Gitanas Nausėda: part of the future EU budget must be allocated to the protection of the Community's eastern border
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda emphasizes the need for a portion of the future EU budget to focus on the security of Eastern Europe's borders during a meeting with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola.
During a recent meeting with Roberta Metsola, the President of the European Parliament, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda discussed the necessity for the upcoming EU budget to account for increased support towards the security of the Eastern borders of the European Union. He highlighted that the period from 2028 to 2034 will be critical for ensuring that the EU’s financial resources align with its aspirations in security, competitiveness, and cohesion, asserting that the responsibility for Eastern borders is a collective one for the entire EU that ought to be recognized in financial planning.
Nausėda also addressed the issue of EU expansion, particularly focusing on Ukraine's potential integration into the European Union, calling it a strategic decision vital for Europe's future and security. He expressed urgency in maintaining the pace of negotiations and political resolve to facilitate Ukraine's candidacy for EU membership, aiming for full integration by 2030. This reflects a broader commitment by the Lithuanian government to support Ukraine during a time of geopolitical tension in the region.
The meeting underscored Lithuania's proactive stance in EU matters, as it seeks not only to enhance regional security but also to establish a more unified response to external threats through collaborative EU budgetary decisions. Metsola reiterated the EU's ongoing support for Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of European solidarity amidst the challenges faced by the country.