Lithuania’s Andriukaitis praises Mogherini’s plan for Russia as “constructive”

“There are just two initiatives: to aggravate everyone’s situation or to look for ways out. Constructive paths always leave open windows, hence Mogherini’s plan of open windows is constructive. I had a meeting with the Russian minister for agriculture today and we agreed that we should discuss the [situation relating to] swine fever and this is relevant to Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. We agreed to move forward while looking for ways out,” the Lithuanian EU commissioner told reporters on the sidelines of the International Green Week Berlin 2015 on Friday.

He would not speculate about possible changes in Russia’s approach towards sanctions against the Union’s farm products, which might be triggered by such a plan. In his view, any easing of sanctions should be part of overall efforts.

“I think everything comes together. Obviously, it’s necessary to open windows for various opportunities in the first place and to monitor progress in those processes. In this particular case, making forecasts is not a good idea. However, it’s necessary to act,” Andriukaitis said.

Media reports earlier said that Mogherini had sent a discussion paper to the 28 Member States of the EU, spelling out options for future relations with Russia. The document reportedly speaks about a partial resumption of relations with Russia in exchange for gradual measures from Moscow, which would help mitigate the crisis in Ukraine.

The Union’s foreign policy chiefs will discuss these proposals on Monday.