Lithuania needs a government that operates at a European level, says Kubilius

Lithuania requires a government capable of working at a European level rather than isolating itself in a provincial mindset, according to Andrius Kubilius, the European Commissioner for Defence and Space, as reported by BNS and LRT.

In a Friday interview with the Verslo žinios news portal, Kubilius emphasised the need for a government that can fully engage at a European level, particularly for Lithuania’s long-term trajectory. “In my opinion, what Lithuania needs—and I hope those forming the coalition will keep this in mind—is a government that can truly operate at this European level, not shut itself away in some corner or province. I believe such changes are necessary, and this may have been lacking so far,” he stated.

Addressing the current geopolitical climate, Kubilius warned against any shift toward radicalism, whether from the left or the right. “Whether a strong centre-right or centre-left is in power, what matters is that any lean toward radicalism—left or right—is not beneficial for us, especially given the shadow of threats we live under,” he said. He added that lessons should be learned not only by the current coalition but by all participants in Lithuania’s political landscape.

The coalition negotiations among social democrats began after a decision to end the coalition with the “Nemuno aušra” party and instead invite the Democratic Union “For Lithuania” into the majority. Discussions about a government reshuffle have included the possibility of replacing current Prime Minister Ingrida Ruginienė with Social Democratic Party leader Mindaugas Sinkevičius.