President's advisor views proposed shift in EU representation skeptically

Presidential advisor Paulius Baltokas has voiced skepticism regarding the idea of Prime Minister-designate Mindaugas Sinkevičius representing Lithuania at European Council (EC) meetings, particularly those focused on economic issues. Baltokas highlighted that Lithuanian presidents have consistently represented the nation at the EC for the past 17 years, a practice he described as well-established.

"It's not as if they attend for one issue or another – usually several issues are discussed consecutively, so this kind of switching of seats or putting different plates together would seem strange, to say the least," Baltokas told "Žinių radijas." He acknowledged that Sinkevičius's thoughts on the matter are currently just considerations and that the prime minister-designate and the president would discuss it further if the idea progressed.

Baltokas suggested that the ongoing debate about representation at the EC could be used as a tool for internal political polarization. He emphasized that the primary focus should be on what is best for Lithuania and who can achieve the best results at the EC. This comes after Sinkevičius, the leader of the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party, indicated a desire to attend certain EC meetings concerning economic matters, though he stated he was not seeking to take over the role entirely from the president. Discussions about EC representation have resurfaced periodically, with past attempts by conservatives to allow the prime minister to represent Lithuania depending on the agenda being met with presidential opposition.