Gitanas NausÄ—da met with the President of Cyprus: Focus on EU enlargement, security, and competitiveness

President Gitanas Nausėda met with President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides in Lefkosia, where he outlined the priorities of Lithuania's Presidency of the Council of the European Union, discussed the bilateral agenda, and addressed current international issues.

The Lithuanian President emphasized the need to strengthen the European Union's competitiveness and economic security by advancing trade policy and partnerships with third countries.

While presenting priorities for Lithuania's 2027 Presidency, the Head of State highlighted reinforcing EU unity, security and defense, enlargement, competitiveness, and internal security.

A significant part of the meeting focused on EU enlargement. Gitanas Nausėda stressed that Ukraine's membership in the European Union is of strategic importance and noted that 2030 could serve as a target date. The importance of continuing accession processes with Moldova and the Western Balkan countries-Albania and Montenegro-was also underscored.

Addressing the security situation, the Lithuanian leader emphasized the need to strengthen EU member states' defense capabilities, military mobility, and cybersecurity, as well as to ensure sustained military support for Ukraine.

President Gitanas Nausėda also underlined the importance of boosting the EU's competitiveness, highlighting the need to deepen the single market, improve access to capital, and reduce energy prices.

Bilateral cooperation was also discussed during the meeting: Gitanas Nausėda highlighted the potential to strengthen ties in defense technology, cybersecurity, and information technology.