Gitanas NausÄ—da and the President of the European Council discussed support for Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East

On Thursday, President Gitanas Nausėda spoke by phone with António Costa, President of the European Council. The conversation took place in preparation for the European Council meeting to be held in Brussels on 19-20 March, and focused on support for Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, strengthening European security and defense, boosting competitiveness, and the next multiannual financial framework of the European Union.

President Gitanas Nausėda emphasized the need to ensure continued and comprehensive support for Ukraine from the European Union.

"It is necessary to take decisions on further financing for Ukraine by transferring the €90 billion loan agreed by the European Council, to adopt the 20th package of sanctions against Russia as soon as possible, and to begin negotiations on Ukraine's membership in the EU," the Lithuanian leader stressed during the conversation.President Gitanas Nausėda also noted that the European Council conclusions have to clearly reaffirm support for Ukraine's territorial integrity and the strategic objective of Ukraine joining the European Union by 2030.

Discussing the situation in the Middle East, the Head of State stressed that following the breakdown of negotiations on Iran's nuclear and missile programs, the threat to regional and international security is increasing. He underlined the importance of close coordination within the European Union to ensure the safety of EU citizens and in organizing their evacuation from the region.

European security and defense issues were also discussed during the phone call.

Gitanas Nausėda emphasized that Russia remains a long-term threat to European security, and that it is therefore necessary to accelerate defense investment and implement initiatives that strengthen the security of the eastern flank, such as the Eastern Flank Watch and joint European drone defense solutions.

The Lithuanian leader and the President of the European Council also discussed the strengthening of European competitiveness and issues related to the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework. Gitanas Nausėda stressed that the new EU budget must reflect increased security and defense needs while ensuring continued funding for cohesion and agricultural policies.