The President noted that this was his second meeting with the King of Sweden within two weeks, which once again confirms the excellent relations between Lithuania and Sweden and the close bilateral cooperation that must continue to be strengthened.

The meeting covered cooperation between Lithuania and Sweden in security and defense, energy security, protection of critical infrastructure, resilience, the economy, and other fields. The President emphasized that a strong Nordic–Baltic partnership is the foundation of regional security.

Gitanas Nausėda noted that the security of the Baltic states is inseparable from the security of the Nordic countries. The President also drew attention to hybrid threats posed by Russia and Belarus, including the instrumentalization of illegal migration and incidents involving smuggled balloons that pose a danger to civil aviation.

According to the President, in order to ensure regional security, it is necessary to further strengthen the defense of NATO’s eastern flank, maintain a strong transatlantic bond, and continue comprehensive support for Ukraine. “Events in the Middle East must not divert our attention from Ukraine. Today, Ukraine is fighting not only for its own future but for the future of all of Europe,” the President said during the meeting.

Gitanas Nausėda emphasized that Sweden is a strategic economic partner of Lithuania and one of the largest investors in the country. “Sweden is one of Lithuania’s most important economic partners and investors. We value close business ties and see significant potential to further strengthen cooperation in innovation, energy, and other strategic areas,” the President said.

The meeting also addressed the close historical and cultural ties between Lithuania and Sweden. According to the head of state, the Baltic Sea has long connected both nations through trade, culture, and people-to-people contacts, while today Lithuania and Sweden are united by a shared Nordic–Baltic identity and common strategic interests.

The President also highlighted the active role of the Lithuanian community in Sweden in fostering close ties between the two countries. “Our countries are bound not only by strategic interests but also by strong people-to-people and cultural ties,” he said.

The President thanked the King and Queen for their contribution to strengthening relations between the people of Lithuania and Sweden and for the close cooperation between the two countries.

www.lrp.lt

 

Pashinyan opened his address by saying that, since his last visit to the European Parliament in 2023, changes of centennial — if not millennial — significance have taken place in Armenia and in the South Caucasus. “The most memorable of these changes is the establishment of peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, formalised on 8 August 2025 in Washington DC, when President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan and I signed a Joint Declaration in the White House, effectively securing peace between our two nations”, he said.

Pashinyan also highlighted the Armenian government’s intention to take the next steps as regards the US-brokered TRIPP infrastructure programme, which is intended to establish unimpeded, multimodal transit connectivity on Armenian territory and connect the main part of Azerbaijan with its Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.

Latest developments in Armenia

The Armenian Prime Minister touched upon the latest political developments in Armenia, ongoing efforts to resettle Armenians who fled the previous conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh in the Republic of Armenia, attempts by certain clergy and political opposition forces to undermine peace efforts, and attempts to secure the freedom of Armenian prisoners of war still held captive in Azerbaijan.

Addressing those issues is critical to the current peace process, he said: “We are criticised for the fact that the peace established between Armenia and Azerbaijan is not perfect. But I ask you: Where is peace perfect? Where has perfect peace ever existed, and when? (...) On the contrary, it is the will to care for peace that can bring it as close to perfection as possible (...).”

Continue reforms with support from European partners

Pashinyan further highlighted his country’s adoption of the law on the “Launch of the Process of the Republic of Armenia’s Accession to the European Union”, which initiates the process of Armenia’s accession to the EU. (...) Now, after the adoption of this law, many in Armenia ask: When will Armenia become a member of the European Union? Our answer is very clear: No country can become a member of the EU without meeting its standards. Therefore, our task is to continue the path of reforms with the support of our European partners and first objectively meet the EU’s accession criteria.”

He also said that one of the biggest obstacles on Armenia’s path to EU integration at this moment is the frozen state of political dialogue between the EU and Georgia. “Georgia is our path to the European Union, and we adopted the law on the Launch of the Process of the Republic of Armenia’s Accession to the European Union after Georgia received EU candidate status. This made Armenia’s EU membership perspective tangible, and our expectation and request is that the constructive EU-Georgia process will develop. This is as important for Armenia as it is for Georgia.”

