News

On 14 September, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Lina Rukštelienė met with Cillian Lohan, President of the Civil Society Organisations' Group of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC).

The meeting focused primarily on Lithuania’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2027, including discussions on Lithuania’s presidency priorities and cooperation with the EESC. The participants also emphasized the role of organized civil society in strengthening societal resilience and fostering democracy.

“The involvement of civil society is an important part of a successful Presidency. We seek the active participation of non-governmental organizations, communities, and citizens, as well as close cooperation with the European Economic and Social Committee. We aim for active participation by non-governmental organizations, communities, and citizens, and close cooperation with the European Economic and Social Committee both in preparation for and during Lithuania's Presidency,” said Vice-Minister Rukštelienė.

According to the Vice-Minister, the activities of Lithuanian civil society and nongovernmental organizations, especially in the regions, bring communities together and help strengthen societal resilience. Their role is important not only during Lithuania’s Presidency of the Council of the EU, but also in the day-to-day work of strengthening democracy and fostering European values.

Rukštelienė also emphasized the importance of the EESC Bureau’s visit to Vilnius this November. The visit will provide an opportunity to present the priorities of Lithuania's Presidency and to strengthen cooperation with the EESC.

The meeting also addressed the close cooperation between Lithuanian and Ukrainian non-governmental organizations, which contributes to strengthening the capacity and resilience of Ukrainian civil society.