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On 13 October in Luxembourg, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Sigitas Mitkus attended a meeting of the European Union (EU) General Affairs Council (GAC). Ministers discussed the EU’s 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), strengthening EU competitiveness and the EU’s legislative priorities.

The GAC also continued preparations for the European Council meeting on 15–16 October and discussed the simplification of EU legislation, democratic resilience and preparations for EU enlargement.

During the discussion on the future EU multiannual budget, Lithuania welcomed the efforts of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU to accelerate negotiations by presenting an updated negotiating package. Lithuania views positively the fact that the package safeguards cohesion policy, the Common Agricultural Policy and home affairs from funding cuts. At the same time, Lithuania stressed that a final agreement remained a long way off and expressed concern that the proposed overall direction of the negotiations would reduce funding for strategic programmes, including defence, military mobility and the Connecting Europe Facility. Lithuania also emphasised the need to maintain the ambitious overall level of funding proposed by the European Commission. Repeated calls to reduce the budget by hundreds of billions of euros will not help us reach a consensus.

“European security is a shared interest of the entire EU. The future EU budget must therefore reflect the real security challenges we face and ensure adequate funding for defence, strategic infrastructure, including projects such as Rail Baltica, and the resilience of the EU’s eastern border regions. It is important that new priorities are not financed at the expense of cohesion or agricultural policy,” Mitkus stressed.

At the Council, ministers adopted conclusions on inclusive participation in democratic processes and the resilience of society and communities. Lithuania supports initiatives aimed at encouraging citizens’ participation in democratic processes and strengthening civil society.

Discussing the EU simplification agenda and the implementation of the “One Europe, One Market” roadmap, the Vice-Minister stressed the need to accelerate the adoption of strategic initiatives, remove barriers within the Single Market and reduce the administrative burden on businesses.

“Simplification must deliver tangible results for businesses, making it easier for them to invest, grow and innovate. At the same time, we must ensure that strengthening EU competitiveness and economic security remain political priorities,” the Vice-Minister said.

In preparation for the European Council meeting, Lithuania stressed the need to continue strengthening comprehensive support for Ukraine, enhance Europe’s defence readiness and increase pressure on Russia.

During an informal breakfast, ministers discussed the participation of candidate countries in the European Centre for Democratic Resilience.

During an informal lunch, ministers discussed the European Commission’s communication on the EU’s preparedness for enlargement. Lithuania supports credible, merit-based enlargement and the gradual integration of candidate countries into the EU, while maintaining clear requirements and effective safeguards. It is particularly important to maintain support for Ukraine and ensure that its EU integration is steadily accelerated.

“EU enlargement is a strategic investment in Europe’s security and stability. We must enable candidate countries that are ready to move closer to membership as quickly as possible, while ensuring that the process remains firmly based on genuine progress and merit,” Vice-Minister Mitkus said.

The GAC also discussed progress in implementing the EU’s 2026 legislative priorities and reviewed the rule of law situation in Hungary under Article 7(1) of the Treaty on European Union.

Photo: European Union