The Armenian Prime Minister concluded by saying that the upcoming parliamentary elections in Armenia on 7 June must serve to cement peace. “Our democracy must make peace irreversible, and then peace will make democracy irreversible.”

Ref.: 20260306IPR37529
www.europarl.europa.eu

 

Cyprus holds the presidency of the Council until the end of June 2026. This text will be updated regularly as the hearings take place.

Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Committee

On 26 January, Minister of Justice and Public Order Costas Fitiris highlighted gender equality as a core focus of the presidency, with particular emphasis on combating gender-based violence, including online violence. He also referenced strengthening prevention, support to victims and promoting gender mainstreaming across EU policies, plus the upcoming 2026–2030 EU gender equality strategy, as key priorities.

MEPs pushed for a stronger intersectional approach, calling for continued attention to sexual and reproductive health and rights, LGBTQI equality, and gender budgeting. They warned of an ongoing and widespread backlash against women’s rights, highlighted emerging risks linked to digital platforms and artificial intelligence (AI), and called for progress on the long-stalled anti-discrimination directive.

Culture and Education Committee

On 27 January, Deputy Minister for Culture Vasiliki Kassianidou highlighted the “cultural compass for Europe” as key step towards placing culture at the heart of EU policymaking, and the AgoraEU 2028–2034 programme as an initiative to strengthen culture and media as democratic public goods. The Cyprus Presidency also plans to advance discussions on the EU work programme for culture, enhance media literacy, and address the protection and return of cultural goods.

Many MEPs stressed the need for adequate funding for culture and media in the EU’s next long-term budget. Some highlighted the role of culture and media in countering disinformation, while others called for stronger support for independent cultural creators, better working conditions in the artistic sector, and improved media literacy.

Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee

On 27 January, Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry Michael Damianos said the presidency will prioritise the 2030 consumer agenda, the protection of minors online, and action to tackle deceptive consumer practices. Other priorities outlined by Nicodemos Damianou, Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy included progressing quickly on all digital omnibus files and concluding negotiations on the customs reform and posting of workers rules.

MEPs questioned the presidency on its plans to strengthen EU digital sovereignty and leadership, notably on digital infrastructure and cybersecurity, amid growing foreign algorithmic interference. They called for stronger enforcement of the Digital Services Act and the Artificial Intelligence Act and asked about a potential social media ban for minors. MEPs sought further clarity on the presidency’s support for a European preference in public procurement and on the stalled late payments file.

Transport and Tourism Committee

On 27 January, Alexis Vafeades, Minister of Transport, stressed that the presidency will focus on air passenger rights, greener, safer, more efficient and competitive transport, and advancing dual use infrastructure. Marina Hadjimanolis, Deputy Minister of Shipping, highlighted the upcoming EU industrial maritime strategy and a declaration on seafarers. Kostas Koumis, Deputy Minister of Tourism, said that his country will drive the evaluation of a 2030 EU tourism agenda to implement and debate the EU strategy on sustainable tourism.

MEPs emphasised that Parliament stands united behind air passengers and will not allow the watering down of their existing rights. Some MEPs committed to deliver on Parliament’s position on roadworthiness, and asked the presidency to advance the work on the automotive package. Securing adequate financial support for EU cross-border infrastructure, resilience and alternative fuels were amongst other points mentioned by MEPs.

Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee

On 27 January, Minister of Justice and Public Order Constantinos Fitiris highlighted the fight against serious and organised crime, drug trafficking and terrorism, child sexual abuse and digital threats, as well as the need to reinforce cooperation through Europol and strengthen external borders. Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection Nicholas A. Ioannides identified migration as a priority, with a focus on implementing the Migration and Asylum Pact and strengthening returns through deeper partnerships with non-EU countries.

Many MEPs called for stronger interoperability to support law enforcement and asylum systems. Several MEPs stressed the need to protect those fighting organised crime, strengthen action on deradicalisation and safeguard data protection. Others raised questions on border control, returns and solidarity, and the need to address hate crime.

Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna stressed that the rule of law is a cornerstone of the European project and essential for the functioning of the single market. She highlighted the presidency’s focus on advancing the Article 7 procedure and taking forward simplification and better regulation.

