Gitanas Nausėda at the European Council: Security of the EU’s eastern border has to become a shared responsibility for the entire EU

At Thursday's European Council meeting, President Gitanas Nausėda emphasized that European security and defense have to be a priority in all EU decisions, considering the growing military and hybrid threats.

The Lithuanian leader stressed the need to strengthen the security of the EU and NATO's eastern flank without delay. The President called for the implementation of the Eastern Flank Watch and the European Drone Wall initiatives proposed by the European Commission, and noted that the security of Europe's eastern border has to become a shared responsibility of the entire European Union.

Gitanas Nausėda drew attention to changes in the tactics of Belarus's hybrid attacks, including the instrumentalization of smuggling networks using contraband balloons, which pose a threat to civil aviation and public safety. Since the beginning of this year, Lithuania has recorded more than 600 such incidents, which have disrupted hundreds of flights and affected tens of thousands of passengers. The President thanked EU partners for their solidarity, and stressed the need to maintain pressure on Russia and its ally Belarus by preparing a new package of sanctions.

Addressing the next Multiannual Financial Framework, the President welcomed the progress achieved during the Danish Presidency in preparing a negotiating package. Gitanas Nausėda emphasized that, in light of the threat posed by Russia, the security of the EU's eastern border must be recognized as a priority throughout the Multiannual Financial Framework, ensuring adequate funding and a defense industry component.

"Today, Europe is experiencing a decisive moment in history. That is why we particularly need the spirit of solidarity that has strengthened the European Union on many occasions. The time has come to rise above narrow national interests and assume joint responsibility for Europe's common security. Only a comprehensive, bold, and unified approach to the Multiannual Financial Framework will enable the creation of effective deterrence and defense instruments," the President said.

The Head of State also stressed the need to maintain the scope of the Multiannual Financial Framework proposed by the European Commission, ensure sufficient and clearly separated funding for the Cohesion Policy and the Common Agricultural Policy, and complete the convergence of direct payments in order to guarantee fair conditions for Lithuanian farmers.

EU leaders will continue negotiations on the Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028-2034 next year.