Lithuania discusses priorities for upcoming EU Council presidency with European commissioner

Lithuania’s justice minister met with the European commissioner for democracy, justice, rule of law, and consumer protection in Luxembourg on Friday to outline priorities for the country’s upcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2027, LRT reports.

Justice Minister Rita Tamašunienė and Commissioner Michael McGrath addressed Lithuania’s plans to focus on criminal law reforms while making historical memory a key theme of its presidency, according to a ministry statement.

“We see persistent and intensifying Russian attempts to rewrite European history,” Tamašunienė said. “We must respond with European measures.” She highlighted Lithuania’s push for a pan-European memorial to victims of totalitarian regimes, funded by the EU.

The minister also stressed Lithuania’s commitment to securing comprehensive support for Ukraine and holding Russia accountable for international crimes. She urged EU member states to finalise national procedures required to establish the Extended Partial Agreement for a Special Tribunal and a convention creating an international commission to examine claims related to Ukraine.

Tamašunienė noted progress in implementing European Commission recommendations, particularly in improving judicial appointment transparency and strengthening the state-guaranteed legal aid system.

During her visit to Luxembourg, the minister is also scheduled to attend a meeting of the EU Justice and Home Affairs Council and hold talks with her Estonian and Latvian counterparts.