President and Kaja Kallas discuss Lithuania’s priorities and European security

Lithuania’s president met with Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, to discuss the priorities Lithuania will pursue during its presidency of the EU Council and the wider security situation in Europe.

Lithuania plans to focus on security, defense, development, competitiveness and societal resilience. The country also intends to give particular attention to the EU’s eastern border regions, as well as cyberattacks, disinformation and other related challenges.

The president stressed that security and defense require adequate funding. The money is needed to move troops and equipment, strengthen the resilience of critical systems, support competitiveness and assist Ukraine.

The talks also covered remaining EU fund resources for Ukraine and greater national contributions to its defense. The president said Europe must reinforce its support, with air defense, counter-drone measures and energy resilience identified as especially important.

The two officials said pressure on Russia and Belarus should continue through sanctions. They also called for new sanctions against Russia’s energy, financial and military sectors and its industry. Their discussion included faster accession for Ukraine and Moldova, along with progress in the Western Balkans.