Foreign minister Budrys unlikely to stay if Lithuania leads EU Council – Motuzas

Lithuania’s foreign minister Kęstutis Budrys will likely not remain in his post if the country takes over the rotating presidency of the EU Council in 2027, according to Remigijus Motuzas, chair of the Seimas Foreign Affairs Committee.

“I think most probably not,” Motuzas told Žinių Radio in an interview on Tuesday.

He stressed that, as committee chair, he had no complaints about Budrys’ work, noting that the minister actively engages with parliamentarians. “He definitely cooperates and communicates with MPs, willingly shares his positions, and since he is not a party member, he seeks support from both the Social Democrats and other parties. He responds to all questions, attends meetings, and we receive a lot of information,” Motuzas said.

Criticism of Budrys has come from ruling coalition members, some of whom argue he continues the policies of the previous conservative government rather than implementing the Social Democrats’ agenda. Recent criticism has focused on perceived insufficient efforts to restore diplomatic relations with China and his remarks about NATO’s potential to strike Kaliningrad.

Motuzas stated that no potential candidates for the foreign minister position had been discussed in the committee, the parliamentary group, or party bodies. Speculation about a replacement has arisen as the Social Democrats prepare to form a new government, with the coalition partner “Nemuno aušra” being replaced by the Democratic Union “For Lithuania”.

Social Democratic leader Mindaugas Sinkevičius, who is seeking to become prime minister, told BNS this week that Budrys may not necessarily have to leave his post in the new government, though other members of the president’s team or current deputy foreign ministers are also under consideration.

President Gitanas Nausėda has repeatedly said he does not understand why the Social Democrats are dissatisfied with Budrys, stating that the foreign minister is performing his duties adequately. Budrys has led the Foreign Ministry since late 2024, previously serving as the president’s senior national security advisor.