Press remarks by President António Costa following the meeting with President of Lithuania, Gitanas Nausėda 16:55 Press remarks by President António Costa following the meeting[...]

Dear Gitanas, let me start by thanking you for welcoming me in Vilnius; I truly appreciate your hospitality and the opportunity to discuss in person the main priorities for the Union and for the European Council in the coming year.

It is very important for me to engage with all the European Union Leaders, to bring the institutions closer to the citizens and to understand each countries' priorities and perspectives in view of the next political year. That's why I started this tour des capitales.

Dear President, Lithuania has been an example of dedicated and vocal support for Ukraine - including by providing military support. In these crucial days for Ukraine, we need this commitment and dedication more than ever.

We are fully engaged. My meetings last week, including the Coalition of the Willing and with President Zelenskyy reaffirmed our common goal and commitment: to achieve a just and lasting in peace in Ukraine and provide strong security guarantees to help preventing future attacks. The plans for the enlargement to Ukraine, Moldova and the Western Balkans are not only promises, they are priorities for the European Union. This is simply the most important geopolitical investment we can make in terms of our own security. And also a powerful instrument to extend prosperity in our continent.

As you know very well, Russia's hostile behaviour goes well beyond Ukraine, with continuous hybrid threats on the European territory: from cyber-attacks, to instrumentalization of migrants, disruption of critical infrastructure, or attempts to undermine democracy. We need and will continue working on our resilience on this front.

A few hours ago, I was in Tallinn and in Riga. Now, here in Vilnius, I feel encouraged by the Baltic determination and readiness to do what it takes to support Ukraine and to protect our borders. Because your borders are our external borders. We fully stand with you. Your security is Europe's security.

Your decision to increase defence spending - and initiatives like the Baltic Defense Line - will significantly contribute to a more secure Europe.

As Europeans, we need to increase our defence capabilities. We have made historical steps in 2025. And I am sure that we will continue to do so. Our October European Council will be crucial.

Defence is also a key driver for a top European priority: competitiveness. They go hand in hand. Ramping up our defense capabilities means also reinforcing our single market, our energy sovereignty, promoting trade, creating jobs and promoting innovation, a domain in which Lithuania excels.

Finally, to move forward with these common priorities and plans, we need to have a budget fit for purpose. That is why we are also preparing the debate for the next long term European budget, a new framework that can boost our development and our security while reinforcing the cohesion within our Union.

Dear Mr President, thank you very much again for hosting me today.

Thank you.