Many MEPs raised questions on how to respond to new threats such as organised crime, foreign interference and disinformation. Some MEPs stressed the need to ensure judicial independence and a consistent application of rule of law principles, while others highlighted the importance of adequate funding in the next EU long-term budget.

Fisheries Committee

On 27 January, Maria Panayiotou, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, said the presidency will work on strengthening the common fisheries policy (CFP). They will also try to ensure that the needs of the fisheries and aquaculture sectors are reflected in the EU’s new long-term budget. The presidency also expects to finalise negotiations on the implementation into EU law of the rules on regional fisheries management organisations and to make progress on the sustainable fisheries partnerships with Mauritania and Morocco.

MEPs unanimously considered "unacceptable" the reduction envisaged in the next long-term budget for fisheries. They called for the simplification of fisheries laws, modernisation of the EU’s fishing fleet, and for a pragmatic approach to decarbonisation. MEPs also asked questions about guaranteeing equal opportunities between EU and third-country fisheries and on the use of flags of convenience.

International Trade Committee

On 27 January, Michael Damianos, Minister for Energy, Commerce and Industry said that a rules-based, open but frank relationship with other countries should be at the heart of EU trade relations. At the same time, the EU must defend its values and its legislative independence.

MEPs questioned the minister on the Presidency’s strategy on transatlantic relations, Mercosur, a proposal to counteract steel overcapacity, and the ratification of free trade agreements (notably India and the Philippines). Other questions focused on the reform and strengthening of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), preserving the resilience of the EU’s supply chains, and intensifying the EU response to Russian aggression against Ukraine.

Legal Affairs Committee

On 28 January, Minister of Justice and Public Order Constantinos Fytiris stressed the need to make advances on legislation relating to the protection of adults, with negotiations expected to start in March. He also committed to bridging differences between EU countries on parenthood rules. Other priorities are the 28th regime - a new set of company rules applicable across the EU, EU rules on patents, and a copyright framework adapted to new technologies.

MEPs inquired about possible investment in the judicial system in the EU’s next long-term budget, European cross-border associations - on which member states raised serious concerns, the temporary application of the Mercosur deal, and Russia’s accountability for its war on Ukraine.

Foreign Affairs Committee

On 28 January, Minister for Foreign Affairs Constantinos Kombos focused on European autonomy and enhanced partnerships around the world as the best way to protect the EU’s security. Supporting Ukraine remains a priority, including throughout sanctions, he said, adding that transatlantic relations should be preserved via constructive dialogue and by working with confidence on contentious issues. Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna stressed the importance of EU enlargement as a strategic investment in the EU’s future.

MEPs asked about advancing the enlargement process and the associated need to reform the EU. They inquired about Türkiye’s role in the EU's security and defence, and if the Greenland crisis could be resolved during the Cypriot Presidency. MEPs also focused on the EU’s engagement in Gaza, measures against the regime in Iran, and the Middle East more generally.

Security and Defence Committee

On 28 January, Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas said the Presidency will focus on continuing to support Ukraine, strengthening Europe’s defence industry, speeding up defence readiness and innovation, investing in maritime security and supporting humanitarian operations, including the evacuation of non-combatant personnel. He also highlighted issues linked to economic security, including addressing threats to critical infrastructure and defence supply-chain vulnerabilities.

MEPs asked about a range of topics, including maritime security, European flagship defence projects, and how to address the use of drones in modern warfare. The possible operationalisation of the EU’s mutual defence clause, EU support loan for Ukraine, the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean, and EU countries’ increasing defence spending, were also raised.

Constitutional Affairs Committee

On 28 January, Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna said that internal EU reforms linked to enlargement, the next long-term budget and competitiveness are key priorities. She also highlighted the pending reform of the European Electoral Act, including the targeted amendment on proxy voting, discussions on Parliament’s right of inquiry, and the Transparency Directive.

Many MEPs called for progress on treaty reform, particularly to address the continued reliance on unanimity in foreign policy decision-making against a backdrop of geopolitical challenges and EU enlargement. Some pressed for a quick agreement on Parliament’s recent initiative on proxy voting and broader electoral reform, while others urged progress on the right of inquiry and the interinstitutional ethics body.

