too well what is at stake. Why we need Europe to stand up for our freedoms and our values. Why we must stand firmly for Ukraine. Why Europe must be the light that the world sees.”
On 23 November 2023, the Seimas awarded the European Parliament and Petras Plumpa, political prisoner and participant in the Lithuanian unarmed anti-Soviet resistance, with the 2023 Freedom Prize of the Republic of Lithuania.
The European Parliament received the Prize for its current efforts to consolidate democracy and human rights, for defending the right of nations to sovereignty, for its unrelenting efforts towards historical justice, for supporting the cause of Lithuania’s freedom and the aspiration of the Soviet-occupied Baltic States towards independence, for the diplomatic assistance to Lithuania that restored its independence, and for its contribution to EU integration. As far back as 1983, the European Parliament adopted a resolution condemning the Soviet Union’s occupation of the Baltic States.
President Metsola´s visit to Lithuania kicked off a series of visits to Member States to ‘Get out the vote’ in the run up to the European elections on 6-9 June. During her visits, the President meets with the country’s leadership, and holds town hall discussions with young people and civil society representatives to highlight the importance of election participation and strengthening democracy.
You can find the full speech of President Metsola here.
President Metsola awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas
On Friday 12 January 2024, President of the Republic of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas to the President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola “for her leadership and personal will to effectively consolidate strong support of the majority of the European Parliament’s political groups on key issues relevant to the European Union’s and Lithuania’s political agenda”.
President Metsola wholeheartedly thanked President Nauseda and the people of Lithuania for the prestigious award:
“It serves as a constant reminder of our duty to defend democracy, freedom and our common European values.”
Background
The Freedom Prize of the Republic of Lithuania is awarded every year on 13 January, the Day of the Defenders of Freedom, to mark the events of 13 January 1991, when Soviet troops stormed the Lithuanian Parliament, the TV Tower, and the Lithuanian Radio and Television building, killing 11 peaceful citizens and injuring hundreds of others.
The Freedom Prize was established in 2011 to honour individuals and organisations for their achievements in and contribution to the defence of human rights, development of democracy, and promotion of international cooperation for the cause of self-determination and sovereignty of the nations in Central and Eastern Europe.
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EU and UAE Deepen Strategic Ties as Fourth High-Level Political Dialogue Concludes in Abu Dhabi
ABU DHABI — In a significant step toward strengthening diplomatic and economic cooperation between Europe and the Gulf, the European Union and the United Arab Emirates concluded their Fourth High-Level Political Dialogue on Monday in Abu Dhabi. The talks marked a turning point in bilateral relations, with both sides agreeing to intensify collaboration not only through trade but also on pressing regional and global security issues.
Co-chaired by Deputy Secretary-General of the European External Action Service for Political Affairs Olof Skoog and H.E. Lana Nusseibeh , Assistant Minister for Political Affairs and the Foreign Minister’s Envoy for the EU, the dialogue underscored the growing strategic alignment between the two partners amid shifting global dynamics.
One of the most anticipated outcomes of the meeting was the landmark announcement of the launch of free trade negotiations between the EU and the UAE — a move that promises to deepen economic integration and boost investment flows between the regions. Officials described the decision as a “win-win” for both parties, reflecting shared interests in stability, innovation, and sustainable development.
“The EU-UAE partnership is more than just diplomacy,” said Skoog in a joint press statement. “It’s about building resilience together — economically, politically, and regionally.”
Toward a Strategic Partnership Agreement
Beyond trade, both sides expressed strong support for elevating the relationship through the conclusion of a EU-UAE Strategic Partnership Agreement , which would institutionalize cooperation across a broad spectrum of issues. Such an agreement would allow for greater coordination on foreign policy, defense, energy transition, climate action, and technological innovation.
The dialogue also reaffirmed the importance of multilateral engagement, with both parties emphasizing the need to uphold international law and work together within global institutions such as the United Nations and the G20.
Addressing Regional Challenges
In a wide-ranging discussion on regional affairs, EU and UAE officials exchanged views on several conflict zones and volatile situations:
- Gaza : Both sides called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, the release of hostages, and urgent humanitarian aid access.
- Lebanon and Syria : Concerns were raised over the ongoing political instability and the humanitarian toll of protracted crises.
- Iran and Yemen : Participants emphasized the need for de-escalation and inclusive political solutions to reduce tensions and promote regional security.
