New Lithuanian government softens stance on Belarus regime isolation

The newly registered programme of Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius’ government has adjusted its tone on the isolation of Belarus’ regime compared to the outgoing cabinet led by Ingrida Ruginienė, reports LRT.

The previous government’s programme included a commitment to take “active measures to maintain the international isolation of Russia and Belarus.” However, the new programme now pledges only to maintain the international isolation of Russia, omitting Belarus from this specific clause.

Belarus is mentioned elsewhere in the document, where the government states: “If Belarus continues to support Russia’s aggression against Ukraine or carries out hybrid attacks against the EU or Ukraine, we will strengthen isolation and pressure.”

The new programme also slightly modifies rhetoric regarding the Astravets nuclear power plant. It commits to raising the issue of the plant’s safety in international forums, urging Belarus to comply with the highest nuclear safety and environmental standards and to fulfil its international obligations. The previous programme had described the plant’s operation as a “constant threat” and vowed to keep the issue on the EU’s political agenda until all environmental and nuclear safety concerns were resolved.

Other positions related to Belarus remain unchanged, including the goal of normalising diplomatic relations with China to the level seen in other EU member states.

The new government is being formed after social democrats reshaped the ruling coalition, excluding the “Nemuno aušra” party and including the Democratic Union “For Lithuania.” The programme must still be approved by the Seimas before the new cabinet can begin work. On Friday, Sinkevičius submitted the government’s composition to President Gitanas Nausėda for confirmation. Kęstutis Budrys, who has served as foreign minister since late 2024, is proposed to continue in the role.