News

On 16 July, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Kęstutis Budrys, and the Ambassadors of the member states of the European Union accredited to Lithuania discussed the main items on the EU agenda and highlighted the priority to ensure adequate funding for new challenges facing the EU in the future EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) - defence and security, competitiveness, and support for Ukraine.

"The negotiations for the next EU budget have progressed; it is important to ensure an ambitious and balanced EU budget that allows us to support both traditional EU agricultural and cohesion policies and address new challenges facing the EU by strengthening defence and security while continuing to support Ukraine. Following the hybrid attacks experienced by the Baltic states, it is important that the priority of supporting the security of the eastern flank is clearly defined in the new EU financial perspective," said Budrys.

At the meeting, the Minister stressed the need to continue exerting pressure on Russia and to adopt the new 21st sanctions package as soon as possible, which would reduce Russia's energy revenues.

“The Russian war machine is driven by oil and gas exports. Every euro or dollar not received by the Kremlin means fewer opportunities to finance aggression and incite threats to European security," said Budrys.

While discussing regional security issues, the head of Lithuania's diplomacy stressed the importance of coordinated EU-NATO action to strengthen the capacity to face hybrid challenges, emphasized Belarus' continued pressure against neighbouring states and stressed the need to support Belarusian civil society.

The meeting also discussed preparations for Lithuania's Presidency of the Council of the EU, transatlantic relations and the situation in the Middle East.