Industry, Research and Energy Committee

On 28 January, Vasilis Palmas, Minister of Defence, emphasised as priorities simplifying defence procurement, strengthening the defence industrial base, and supporting innovative SMEs. He also highlighted the importance of EU-NATO cooperation and territorial sovereignty, particularly in the context of Cyprus's illegal occupation.

Michael Damianos, Minister for Energy, Commerce and Industry referenced securing energy supply through interconnections, decarbonisation without deindustrialisation, reducing critical dependencies, and simplifying rules to accelerate industrial and energy projects. The Presidency will also focus, he said, on the new legislative proposal on electricity grids.

Nicodemos Damianou, Minister for Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, said that the Presidency will work on the Digital Networks Act (DNA) for the modernisation of telecom infrastructure (5G/6G), online child protection through age verification, and boosting research to drive innovation and retain talents. The Presidency will also try to finalise the work on the EU Space Act.

MEPs questioned the ministers on balancing accelerated energy permitting with environmental protection, the impact of the green transition on households and SMEs, and the ban on Russian oil imports while ensuring energy security. They discussed regulatory simplification for SMEs, reducing reliance on non-European suppliers, and integrating SMEs into strategic supply chains. MEPs also mentioned cybersecurity, EU ownership of cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, talent retention, and effective online child protection through age verification.

Development Committee

On 28 January Constantinos Kombos, Minister for Foreign Affairs identified water security, resilient health systems, youth opportunities, and women’s empowerment as priorities. The Presidency also aims to deliver a partial general approach among EU governments on the future Global Europe instrument by June 2026. Additionally, he referenced the Global Gateway initiative, humanitarian aid as focus issues, alongside highlighting Eastern Africa, the Middle East - including the reconstruction of Gaza - and Ukraine as geographical areas of particular relevance.

MEPs questioned Minister Kombos on the importance decent job creation for young people, the relationship with the USA at a time when they are reducing aid support, the situation in Syria, asylum and migration, and progress on member state negotiations on Global Europe.

Agriculture and Rural Development Committee

On 28 January, Maria Panayiotou, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, identified the following as priorities: innovation, sustainable farming, and simplification, as well as a set of robust crisis-proof measures. She added that the Presidency is committed to a constructive discussion on the next long-term budget as well as the new Common Agriculture Policy (CAP). Adequate funding for the CAP and a stable, resilient, and affordable food supply chain are also priorities, she said.

MEPs expressed concerns about the new CAP and asked for more clarity on the proposal. Several MEPs want to make sure that imports from outside the EU meet the same strict criteria EU farmers have to respect. Other MEPs called for measures to make farming more attractive for young people and for broad solutions to deal with the different crises affecting the sector.

Employment and Social Affairs Committee

On 29 January, Minster for Labour and Social Insurance Marinos Moushouttas said fair and inclusive employment and fair mobility were Preisdency priorities. Clea Hadjistephanou-Papaellina, Deputy Minister for Social Welfare, stressed their commitment to fighting poverty, focusing on child poverty, reinforcing long-term care and active aging, and the rights of persons with disabilities. Access to sustainable and affordable housing should be a fundamental right for all, Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou, while stressing the need to boost investment and supply and sharing information across EU countries.

MEPs quizzed the ministers about the coordination of social security systems, the traineeships directive, and the revision of the carcinogens, mutagens and reprotoxic substances directive. They welcomed the Presidency’s commitment to fighting child poverty and stressed the need for a dedicated budget for the child guarantee in the next long-term budget. Housing, occupational health and safety, Europe’s care agenda and fair mobility were also discussed.

Environment, Climate and Food Safety Committee

On 29 January, the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Maria Panayiotou, highlighted the importance of water resilience as a security, economic stability, and public health concern. She stressed the need to continue legislative simplification without lowering the EU’s environmental ambition, and to boost the transition to a circular economy to reduce dependency on raw materials. Other priorities referenced included the revision of the C02 standards for cars and vans.

