The President noted that the discussions on the multiannual financial perspective, climate change, relations with Russia, EU strategic agenda and the conference on the future of Europe would be highly important to Lithuania in the Council meeting.
As to the forthcoming negotiations on the EU multiannual financial framework, the President said that the proposal made by the Finnish Presidency was not acceptable to Lithuania. It paved the way for the emergence of a 'two-speed Europe' and did not provide adequate funding for the policies established by the EU Treaty – cohesion and agriculture – and for the new challenges of climate change, migration, and competitiveness.
“Finland proposes cutting funding for cohesion policy by 27 percent compared to the current financial framework, and the level of direct payments for agriculture remains three times lower than in some other EU countries. Therefore, Lithuania and other like-minded states seek a fair and balanced EU budget”, the President said.
The President emphasized the fact that the reduction of payments provided for in the multiannual financial framework would have a negative impact on delivering climate change objectives.
On the issue of climate change, the President also said that Lithuania, together with other EU member states, was in favor of shifting to a climate-neutral economy by 2050. This change requires a well-considered, socially fair and efficient economic transformation focused on sustainable growth.
“The transition to clean and sustainable energy must be based on safe and advanced technologies, and third countries are also encouraged to meet the highest environmental standards”, the President added.
The situation in Ukraine was also discussed at the meeting. The President shared his impressions and agreements reached with President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine during his visit to Lithuania. The President stressed the need for critical dialogue with Belarus and reminded that the security of the Ostravets NPP was a concern of the entire EU.
Reviewing prospects for relations with Russia, the President highlighted that EU sanctions must remain in place until the Minsk Agreements were fully implemented. “So far, there is no reason to lift the sanctions against Russia”, the President said.
The President gave an overview of the NATO Summit in London on December 3-4 and discussed opportunities for cooperation between the EU and NATO on security enhancement in Europe, fight against international terrorism, hybrid and cyber threats as well as climate change.
