Fewer flights unlikely to disrupt Lithuania’s EU Council presidency

A decline in flights to some European capitals is unlikely to significantly affect Lithuania’s upcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union, Rytis Martikonis, head of the European Commission’s Representation in Lithuania, told LRT Radio on Wednesday.

He said connectivity on key routes should nevertheless be discussed with airlines.

“Berlin is undoubtedly an important destination, with important connections. I believe connectivity will increase, and is already increasing, not only because of the presidency but also because of strategic commitments,” Martikonis said.

He added that discussions were needed to balance commercial and market considerations with routes considered important to the state.

“It is certainly worth thinking about and discussing, but I do not believe this will have any dramatic impact,” Martikonis said.

In his assessment, preparations for Lithuania’s presidency are proceeding smoothly, with state institutions as well as business, academic and other interest groups involved.

“What I see gives me every reason to be confident,” he said.

Lithuania will hold the presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2027, taking over from Ireland and later handing it to Greece. Lithuania first held the presidency in 2013.

Latvian national airline airBaltic has announced that from winter it will suspend flights from Vilnius to Berlin and from Palanga to Tenerife, while reducing the number of flights to Tallinn.