- Red Sea Security : With rising maritime threats, both parties agreed on the importance of safeguarding vital shipping routes and coordinating naval efforts.
- Sudan : The EU and UAE reiterated their calls for an end to violence and a return to civilian-led governance.
- Ukraine : The EU welcomed the UAE’s continued diplomatic engagement on the issue, while reaffirming its stance against Russia’s aggression.
Strengthening EU-GCC Cooperation
Looking ahead, the EU and UAE also discussed ways to deepen EU-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) ties , particularly in light of the upcoming UAE presidency of the GCC later this year. This follows up on commitments made during the October 2024 EU-GCC Summit in Brussels , where leaders from both regions pledged closer collaboration on energy, trade, and regional security.
The dialogue concluded with a shared commitment to continue fostering trust and cooperation, not only between the EU and UAE, but also in support of broader regional stability and prosperity.
As the world faces unprecedented geopolitical challenges, the deepening EU-UAE partnership may serve as a crucial bridge between East and West — one built not only on shared interests, but on shared values.
United Arab Emirates: 4th High-level Political Dialogue held in Abu Dhabi on 27 May
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- EIB Global and Kazakhstan Housing Company sign accord to promote energy-efficient homes in country.
- Agreement comes in wake of first EU-Central Asia summit.
- The company will also benefit from technical assistance provided under the joint EIB and GIZ initiative, FELICITY II.
The European Investment Bank’s development arm (EIB Global) and state-owned Kazakhstan Housing Company JSC are teaming up to increase the number of energy-efficient and sustainable homes in Kazakhstan.
EIB Vice-President Kyriacos Kakouris and Altay Kuzdibayev, chairman of the management board of Kazakhstan Housing Company, signed a memorandum of understanding today in the Kazakh capital Astana for financing to build energy-efficient homes.
“We will work closely with Kazakhstan Housing Company to explore financing opportunities for housing projects that meet high energy-efficiency standards,” said EIB Vice-President Kakouris. “The agreement reflects a commitment by the European Union and the bank to deepening our strategic partnership with central Asia. Contributing to the sustainable future of the region through initiatives like this one is a high priority for us.”
This new accord is part of an initiative – FELICITY II Cities Advisory Facility – undertaken jointly by the EIB and German development agency Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). The initiative is supported by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action of Germany to support low-carbon investments in countries in eastern Europe and central Asia.
“Improving people’s quality of life and developing a modern, comfortable urban environment are the key priorities of Kazakhstan Housing Company. Signing a memorandum with EIB Global is an important step in the implementation of long-term international cooperation initiatives that are in line with both national priorities and global climate challenges. We are confident that this partnership will contribute to the formation of a new standard of housing and the development of sustainable and energy efficient housing projects in Kazakhstan,” said Kazakhstan Housing Company Management Board Chairman Kuzdibayev.
The memorandum of understanding builds on the first EU-Central Asia summit held in April 2025, when government leaders pledged to strengthen ties between the two regions. During the summit, EIB Global announced plans to expand its strategic investments in sustainable development across central Asia.
GIZ, which was represented at today’s signing event in Astana, , in cooperation with the German Energy Agency (dena) will offer technical assistance to Kazakhstan Housing Company under FELICITY II.
Cooperation between the EIB and Kazakhstan Housing Company creates a real opportunity to accelerate the low-carbon transformation of Kazakhstan’s building sector, which accounts for a third of the country’s energy use,” said GIZ Project Director André Fabian. “It will also stimulate the market for energy-efficient construction and foster the uptake of innovative technologies and services.” The signing took place during the Astana International Forum, an annual conference that promotes global dialogue and attracts leaders of governments, international organisations, businesses and academic institutions. At the Forum, EIB Vice-President Kakouris participated in panel discussions on water security, global trade and climate action.
Background information
About EIB Global
The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by the Member States. It finances investments that pursue EU policy objectives.
EIB Global is the EIB Group’s specialised arm devoted to increasing the impact of international partnerships and development finance, and a key partner of Global Gateway. It aims to support €100 billion of investment by the end of 2027 – around one-third of the overall target of this EU initiative. Within Team Europe, EIB Global fosters strong, focused partnerships alongside fellow development finance institutions and civil society. EIB Global brings the EIB Group closer to people, companies and institutions through its offices across the world.
Photos of EIB headquarters for media use are available here
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