Lithuanian presidency denies discussions on prime minister’s potential participation in European Council

The Lithuanian presidential office has dismissed reports of any discussions regarding Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė’s potential participation in the European Council (EVT), stating there is “no subject for discussion,” LRT reports.

Ruginienė had previously told news outlet Lrytas that she would be “excellent” at representing Lithuania in the council and suggested a possible compromise with the presidency over who—either her or the president—should attend. She noted that current EU rules no longer allow flexible delegation, calling this a “problem” beyond Lithuania’s control.

Last October, the prime minister’s advisor, Ignas Dobrovolskas, confirmed that the president and prime minister had agreed to consult regularly on EU representation. However, the presidency has consistently opposed proposals to allow the government leader to attend council meetings, previously calling such initiatives “unacceptable.”

The European Council consists of EU heads of state or government, its president, the European Commission president, and the EU’s high representative for foreign affairs. Meetings are held at least twice every six months in Brussels, with additional sessions arranged as needed.