Minister for European Affairs Strand to visit Vilnius

Minister for European Affairs Strand to visit Vilnius

Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Joakim Strand will visit Vilnius, Lithuania on 29-30 June. The programme for his visit will include discussions with Lithuanian Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Sigitas Mitkus and other high-level meetings.

The meeting with Vice-Minister Mitkus will focus extensively on topical EU issues, such as the EU's multiannual financial framework for 2028-2034 and Lithuania's forthcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU. Lithuania will hold the Presidency of the Council of the EU from 1 January to 30 June 2027.

"This year, we need to agree on a multiannual financial framework that meets our future needs and addresses the EU's key priorities, such as competitiveness and defence. The overall level of the framework currently proposed is still too high. We need to be able to prioritise better," Minister Strand said.

"Lithuania's forthcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU will play an integral role in promoting the Union's objectives. Strengthening Europe's security, defence and competitiveness will continue to be key challenges in the coming years. We also need to look at EU enlargement from a strategic perspective and make sure that the enlargement process can move forward in a way that is credible and merit-based," Minister Strand continued.

While in Vilnius, Minister Strand will also have a meeting with Asta Skaisgirytė, Chief Adviser on Foreign Policy to the President of Lithuania, among others.

Minister Strand and Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Mitkus are colleagues on the EU General Affairs Council, which is responsible for a number of cross-cutting policy areas including negotiations on the EU's multiannual financial framework, EU enlargement and issues related to the rule of law.

Inquiries: Alexander Lång, Special Adviser, tel. +358 295 160 866 and Heli Siivola, Senior Specialist for EU Affairs, tel. +358 50 522 7745, Prime Minister's Office