Many MEPs called for a more effective water management approach to address water scarcity across the EU. On simplification, a number of political groups agreed that the EU must maintain its level of protection, pointing to realistic environmental legislation as a way forward. Others raised concerns about the proposed cuts to EU agriculture policy in the next long-term budget, questioning how the Presidency will guarantee the green transition, food security and a long-term funding for nature, while building a competitive and resilient Europe.

Public Health Committee

On 2 February, Minister of Health Neophytos Charalambides highlighted the importance of strengthening the EU’s resilience, convergence, and autonomy in healthcare. He identified improving accessibility and affordability of medicines and medical devices, reinforcing healthcare systems, and supporting medicines development and production within the EU as key principles for EU health policy. Preisdency priorities included completing negotiations on the Critical Medicines Act (CMA), working on the biotechnology law, and creating a European Centre of Clinical Excellence.

MEPs emphasised the need to ensure access to essential medicines and medical devices, reduce administrative burdens for manufacturers, and support the competitiveness of Europe’s pharmaceutical industry. Attention was also drawn to the need for a robust health budget and more comprehensive action on mental health.

Regional Development Committee

On 25 February, Finance Minister Makis Keravnos highlighted cohesion policy as a primary EU investment instrument and a key driver of convergence, competitiveness and solidarity. He stressed its impact on growth and job creation, and said the Cyprus Presidency will prioritise discussions on the future of cohesion policy in the next long-term budget, advance work on the partnership plan regulation, and host an informal ministerial meeting on cohesion in May.

Many MEPs criticised the Commission’s recent proposal to merge cohesion policy with other instruments, warning that it risks diluting the policy’s regional focus. Members across the political groups called on the Presidency to preserve cohesion as a distinct policy and to take Parliament’s concerns into account.

Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee

On 25 February, Finance Minister Makis Keravnos highlighted as a priority efforts to enhance the EU’s financial resilience and autonomy and reinforce its global economic position. The Presidency will focus on launching negotiations on the digital euro, achieving progress on savings and investments union and on the revision of the Tobacco Directive, and reaching a Council position on the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation. On tax matters the Presidency will be seeking to make sure that work at the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development and United Nations levels is well coordinated to avoid duplication or conflicting outcomes.

MEPs asked for more detail on how the Presidency will seek to advance work on the digital euro and savings and investment union. They also asked for the Minister’s views on the ongoing work on the 28th regime for companies, and how the Presidency might make progress on the market integration and supervision package.

Ref.: 20260126IPR32642
www.europarl.europa.eu

 

Iran’s destructive behaviour in the region, unwillingness to constructively engage in dialogue, its dangerous nuclear ambitions, support to Russian aggression against Ukraine and massive internal repressions are unacceptable.

We urge restraint and expect return to diplomatic efforts to prevent a wider regional escalation. Stability in the region is important for global security.

We are in close contact with Lithuania’s diplomatic missions in the region as the situation evolves. The missions stand ready to provide support to Lithuania’s citizens.

All Lithuanian citizens are urged to refrain from any travel to Israel, Palestine, Jordan and the Persian Gulf countries, and to leave Iran immediately. We also recommend avoiding travel to other countries in the Middle East region.

Those currently in Israel, Iran, or other Middle Eastern countries are advised to remain extremely vigilant, closely follow the news, the recommendations and announcements of Lithuanian diplomatic missions, and comply with security instructions issued by local authorities.

www.urm.lt

 

The bilateral meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Lithuania and Ukraine focused on the results of Ukraine's trilateral talks with Russia and the U.S. in Abu Dhabi a few days ago, further support for Ukraine, sanctions against Russia and its accomplices, and the aggressor's accountability for the crime of aggression and war crimes.

“Supporting Ukraine is an existential interest of Lithuania. By supporting Ukraine to the best of our ability, we are also investing in our own security and that of Europe as a whole. Thus, we are ready to further increase our military, political, and energy support for Ukraine and contribute to accelerating your country’s accession to the European Union,” said Budrys.

