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On 6 October, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Sigitas Mitkus represented Lithuania on behalf of President Gitanas Nausėda at a meeting of the Friends of Competitiveness Group, held in preparation for the European Council meeting scheduled for 15-16 October in Brussels. The virtual meeting focused on the competitiveness of the European Union economy, energy prices and international trade relations.

Addressing Europe’s competitiveness, Vice-Minister Mitkus, speaking on behalf of the President, stressed that the priority should be to implement decisions that have already been agreed and to fully unlock the potential of the EU Single Market. According to the Vice-Minister, the One Europe, One Market action plan must deliver tangible results for businesses and the European economy.

“Europe’s competitiveness will be strengthened not by new promises, but by delivering on what we have already agreed. We must remove barriers within the Single Market, reduce administrative burdens and create better conditions for businesses to grow,” said Mitkus.

The Vice-Minister underlined that efforts to simplify EU rules must bring real and noticeable benefits for businesses by reducing red tape. Lithuania will pursue this objective during its Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Speaking on energy prices, Vice-Minister Mitkus emphasised that short-term measures must be complemented by long-term solutions. Alongside the expansion of renewable energy, it is essential to strengthen electricity grids and interconnections, increase energy storage capacity and enhance system flexibility.

“As winter approaches, we must ensure that our gas supply chains remain reliable and that gas storage facilities are sufficiently filled. At the same time, we need long-term solutions to make energy prices lower and more stable. Europe’s response should not turn into a subsidy race. Instead, we must reduce our dependence on imported fossil fuels and invest in a resilient energy system,” the Vice-Minister said.

On international trade relations, Mitkus stressed that Europe must strengthen ties with reliable partners, reduce strategic dependencies and maintain a united position in its relations with China.

“We must strengthen the transatlantic partnership while also safeguarding fair competition. Europe must speak with one voice and be prepared to defend its interests,” he said.

On behalf of the President, the Vice-Minister also highlighted the importance of reducing trade barriers affecting European exports of agricultural and food products and high-tech goods, while continuing to expand the European Union’s network of free trade agreements. This would help European companies access new markets and strengthen Europe’s economic security.

The meeting was organised by Italy, Germany and Belgium.