Gitanas NausÄ—da discussed strengthening EU competitiveness with the President of the European Council

On Friday, President Gitanas Nausėda had a telephone conversation with President of the European Council António Costa. The discussion took place in preparation for the informal meeting of the European Union leaders to be held in Belgium on 12 February.

The conversation focused on EU competitiveness, strengthening the single market in the new geo-economic environment, and issues related to the EU's internal strategy and policy.

"We support the idea of holding an informal debate on competitiveness, with the expectation that concrete decisions will be adopted at the European Council meeting in March. So far, we have not succeeded in significantly deepening the single market or removing obstacles that limit the competitiveness of the European Union," the President said.

Gitanas Nausėda pointed out that priority should be given to measures that can strengthen EU competitiveness in the short term, noting that the global environment is changing rapidly and there is no time for prolonged discussions. The President emphasized the need for consistent and effective action at the EU level, beginning with basic economic decisions.

"Relatively high electricity prices and access to more affordable capital are challenges that need to be addressed as quickly as possible. This is important for manufacturers and providers of goods and services," the President noted.

According to the Lithuanian leader, to compete globally in high technology, artificial intelligence, and information technology, the EU has to significantly reduce administrative burden and internal barriers between the markets of the EU countries.

"That is why it is important for Lithuania, as a start-up-driven country, to see the emergence of the so-called 28th regime, which would allow start-ups to establish themselves, operate, and attract capital under unified rules across the entire EU market," the President said, highlighting that this would be particularly beneficial for Lithuania's strong start-up market.

The Head of State underlined the need for immediate and concrete action to strengthen Europe's competitiveness and its role in the global economy. The President emphasized the importance of diversifying the EU's trade relations, referring to the recently signed free trade agreement with India as a positive example.

"We need to learn from past experience and reduce our dependencies, particularly on Russia and China. In the four years since the start of Russia's war against Ukraine, we have been able to find solutions, take concrete action, and reduce our dependence on the aggressor," the Lithuanian leader underlined.

The President also stressed that the EU needs not only to deepen the single market, but also expand it to Ukraine, Moldova, and the Western Balkans. Gitanas Nausėda reaffirmed that Lithuania is ready to work on the Community market action plan and to implement it during its Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2027.