According to Lithuania’s top diplomat, Ukraine’s EU membership is a strategic goal, the implementation of which requires a clear target date of the year 2030 at the latest, and the opening of negotiations on the first negotiating clusters as soon as possible. Lithuania has been consistent is stating that negotiations on Ukraine's EU membership should be opened and conducted simultaneously with Moldova.

As Russia continues its terror attacks on Ukrainian civilians and critical energy infrastructure during the winter frosts, important topic of the meeting was energy assistance and winter survival. This week, Lithuania handed over a large batch of power generators worth 2.5 million euros and continues to mobilise national and international support. Lithuania is among the leading countries in providing support for the reconstruction of Ukraine's energy sector.

The meeting also discussed Lithuania's initiative proposal for the 20th package of EU sanctions. Lithuania's Foreign Minister stressed the need to limit Belarus's capacity to support Russia's aggression against Ukraine and prevent the aggressor from using the country's oil resources.

As regards Russia's accountability, Minister Budrys underlined Lithuania's determination to make every effort to hold Russia, its officials, and accomplice Belarus, the highest political and military leaders of these countries, to account for the crime of aggression and war crimes.

According to the Minister, we must take steps to make the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine operational as soon as possible and immediately ratify the Convention establishing the International Claims Commission for Ukraine.

The visit of Sybiha takes place during the period of intensive diplomatic relations between Lithuania and Ukraine. The last meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Lithuania and Ukraine took place in The Hague on 16 December, following the signature of the Convention to establish the International Claims Commission for Ukraine. On 22 January this year, a bilateral ministerial meeting was held remotely.

www.urm.lt

 

Parliament unconditionally demands that the Iranian authorities, under the rule of Ali Khamenei, immediately end violence against peaceful protesters, halt all executions, and cease the murder and repression of civilians. Standing in full solidarity with the people of Iran and their brave and legitimate protest movement, it strongly condemns the widespread, intentional and disproportionate use of force by security forces.

Chilling shift of regime’s suppression of dissent from deterrence to strategic elimination

In the resolution adopted by 562 votes in favour, 9 against and 57 abstentions, MEPs express alarm that the murder of thousands of protesters signals a chilling shift in the Iranian regime’s suppression of dissent from deterrence to strategic elimination. MEPs demand the immediate and unconditional release of all protesters, human rights defenders and journalists currently held under arrest.

Parliament calls on the Council to proceed without delay with the full designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, including the Basij militia and the Quds Force, as terrorist organisations. It demands the expansion and strict enforcement of EU restrictive measures, including asset freezes and visa bans, welcomes the recent US sanctions, and calls for swift EU action against all officials and entities responsible for repression.

The resolution condemns the regime’s efforts to censor protests through internet shutdowns and calls on the EU and its Member States to scale up technical and financial support for censorship circumvention tools and protection against cyber and information manipulation.

UN-mandated fact-finding mission must be given unhindered access

Parliament highlights the Iranian regime’s decades-long pattern of systematic repression, in particular targeting women, human rights activists and political dissidents, and reiterates its call for Iran to grant immediate and unhindered access to the UN-mandated fact-finding mission to address grave crimes under international law, including murder, torture, rape, and enforced disappearances, which are being used to silence dissent.

MEPs call for intensified diplomatic engagement, including an enhanced EU presence, to provide individuals at risk with protection, humanitarian assistance and support. They firmly condemn Iran’s malign activities and interference across the region, stressing that Iran continues to constitute the largest and most substantial threat to the broader region’s security and stability and the most significant obstacle to peace.

Finally, Parliament stresses that any normalisation of relations with Iran can only follow the unconditional release of political prisoners and genuine progress toward democracy and the rule of law, whilst welcoming the decision by its President Roberta Metsola to bar representatives of the Iranian regime from European Parliament premises and urging Member States to follow suit.

Ref.: 20260116IPR32443
www.europarl.europa.eu

 

The meeting is being initiated by French President Emmanuel Macron together with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and will bring together more than 30 leaders from European and other countries.

www.president.lt

 

The President expressed support for continued active EU assistance to Ukraine, pressure on Russia, and active involvement in decisions regarding a possible peace plan.

