Minister V. Kondratovičius Discusses Lithuania’s EU Presidency Priorities with LIBE Chair
Minister of the Interior Vladislavas Kondratovičius met with Javier Zarzalejos, Chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE), to discuss Lithuania’s preparations for its upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union and the key priorities for the presidency.
“Our goal is to ensure that Lithuania’s presidency is smooth and focused on tangible results. We will seek to strengthen Europe’s internal security, increase resilience to hybrid threats, and ensure the effective implementation of migration policy. Close and consistent cooperation with the European Parliament is essential for this,” said Minister V. Kondratovičius.
During the meeting, it was emphasized that it is extremely important for Lithuania and the entire region that the complex security situation and the hybrid threats being experienced are clearly understood and properly assessed at the European Union level. The minister V. Kondratovičius highlighted the importance of the European Parliament’s involvement and expressed readiness to continue close and constructive dialogue.
The Minister of the Interior also drew attention to the challenges posed by hybrid threats, emphasizing the need to strengthen Europe’s resilience and its ability to act in a coordinated manner.
During its presidency in the field of home affairs, Lithuania will primarily focus on strengthening EU internal security, preparedness, and democratic resilience, as well as improving migration management and the management of external borders.
In addition, significant attention is expected to be given to migration and asylum issues, including the first assessment of the implementation of the Migration and Asylum Pact, discussions on the Return Regulation, and the digitalization of the return process. Efforts will also be made to restore the full functioning of the Schengen Area, strengthen cooperation with third countries, and ensure the implementation of interoperability between Home Affairs IT systems.
An important part of the agenda will be the regulations for the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework, which will determine EU support in the field of home affairs and should reflect the challenges posed by hybrid threats.
“We expect that intensive and focused work on these issues will continue throughout Lithuania’s presidency, aiming for tangible and long-term results that strengthen the European Union’s security and resilience,” said Minister V. Kondratovičius.