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On 5 November, Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Kęstutis Budrys met with Hungarian Foreign Minister Anita Orban. The ministers discussed bilateral relations between Lithuania and Hungary, support for Ukraine, EU enlargement and economic security, as well as the priorities of Lithuania’s forthcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Budrys thanked Hungary for its contribution to the security of NATO’s eastern flank through its participation in NATO’s air defence mission in the Baltic states.

“We appreciate Hungary’s contribution to strengthening the security of NATO’s eastern flank and look forward to continuing our close cooperation on security and other issues of importance to our countries and Europe as a whole. A united and strong Europe is more important today than ever before,” said Budrys.

During the meeting, Budrys presented the priorities of Lithuania’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, including strengthening European security and defence, enhancing competitiveness and advancing EU enlargement.

“The European Union must maintain a credible, merit-based enlargement process. Ukraine is making progress in implementing reforms, and accession negotiations must therefore move forward. Ukraine’s place is in the European Union,” Lithuania’s Foreign Minister emphasised.

Discussing Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, Budrys stressed the need to maintain and increase support for Kyiv and to continue exerting pressure on Russia.

“We must step up support for Ukraine, increase sanctions pressure on Russia and ensure that the aggressor is held accountable for violations of international law,” said Budrys.

Minister Budrys emphasised that Russia continues to pose a threat to European and NATO security and that it is therefore essential to increase defence investment, strengthen the defence industry and maintain a strong transatlantic bond.

“Russia is constantly testing NATO and our readiness to defend every inch of Alliance territory. Europe must therefore strengthen its defence and maintain a strong transatlantic bond,” said Budrys.

The ministers also discussed growing trade ties between Lithuania and Hungary, opportunities for cooperation in technology, life sciences and the defence industry, as well as the need to strengthen Europe’s resilience to economic coercion and reduce dependencies on non-democratic regimes.