“Current discussions directly determine not only the future of Ukraine, but also the future of Europe. We must significantly strengthen Ukraine’s negotiating position, actively participate, and put forward proposals that would allow us to reach a just and sustainable agreement,” the President said.

According to Gitanas Nausėda, any agreement must include significant constraints on Russia so that it has neither the opportunity nor the incentive to launch new aggression in the future. During the negotiation process, the EU must increase pressure on Russia agree to an unconditional ceasefire as a prerequisite for peace negotiations. Therefore, the President expressed support for the fastest possible decision on a reparations loan to Ukraine using frozen Russian assets, as well as for the adoption of the 20th EU sanctions package against Russia.

In the President’s view, the EU must help Ukraine expand its defense capabilities and provide real security guarantees through the Coalition of the Willing format, as well as accelerate the start of Ukraine’s negotiations on EU membership with the aim of completing them by 2030.

The President opposes any contractual restrictions on the capabilities of Ukraine’s armed forces that would violate the country’s sovereignty, as well as demands for urgent elections in Ukraine.

www.president.lt

 

President Nausėda congratulated Indonesian Ambassador Siti Nugraha Mauludiah on the start of her diplomatic mission and welcomed the long-standing friendly relations between Lithuania and Indonesia. The meeting focused on cooperation in high value-added sectors, the importance of bilateral agreements for the development of economic relations, and Lithuania’s aspiration to deepen its cooperation with the countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) – both bilaterally, by joining the ASEAN Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, and at the EU level. Indonesia is the largest economy in ASEAN, and the signing of the EU–Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement is expected to give a significant boost to bilateral economic cooperation. The President also thanked Indonesia for its support for Ukraine’s sovereignty.

During his meeting with Rwandan Ambassador Lambert Dushimimana, the President emphasized the importance of strengthening friendly relations between Lithuania and Rwanda, as well as the opportunities for expanding cooperation in information technology, sustainable energy and agriculture, and the potential for bilateral academic exchanges. The meeting also touched on international cooperation and the need for closer joint efforts to protect the international order and support Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.

The President welcomed Margaret Mutembeya Otteskov, Uganda’s first Ambassador to Lithuania, emphasizing the potential for bilateral economic cooperation, growing trade, and Lithuania’s expertise in information technology, sustainable agriculture, clean energy, and life sciences. President Nausėda called on Uganda to uphold the principles of the UN Charter and to support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

www.president.lt

 

In meetings with Iceland’s Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir, President Halla Tómasdóttir, and the Speaker of Parliament Thórunn Sveinbjarnardóttir, Prime Minister Ruginienė discussed bilateral cooperation, regional security, closer Nordic–Baltic cooperation, and continued support for Ukraine fighting back Russia’s armed aggression.

“I greatly value the excellent relations between Lithuania and Iceland, as well as our close cooperation within NATO and the Nordic–Baltic Eight (NB8) formats. In today’s security environment, these partnerships are vital. Coordinated action and a unified response are essential when facing threats, including hybrid attacks,” said Prime Minister Ruginienė.

According to the Prime Minister, Russia’s shadow fleet, threats to critical maritime infrastructure, and the rise of sabotage and hybrid attacks across Europe reveal the aggressor’s intention for prolonged confrontation and the need to strengthen collective security, resilience, and support for Ukraine.

“Today, we strongly support Ukraine, remembering our own history—our struggle for freedom, in which Iceland’s courage and solidarity, as the first country to recognize the restoration of Lithuania’s independence, were immensely meaningful. This is a lasting lesson for us: when we are united and stand together, we are stronger and better able to resist aggression,” said the Prime Minister.

The discussions noted that the NB8 format is valuable not only for coordinating key foreign policy issues but also for addressing broader regional challenges.

Prime Minister Ruginienė emphasized the importance of close transatlantic ties and the continued need to increase sanctions pressure on Russia and its ally Belarus.

A meaningful link between the two countries is the sizeable Lithuanian community living in Iceland. The Prime Minister began her visit by meeting with representatives of the local diaspora to discuss the community’s concerns, developments in Lithuania, Lithuanian-language education, and consular services.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Ruginienė will continue her visit and take part in a panel discussion at the Reykjavik Global Forum.

www.lrv.lt