Vice-Minister Mitkus: The priorities of Lithuania's incoming Presidency of the Council of the EU – security, a strong economy, and the promotion of democratic values
On 16 June in Luxembourg at the meeting of the European Union (EU) General Affairs Council (GAC) the programme of the three presiding Member States—Ireland, Lithuania, and Greece—was approved. The European Union's General Affairs Council endorsed the programme that has been prepared by Ireland, Lithuania, and Greece as incoming presidencies.
In close collaboration, the three successive member states drafted a joint eighteen-month programme of the Council.
"Ireland, Lithuania, and Greece have set the three main priorities for the trio presidency: a free and democratic Europe, a strong and secure Europe, and a prosperous and competitive Europe. We will seek to respond to the key expectations of EU citizens while addressing the most pressing challenges of today. We will defend European values, which form the backbone of a strong, resilient, and united Europe. We will stress the importance of EU enlargement, as a foundational investment in the continent's peace, stability, and resilience, as well as seek a stronger, more resilient, and competitive European Union," stressed the Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Sigitas Mitkus.
The main priorities for the trio presidency of Ireland, Lithuania, and Greece include:
A free and democratic Europe. The vision of the programme is rooted in the European values of the rule of law, democracy, human rights, and equality. Resilient democracies are strengthened by ensuring free media, countering disinformation, and protecting historical facts from external manipulation.
A strong and secure Europe. Supporting Ukraine, Moldova, and the Western Balkans on their path to EU integration is a key task. Continuous support for Ukraine is emphasized, and control over the implementation of sanctions against Russia is strengthened. Significant attention is also given to enhancing the Eastern Partnership, defence capabilities, cooperation with NATO, and building resilience against hybrid threats. The protection of external borders and the fight against organised crime and migrant smuggling are strengthened. The emphasis is on ensuring energy security and price stability.
A prosperous and competitive Europe. The main objective is to agree on the EU’s next long-term budget for 2028-2034. The focus is on further deepening the Single Market, the Savings and Investments Union. The aim is also to promote an environment conducive to science and innovation, develop a resilient European Health Union alongside a robust biotechnology sector. Another goal is to advance quality jobs and affordable housing.
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