Nausėda receives Italy’s highest state honour

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda received Italy’s highest state honour in Rome on Tuesday, LRT reported. Italian President Sergio Mattarella presented him with the Grand Cross with the Grand Cordon of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic.

The two presidents discussed bilateral cooperation, cultural and historical ties, European security and defence, support for Ukraine and Lithuania’s upcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Nausėda called Italy an important partner and ally for Lithuania in the EU and NATO. He thanked Italy for taking part in NATO’s air defence mission in the Baltic states and contributing to the security of Lithuania and the region.

“The presence of Italian troops in our region is a concrete example of allied solidarity,” Nausėda said. He called for stronger defences on NATO’s eastern flank, increased defence capabilities and the full implementation of the alliance’s defence plans.

Discussing Russia’s war against Ukraine, Nausėda said European security depended on Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against Russian aggression. He urged Europe to remain united and continue supporting Ukraine, and highlighted the need to return Ukrainian children abducted and deported to Russia. Lithuania considers their return an urgent humanitarian priority and supports efforts to find and return the children, reunite them with their families and help them reintegrate.

Nausėda said Lithuania’s priorities during its six-month presidency of the Council of the EU would include strengthening European unity, security and resilience, maintaining comprehensive support for Ukraine, sustaining EU enlargement momentum and improving the bloc’s competitiveness. Lithuania will hold the presidency from January 1, 2027.