The annual summit meeting of the three Presidents of the Baltic states took place at Riga Castle today.

During the summit, Valdis Zatlers, Valdas Adamkus, and Toomas Hendrik Ilves, the Presidents of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia, discussed matters pertaining to energy independence in the Baltic states. One focus was the construction of a new nuclear power plant at Ignalina. The three Presidents agreed that the plant is necessary, regardless of the position Poland may take, and emphasized that everything possible will be done to facilitate the project.

The Baltic heads of state also discussed other questions related to energy security and Baltic unity with regard to the energy policy of the European Union. The Presidents also talked about the EU Neighbourhood Policy and the compromise regarding the Reform Treaty agreed upon at the Lisbon Informal Summit.

Another subject of discussion between Presidents Zatlers, Adamkus, and Ilves was the upcoming implementation of the Schengen Agreement and how the daily lives of those living near the borders of the Baltic states will change once border controls are lifted on New Year's Eve.

The three Presidents also discussed the 90th anniversary of the independence proclamations all three Baltic states will celebrate next year.

President's Chancery