Lithuania's preparations for the Presidency continue – Budrys discussed the European trade policy agenda with representatives of the EU Council Activities of the Minister of[...]

On 10 March in Brussels, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kęstutis Budrys, met Isabel Riano Ibanez, Director-General for Competitiveness and Trade at the General Secretariat of the Council of the EU. The meeting discussed preparations for Lithuania's Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2027, as well as the preliminary European trade policy agenda for this period.

"A strong European Union, capable not only to compete successfully in global markets, but also to strengthen its role as a global power, is in the common interest of all of us. Therefore, strengthening competitiveness, economic resilience and security, the ability to effectively defend against external economic coercion, and the realisation of geostrategic interests will remain fundamental direction of EU trade policy also during Lithuania's Presidency," said Budrys.

According to the Minister, when chairing the foreign trade part of the Council, Lithuania's Presidency will dedicate special attention to strengthening a rules-based international trade system, expanding the EU's network of free trade agreements, and supporting Ukraine and its European integration.

The Presidency will also pursue a constructive and positive economic dialogue between the EU and the U.S., based on mutual benefit and common security interests.

The resolution of 30 January 2025 of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania outlined five priority areas of Lithuania's Presidency of the Council of the EU: 1) Strengthening the security and defence of the European Union and the Euro-Atlantic area, ensuring full support for Ukraine, sustainable growth of the European Union's defence industry and adequate defence funding, including the development of new EU financial instruments for strengthening defence capabilities; 2) Enlargement of the European Union, support for the dissemination and promotion of European values in the neighbourhood and the preservation of the rules-based international order; 3) Strengthening the competitiveness of the European Union by promoting innovation and technological excellence, sustainability and economic resilience and responsiveness to needs through a multi-annual budget of the European Union; 4) internal security, preparedness and democratic resilience of the European Union, including effective management of migration and external borders, fostering a common European historical memory and combating historical fraud; 5) Strengthening social security by responding to demographic challenges and increasing societal resilience in the context of long-term change.

In preparation for its Presidency, Lithuania starts early coordination with the General Secretariat of the Council, which provides essential institutional, procedural, and organisational assistance to the Presidency.

Particular attention shall also being given to preparing for work with the European Parliament, potential trilogue negotiations, and the ability to respond promptly to possible crises, including relations with strategic partners.
Lithuania also seeks to benefit from the experience of other EU member states' Presidencies in organising extraordinary Council meetings and managing sensitive trade policy issues.