DISINFO: The Baltic countries live mainly at the expense of the EU budget

Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation undermining the statehood and questioning the economic efficiency of the Baltic countries. Lithuania and Latvia were among Europe's 10 fastest growing economies in 2016, according to the World Economic Forum. The Baltic countries have been a showcase of successful transformation after regaining independence following 50 years of Soviet occupation. This includes free market economies, well-functioning democratic institutions and legal systems. See further information here and here. In 1995, in Latvia, GDP per capita was 2.327 USD compared to 13.664 USD in 2015. In 1995, EE GDP per capita was 3.036 USD compared to 17.295 USD in 2015 as can be seen here. More about the Baltic countries' economy can be read here. The total EU contribution in Lithuania was €1.575 billion, which is 3.90 % of Lithuanian gross national income (GNI), in Estonia - €0.648 2.87% of Estonian GNI and in Latvia €0.737 billion, 2.76 % of Latvian gross national income. At the same time the Baltic countries, as all member states, contribute to the EU budget. The Lithuanian contribution to the EU budget was €0.274 billion, 0.68 % of its GNI: The Estonian contribution was €0.154 billion or 0.68 % of its GNI. For Latvia it was €0.184 billion, 0.69 % of GNI. Member countries' financial contributions to the EU budget are shared fairly, according to means. More information about pre-allocations assigned to Member States in certain policy areas can be consulted here.