Gitanas NausÄ—da met with the President of Albania

President Gitanas Nausėda met with Albanian President Bajram Begaj in Tirana on Thursday. The two leaders discussed Lithuania's upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2027, EU enlargement, and the dynamics of bilateral relations.

The President emphasized that Lithuania, which will hold the EU Council Presidency for the second time, will place particular focus on strengthening EU unity and ensuring that the European Union remains a reliable, resilient, and influential global actor capable of defending its interests and values.

"We will strive to ensure that the European Union remains a strong pillar of the rules-based international order, capable of effectively addressing long-term geopolitical, demographic, and economic challenges while strengthening citizens' confidence in the European project," President Gitanas Nausėda pointed out.

The Lithuanian leader presented the key priorities of Lithuania's Presidency, including strengthening security and defense in the European Union and the Euro-Atlantic area, ensuring comprehensive support for Ukraine, advancing EU enlargement, promoting European values in the EU's neighborhood and preserving the rules-based international order, as well as enhancing Europe's competitiveness through innovation, technological progress, sustainability, and economic resilience.

Gitanas Nausėda also stressed that the protection of the EU's external borders is essential for ensuring internal security. "This is particularly important in the context of managing irregular migration. Strengthening societal resilience and civic engagement, as well as addressing demographic challenges, will also be among the priorities of the Lithuanian Presidency of the EU Council," the Head of State underlined.

Speaking of the enlargement of the European Union to the Western Balkans, Gitanas Nausėda stressed that enlargement is a strategic necessity for ensuring security, stability, and prosperity across Europe.

"We welcome Albania's significant progress in the EU integration process. This sends a clear message to other candidate countries that consistent reforms deliver results. The enlargement process is based on individual achievements and merits, and we encourage Albania to continue implementing the necessary reforms and strengthening its administrative capacity," the Head of State emphasized.