European Commission president congratulates Sinkevičius on becoming prime minister

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has congratulated Mindaugas Sinkevičius on becoming Lithuania’s prime minister, according to a report by ELTA.

“Congratulations on becoming prime minister, dear Mindaugas Sinkevičius! A strong Lithuania means a strong eastern flank of the European Union. Our cooperation is crucial for Europe’s security, competitiveness, and a budget that meets these challenges. I look forward to close cooperation during Lithuania’s upcoming presidency of the Council,” von der Leyen wrote on X on Tuesday.

ELTA reported that the Seimas (Lithuanian parliament) confirmed the programme of the 21st government on Tuesday. Prime Minister Sinkevičius and the new cabinet members then took their oaths of office, officially granting the new government its powers. At the same time, the interim government led by Ingrida Ruginienė formally concluded its work.

The new government, led by Sinkevičius, was formed by the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party, the Democratic Union “For Lithuania”, and the Lithuanian Farmers, Greens and Christian Families Union factions in the Seimas.

The cabinet includes Taurimas Valys as finance minister, Ieva Andriulaitytė as environment minister, Lukas Alsys as culture minister, Martynas Katelynas as interior minister, and Ingrida Ruginienė as social security and labour minister. Robertas Kaunas remains defence minister, Raminta Popovienė stays as education, science and sports minister, Kęstutis Budrys as foreign minister, and Juras Taminskas as transport minister.

Rita Tamašunienė, delegated by the Electoral Action of Poles in Lithuania–Christian Families Alliance, continues as justice minister, while Edvinas Grikšas, from the Farmers faction, remains economy and innovation minister. Lukas Savickas, Linas Kukuraitis, and Kęstutis Mažeika, representing the Democratic Union “For Lithuania”, will serve as energy, health, and agriculture ministers, respectively.