The President met with foreign ambassadors

The day after State Restoration Day, as is tradition, President Gitanas Nausėda met with resident and non-resident foreign ambassadors accredited to Lithuania.

At the annual meeting with the foreign diplomatic corps, the President emphasized that Lithuania's strategic priority and the foundation of its long-term success is resilience. The country is pursuing this goal not only by strengthening critical infrastructure, investing in the economy of the future, and deterring hostile external forces, but also by consistently developing relations with its closest allies, partners, and like-minded countries around the world.

The President noted that Lithuania's economic growth in recent years has been among the highest in the EU, largely due to Lithuania's business community, which skillfully adapts and uses national advantages.

According to Gitanas Nausėda, in the context of Russia's ongoing military aggression against Ukraine, military security remains of paramount importance. Lithuania is addressing this by investing in its armed forces and expanding the military infrastructure required to host allied troops, particularly from the United States and Germany.

"Lithuania is not only reinforcing security. We are building the industrial and technological foundation for long-term resilience," said the President, highlighting that Lithuanian companies are increasingly securing contracts from other European countries' armed forces and thereby contributing to better preparedness across Europe.

The President stressed that Russia's recent actions in Ukraine demonstrate Moscow's unwillingness to genuinely engage in peace negotiations. As Russia and its enablers-Belarus, Iran, North Korea, and China-are rapidly learning from lessons of the war, Western countries must adapt accordingly. It is especially important that EU and NATO member states invest as much as possible in Ukraine's defense industry, which has enormous potential to produce high-quality, innovative weapons systems quickly and cost-effectively.

"The future of Europe's security is now being decided in Ukraine. The outcome of this war will determine the Europe we live in. We must ensure that Ukraine negotiates from a position of strength and that the peace deal is first and foremost acceptable to Ukraine. Supporting Ukraine has to remain a top priority for Europe," the Head of State pointed out.

President Gitanas Nausėda reaffirmed that Lithuania continues to provide Ukraine with comprehensive support and advocates efforts to contain Russia in long-term. International isolation, sanctions, economic and political pressure, and increased military assistance to Ukraine must compel Moscow to abandon the use of military force and curb hybrid attacks, which are increasingly targeting Lithuania and other NATO and EU members.

The President underscored Lithuania's strong support for the principle that Europe must assume greater responsibility for its own defense. Recent EU initiatives to enhance defense preparedness demonstrate that security and defense have become strategic priorities for the Union. At the same time, it would be naïve and even dangerous to assume that European defense capabilities could replace those of NATO any time soon.

"In the current volatile geopolitical environment, the transatlantic bond is irreplaceable and essential. It stands at the cornerstone of Europe's security and defense. And in this regard, a close partnership with the United States remains Lithuania's clear strategic priority," Gitanas Nausėda pointed out.

The President also reminded foreign ambassadors that, together with Latvia and Estonia, Lithuania achieved full energy independence a year ago by synchronizing its electricity grid with continental Europe. Lithuania's long-term plans include further strengthening the national energy system, completing the Harmony Link electricity interconnection with Poland, and meeting domestic electricity demand from renewable sources as early as in 2028.

Gitanas Nausėda presented to ambassadors Lithuania's progress in enhancing transport links with the rest of the EU, as well as its efforts to expand economic, political, cultural, and academic ties with European and Indo-Pacific countries.

Speaking about Lithuania's upcoming presidency of the EU in the first half of 2027, President Gitanas Nausėda emphasized the goal of strengthening Europe and contributing to making Europe a strong geopolitical player. This requires reinforcing not only the economy, but also Europe's shared historical memory, including a proper evaluation and commemoration of the crimes of totalitarian regimes. Lithuania also supports further EU enlargement.

"Ukraine's, as well as Moldova's, accession to the European Union by 2030 at the latest should be a strategic goal. With strong commitment on both sides, I am sure we can make it happen," the President underscored.

Representatives of 63 countries and seven international organizations attended the annual meeting.