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On 8 July in Strasbourg, the Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Sigitas Mitkus met with the Vice-President of the European Parliament (EP) Victor Negrescu. During the meeting, the Vice-Minister discussed Lithuania's preparations to hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) in 2027, the priorities of the upcoming Presidency and the importance of close cooperation with the EP.

When taking stock of the priorities of the Presidency of the Council of the EU, the Vice-Minister Mitkus presented the programme for the Council of the EU Presidency trio (of Ireland, Lithuania, and Greece) and highlighted that rhe Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania has established these five strategic pillars for Lithuania: security, defence and support for Ukraine, EU enlargement, strengthening the EU's competitiveness, internal security and social security. A national Presidency programme is currently being prepared.

The Vice-Minister Mitkus noted that the EU must be able to respond quickly to the changing geopolitical context. This calls for a stronger focus on EU enlargement, countering hybrid threats, strengthening defence and security, and competitiveness.

When discussing the EU's next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) with the Vice-President of the European Parliament, Mitkus stressed that Lithuania supports a larger EU budget that is ambitious and future-proof.

"The next Multiannual Financial Framework must maintain the necessary focus on traditional EU policies such as the traditional Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and Cohesion Policy. However, it is also essential to ensure flexibility in the future MFF, allowing for a rapid response to unforeseen challenges and providing the necessary funding also for the EU's eastern regions bordering the aggressor countries," said the Foreign Vice-Minister.

The importance of protecting democracy was also discussed at the meeting with the Vice-President of the EP. The Vice-Minister underlined that one of the most important goals of the Lithuanian Presidency is to strengthen the unity, security and resilience of the EU, with a special focus on fighting disinformation and upholding democratic values. The European historical memory and initiatives to preserve the memory of the victims of crimes committed by totalitarian regimes were widely discussed at the meeting.

During his working visit to Strasbourg on 7-8 July, the Vice-Minister also met with Manfred Weber, Chairman of the EPP Group, Terry Reintke, Co-President of the Greens/EFA Group, MEPs and rapporteurs. Jean-Marc Germain, Michael Gahler, Robert Biedroń, Carla Maria Tavares, Mohammed Chahim and Patryk Jaki.