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On 26 August, the Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Sigitas Mitkus met with Timo Pesonen, the Director-General of the European Commission's Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG DEFIS), who was visiting Vilnius. During the meeting, they discussed financing Lithuania's defense and security needs through EU financial instruments, Lithuania's participation in EU capability coalitions, promotion the defense industry, and military support for Ukraine.

The Vice-Minister welcomed the European Commission's proposals to allocate more funds for defense and security in the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028–2034. According to him, it is necessary to strengthen the EU defence industry, simplify public procurement rules, increase access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises, and promote innovation in the defence sector. Mitkus stressed the need to increase investment in military mobility projects, to strengthen the defence of the EU's eastern borders, and to protect critical infrastructure.

"EU member states bordering Russia and Belarus face increased threats, therefore, additional attention must be paid to countries such as Lithuania when allocating EU budget funds", said the Vice-Minister.

The meeting also discussed ongoing EU initiatives and programmes aimed at promoting the defence industry, with a strong focus on support for Ukraine.

"As Russia continues its military aggression, the EU needs to increase its military support for Ukraine and boost the EU-Ukraine cooperation in the defense industry," said Vice-Minister Mitkus.
The meeting was also attended by the Vice-Minister of Finance Darius Sadeckas, the Vice-Minister of National Defence Karolis Aleksa, and the Vice-Minister of Transport and Communications Julijus Glebovas, as well as representatives of the Ministry of Economy and Innovation, who shared their insights on the financing needs of Lithuania's defence capabilities, military mobility financing and promotion of the defence industry.