Lithuanian President Urges Stronger EU Eastern Flank Funding in Budget Talks

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda has urged for a greater focus on strengthening the European Union's eastern flank within the upcoming EU budget. During a joint press conference with the President of the European Council, Nausėda highlighted the significant economic and security repercussions faced by countries on the EU's eastern border due to Russia's ongoing war.

"We are facing increased investment costs, additional needs for critical infrastructure protection, and constant hybrid attacks," President Nausėda stated. "Therefore, strengthening the eastern flank of the EU must be clearly reflected in the future EU budget."

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We are facing increased investment costs, additional needs for critical infrastructure protection, and constant hybrid attacks. Therefore, strengthening the eastern flank of the EU must be clearly reflected in the future EU budget.

President Nausėda also advocated for increased European Union funding for defense capabilities, military mobility, and the safeguarding of strategic infrastructure. He emphasized that all member states recognize the necessity of bolstering Europe's defense capacities, and these political priorities must be translated into budgetary decisions.

However, Nausėda cautioned that addressing new EU challenges should not come at the expense of weakening existing policies. He stressed that cohesion policy, the common agricultural policy, and member states' competitiveness should not be diminished while pursuing new initiatives. This call underscores Lithuania's commitment to both enhanced security and the continued economic stability of the EU.

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All states understand the necessity of strengthening European defense capabilities. Our political priorities must also be reflected in our budget decisions.