Greens/EFA in Vilnius: Lithuanian Presidency must lead on Ukraine, energy security and enlargement
Today, the newly elected leadership of the Greens/EFA Group kicks off its first Bureau retreat in Vilnius, bringing together Co-Presidents Terry Reintke and Nicu Ștefănuță, Vice-President and Lithuanian MEP Virginijus Sinkevičius, and Vice-Presidents Kira Marie Peter-Hansen, Sergey Lagodinsky, Isabella Lövin, Ignazio Marino, Kai Tegethoff, Marie Toussaint and Kim van Sparrentak.
The visit comes just weeks before Lithuania takes over the Presidency of the Council of the EU on 1 January 2027. As a country sharing a border with Belarus and Russia and a strong supporter of Ukraine, Lithuania plays an important role in shaping Europe's security and democratic future.
MEP Virginijus Sinkevičius, Greens/EFA Vice-President from Lithuania, comments:
“The Lithuanian Council Presidency is an opportunity to remind Europe of the threat posed by Russia's war against Ukraine. Our country has a long and proud history of fighting oppression and dictators. We know that Putin's aggression is a threat to all of Europe.
“But Lithuania has more to offer than security expertise. This Presidency must make energy independence a top priority. More renewables, stronger grids and an end to Russian fossil fuels will make Europe safer, more competitive and energy more affordable. I'm proud to welcome my colleagues to Vilnius and show them what Lithuania has to offer, from innovation to the circular economy.”
Greens/EFA Co-President Terry Reintke from Germany comments:
“There is hardly a country better suited to take over the Council Presidency at this crucial moment. We are glad to be here at Europe’s eastern flank, meet our Lithuanian friends and listen to their priorities.
“Our support for Ukraine remains unwavering. With another brutal winter approaching, Europe must step up military and humanitarian assistance and help protect Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Yesterday's Commission enlargement package acknowledges Ukraine's remarkable progress despite Russia's war, but also the need for further reforms. We must now turn this momentum into concrete progress towards EU membership. We count on Lithuania's Presidency to help pave the way.”
Greens/EFA Co-President Nicu Ștefănuță from Romania comments:
“The Lithuanian Green family is growing stronger, and we are here to embrace it, learn from this country's history and build new bridges. Lithuania has shown what determination and European solidarity can achieve.
“One of the biggest tasks for the next Presidency will be negotiating Europe's future budget. We need a strong EU budget with new own resources to deliver on our promises. Security is essential, and so are affordable living, climate adaptation and biodiversity. And as we prepare to welcome new members into our Union, we must ensure Europe has the resources to grow stronger, not just bigger. A more united world and enlarged Europe needs a budget that matches its ambitions.
“And we need European capabilities and forces defending the entire eastern flank. As a Romanian, I understand the urgency better than most. And as Europeans, we need to understand that we are all in the eastern flank. We are in this together.”
More:
From 5 to 6 November, the Bureau will meet Lithuanian government ministers and elected representatives, exchange views on the upcoming Presidency and strengthen cooperation with Lithuanian political partners. The agenda also includes a visit to European circular-economy company Vinted and the Museum of occupations and freedom fights, linking European innovation with Lithuania's history of fighting for freedom.
