Vice-Minister Mitkus in Spain: Our priority is a strong, competitive, and expanded EU Bilateral RelationsEuropean UnionNews of the Ministry

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On 15-16 April, while continuing his visits to the capitals of the European Union, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Sigitas Mitkus visited Madrid, where he discussed preparations for Lithuania's Presidency of the Council of the EU.

"Lithuania's Presidency of the Council of the EU will be an opportunity to contribute to the development of an ambitious, competitive, and secure European agenda. Our goal is to ensure that the EU adopts the necessary decisions on security and competitiveness issues quickly and effectively. We are already preparing for this consistently by intensifying our dialogue with member states and partners," said the Vice-Minister.

During the visit, the Vice-Minister met with Fernando Mariano Sampedro Marcos, Secretary of State for the European Union at the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation; Maider Makua García, Senior Advisor to the Prime Minister; and Alberto Fabra Partu, Chair of the Parliament's Committee on European Affairs. The meetings focused primarily on the priorities of Lithuania's upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2027. Views were also exchanged on the most pressing items on the EU agenda, such as the ongoing negotiations on the EU's multiannual financial framework for 2028-2034, strengthening defense and security, enhancing EU competitiveness and the social resilience of societies, the need to deepen the internal market, create a capital market, and strengthen transatlantic ties.

Considerable attention was also given to EU enlargement issues, particularly negotiations with Ukraine, Moldova, Albania, and Montenegro.

The Vice-Minister noted that the EU must agree as soon as possible on €90 billion in support for Ukraine, the 20th sanctions package against Russia and Belarus, and the opening of accession negotiation chapters with Ukraine and Moldova.

"We aim for Ukraine to become an EU member by 2030," said Mitkus.

When discussing the prospects for developing bilateral relations between Lithuania and Spain, Mitkus emphasized the need for a direct flight between Vilnius and Madrid and highlighted Lithuania's interest in expanding cooperation in the fields of defense, culture, education, and trade.

The Vice-Minister also highlighted the importance of strengthening the resilience of democracy,, combating disinformation, and the rewriting of history.