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On 25 February, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Sigitas Mitkus, attended the General Affairs Council of the European Union in Brussels. The Ministers discussed the preparations for the European Council to be held on 20-21 March and exchanged views based on the European Commission’s 2025 work programme, annual and multiannual legislative programming, and the future of Europe.

“In March European Council will make important decisions on Ukraine and competitiveness issues,” said the Foreign Vice-Minister. Mitkus also stressed the need for urgent solutions regarding security and defence funding. He also called on the Commission to move fast on proposals for joint borrowing and to loosen fiscal spending rules for defence. When speaking about Ukraine, the Vice-Minister highlighted the decision making principle of “Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine, nothing about Europe without Europe.” According to him, the main goal that aligns with  Ukraine’s interests is to achieve a just peace and stop Russian aggression. In addition, Mitkus called for an acceleration of accession negotiations with Ukraine on  by oppening at least two of the planned clusters during the Polish Presidency.

At the March European Council, the EU leaders are also expected to discuss competitiveness and the EU’s next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). As regards the next MFF, the Vice-Minister stressed that the budget needed to be bigger and more ambitious. Mitkus highlighted the need to boost the EU’s competitiveness by deepening the single market through private investment and by strengthening the defence industry.

Regarding the annual and multiannual legislative programming, the Vice-Minister underlined that Lithuania welcomed the Commission’s work programme for 2025 as a solid start for the new Commission and an essential contribution to the implementation of the EU’s strategic agenda. He stressed that security and defence, competitiveness and EU enlargement remain the main long-term objectives. According to him particular attention must be paid to the full support for Ukraine and to an immediate response to the Russian aggression, to the strengthening of the EU’s defence and the need to address migration and the security of critical infrastructure.

Ministers also held an exchange of views in Brussels on the future of Europe, focusing on four areas: EU values, policies, budget and governance. Mitkus stressed that it was more important than ever before to ensure that the EU remained a stronghold of fundamental values and rights.

“We have to implement our commitments internally, but we also should take responsibility to  and set an example in the neighbourhood and the world,” said the Vice-Minister.

Mitkus emphasized that the EU must speak with one voice to achieve its global goals. Therefore, unity and solidarity are essential. He also highlighted the importance of the rule of law as a foundational pillar of the EU and called for accelerating Ukraine’s EU membership process