At an event organized by the Geopolitics and Security Studies Center (GSSC), the Head of State, reflecting on the foreign policy of the restored independent state of Lithuania, emphasized that its success was largely due to the adoption of a well-chosen doctrine. This doctrine included membership in the European Union and NATO, as well as the pursuit of good neighborly relations. As Lithuania joined the EU and NATO, it began to embrace a new, broader vision, positioning the country as a regional leader. Today, an active foreign policy has to be supported by the growth of Lithuania’s economic and defense capabilities, as well as the strengthening of its internal resilience.
“Two decades ago, when we outlined Lithuania’s new foreign policy guidelines, we emphasized that security and the prosperity of citizens are the two fundamental objectives of the state—so intertwined that the line between domestic and foreign policy becomes indistinguishable,” the Head of State said, highlighting the reduction of exclusion as the most direct way to strengthen the state.
Gitanas Nausėda stressed that the pursuit of prosperity and economic well-being cannot run against the core values of foreign policy. Acknowledging that Russia will pose the greatest threat in the medium and long term, Lithuania must remain active in the European Union and NATO, set an example by increasing defense spending, and mobilize the resolve and efforts of allies to support Ukraine.
According to the Head of State, it is the value-based foreign policy that helps us stay on course and navigate challenges with stability.
“Today we see that a strong values-based policy is not a choice but a necessity. There are growing signs that not only the prosperity of Western civilization, but also its survival, is at risk. We can only withstand the increasing pressure on our democratic values by continuing to support the development of democracy beyond our borders,” the President pointed out.
According to the Head of State, Lithuania needs to do everything possible to support Ukraine, whose fight for freedom buys Europe more time to strengthen its own security. Gitanas Nausėda reiterated support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Victory Plan and for Ukraine’s aspirations to become a NATO member.
On security for Europe as a whole, the Head of State emphasized the need for the rapid development of security capabilities and the defense industry, in cooperation with the U.S., as well as the need for better border protection. According to the President, the European Union will not be strong without a strong NATO and a solid transatlantic link underpinning common security. Therefore, relations with the U.S. have always been, and will continue to be, a priority of the highest strategic importance for Lithuania.
The Head of State highlighted several key tasks that lie ahead for Lithuania in working with the new U.S. administration, including ensuring transatlantic ties, mobilizing Europe’s domestic military capabilities, and supporting the U.S. global agenda in response to the threat posed by the emerging axis of authoritarian regimes, including Russia, Belarus, China, North Korea, and Iran. To meet these challenges, it is essential to share the burden of defense spending fairly with other European countries, maintain flexibility in military procurement, improve coordination between the EU and NATO, and seek a unified position on China.
Gitanas Nausėda welcomed the excellent relations with Poland, with which Lithuania is collaborating in the Three Seas Initiative, expanding defense cooperation, and strengthening NATO’s eastern flank. He also highlighted the strong relations with the other Baltic States and the accession of Sweden and Finland to NATO. The President emphasized that the strategic partnership between Lithuania and Germany deserves special attention, as demonstrated once again by Germany’s decision to deploy a brigade in Lithuania.
