“Current geopolitical threats demand unity, responsibility and decisive action. Europe has underinvested in defense for many years, but today we must act resolutely. Lithuania is doing so – our defense budget in 2026 will reach 5 percent of GDP,” the President said.
The Lithuanian President emphasized the need to maintain strong European support for Ukraine – military, financial and humanitarian. He highlighted that Ukraine’s security guarantee would be its membership in the European Union and expressed support for setting a target accession date of 2030.
During the meeting, the President noted that this year Lithuania, together with the other Baltic States, has achieved full energy independence and welcomed Austria’s decision to end imports of Russian gas as a bold and principled step towards strengthening Europe’s energy security.
Speaking on the importance of historical memory, the President stressed that a united Europe must openly identify the crimes of both twentieth-century totalitarian regimes – Nazism and Stalinism. He also expressed hope that Austria will support the Memorial to the Victims of Totalitarian Regimes project in Brussels.
The two presidents discussed opportunities for mutual economic cooperation, particularly in high technology, life sciences, renewable energy, and cybersecurity.
“Lithuania offers an attractive investment environment, and our strong biotechnology and medical research sectors align well with the interests of Austria’s high-tech companies,” the President emphasized.
The President also highlighted the special role of cultural ties in bilateral relations. He noted the long-standing cooperation between Lithuania and Salzburg and welcomed the active engagement of artists from both countries.
