Lithuanian PM’s comment on EU representation not a power grab, says opposition leader

Lithuania’s opposition Social Democratic Party leader Mindaugas Sinkevičius has dismissed suggestions that Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė’s statement about representing Lithuania at the European Council was an attempt to challenge the president’s prerogative, though he acknowledged “a certain competition” between the presidency and the government.

Speaking on the ELTA Week programme, Sinkevičius said Ruginienė’s remark that she could “adequately represent” Lithuania at the EU leaders’ summit was not a bid to take over the role but rather a statement of readiness if needed. “There’s enough room under the sun for everyone. Competition exists, but I don’t see this as an attempt to seize representation,” he said, adding that the comment was not “a coded message” to revisit the issue.

Sinkevičius stressed that while competition between institutions occurs in both foreign and domestic policy, it could also serve as “a positive impulse.” He downplayed current tensions, suggesting they may be “artificially exaggerated” between the presidency and government.

The opposition leader expressed confidence in President Gitanas Nausėda’s performance at the European Council, stating that his experience and personal relationships with other leaders add value. “It doesn’t matter if the cat is grey, black, or white—what matters is that it catches mice,” Sinkevičius said, referencing Nausėda’s second term and established contacts.

Ruginienė had earlier told news outlet Lrytas she could “perfectly well” participate in the European Council format, proposing a compromise with the presidency on representation. However, Nausėda reaffirmed his intention to continue in the role while insisting no disagreement exists with the prime minister. Last October, Ruginienė’s advisor noted that informal agreements allow her to attend non-formal European Council meetings.

The debate over Lithuania’s representation at the European Council has persisted for years. Previous conservative proposals to let the prime minister represent the country, depending on the agenda, were rejected by Nausėda as “unacceptable.” A draft law to regulate the issue was later abandoned.

The European Council comprises EU heads of state or government, its president, the European Commission president, and the EU’s high representative for foreign affairs. It convenes at least twice every six months in Brussels, with extraordinary meetings held as needed.