Lithuania prioritises defence and economic security for EU presidency

Lithuania plans to strengthen Europe’s responsibility for its security and reduce strategic economic dependencies on third countries during its 2027 presidency of the Council of the European Union, LRT reports. The government approved the programme this week.

Key priorities include protecting the EU’s eastern border, providing long-term support to Ukraine and advancing its integration into the bloc, expanding Europe’s defence industry, and closer cooperation with NATO and the United States.

Lithuania also aims to accelerate EU enlargement, focusing on Ukraine’s accession talks and reforms, as well as Moldova’s integration. It will seek progress in negotiations with other candidate countries based on their individual merits and established criteria.

On defence, the programme sets out a goal of reinforcing the EU’s eastern border through the Eastern Flank Watch initiative. Lithuania will seek EU funding for border defence, mines and mine-laying systems, air defence and measures against drones, alongside more effective cooperation in Europe’s defence industry. The programme says European security should be strengthened in cooperation with NATO and through the transatlantic relationship.

The presidency will also focus on reducing the administrative burden on European businesses, simplifying regulation, encouraging investment and improving industrial competitiveness. Other goals include greater technological self-reliance, expanded digital infrastructure and stronger cybersecurity.

Lithuania plans to strengthen the EU’s economic security, make strategic supply chains more resilient and advance the development of capital markets. On internal security, it aims to reduce irregular migration, strengthen external border protection and improve efforts to combat organised crime, human trafficking and drug smuggling.

The programme also calls for action against disinformation, hate speech, foreign interference in democratic processes and the falsification of historical facts. It sets out goals to build a fairer and healthier Europe and address demographic challenges.

Lithuania will also take part in negotiations on the EU’s next long-term budget, covering 2028 to 2034. It will hold the Council presidency in the first half of 2027, taking over from Ireland.