The President discussed strengthening EU security and bilateral cooperation with the Belgian Prime Minister

In Brussels, President Gitanas Nausėda met with Belgian Prime Minister Bart Albert Liliane De Wever. The meeting focused on key issues on the European Union's agenda, bilateral relations between Lithuania and Belgium, and the most pressing international security challenges.

Discussing bilateral cooperation, the President noted that Lithuania and Belgium are bound by a strong partnership and close cooperation in the field of security. He thanked Belgium for its long-standing contribution to the Baltic Air Policing mission and its participation in NATO's enhanced forward presence battlegroup in Lithuania.

The meeting also addressed opportunities to further strengthen economic ties. The President emphasized Lithuania's interest in expanding cooperation with Belgium in the field of renewable energy, particularly in the development of wind and solar power.

Gitanas Nausėda also presented Lithuania's preparations for its Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2027. He stressed that Lithuania will seek to strengthen the European Union's unity, resilience and ability to act in the face of geopolitical challenges, with particular attention to security and defense, support for Ukraine, EU enlargement, enhanced competitiveness and democratic resilience.

Both leaders agreed that historical memory policy needs adequate attention at the EU level.

Discussing the European Union's multiannual financial framework for 2028-2034, the President underscored the need to preserve adequate funding for cohesion policy and the Common Agricultural Policy, while ensuring sufficient investment in European security and defense, military mobility, and strategic infrastructure.

The Lithuanian leader stressed that a strong transatlantic partnership remains the cornerstone of European security, and that NATO needs to continue to strengthen its deterrence and defense, with particular emphasis on air defense, the development of defense industrial capabilities, and continued support for Ukraine.