PM Meets EC Executive Vice-President: EU’s Eastern Regions Are More Than a Frontline of Defence
Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius met with Raffaele Fitto, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, who is visiting Lithuania. The Prime Minister and the Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms discussed Lithuania’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU and the importance of strengthening the EU’s eastern regions.
“During our Presidency, we want to make an effective contribution to building a stronger Europe, a Europe that can defend itself, compete globally, and ensure the well-being and security of its citizens,” Prime Minister M. Sinkevičius said.
During the meeting, the Lithuanian Prime Minister emphasised that Europe needs an ambitious budget that strengthens defence and competitiveness while preserving a strong cohesion policy and the Common Agricultural Policy.
Lithuania is seeking to ensure that, under the next Multiannual Financial Framework, the EU’s eastern border regions are recognised as a horizontal priority across the EU budget.
“Lithuania has repeatedly demonstrated that its geographical position is not a weakness. On the contrary, it drives us to assume greater responsibility and act decisively. The eastern border regions must be seen not only as Europe’s frontline of defence, but also as drivers of innovation, industrial growth and connectivity within the single market,” the Prime Minister said.
According to the Prime Minister, initiatives such as East Invest can help strengthen economic resilience and attract additional investment.
During the meeting, R. Fitto presented the European Commission’s initiative to develop a “Right to Stay” strategy. Its aim is to ensure that people’s decisions to leave their regions are based on their own free choice rather than on a lack of jobs, public services, housing, transport links or other opportunities.
The Prime Minister welcomed the initiative, stressing that the strategy must place the security and resilience of both countries and people at its centre.