Lithuania takes over EU Council with strict Russia sanctions and Ukraine's EU path on agenda
Photo: Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys (Getty Images)
Lithuania is preparing to take over the presidency of the Council of the EU and has already defined its main priorities for this period - security and defense, transatlantic unity, EU enlargement, and support for Ukraine, according to a post on X by Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys.
Lithuania is preparing to lead the Council of the EU and has already outlined its priorities for this period. Among them are security and defense, transatlantic unity, EU enlargement, and unwavering support for Ukraine.
Budrys made the statement following the annual meeting of Lithuanian ambassadors, where he exchanged views with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas. According to him, Europe has a choice - to react or to lead the process. Lithuania chooses the latter.
According to the minister, this means stronger support for Ukraine, tougher sanctions against Russia and Belarus, as well as a faster European path for Ukraine and Moldova.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda has already stated that Lithuania will accelerate the opening of the remaining clusters for Ukraine during its presidency of the Council of the EU - however, he emphasized that progress also depends on Kyiv's own fulfillment of its obligations.
