Lithuanian president calls for stronger Eastern flank focus in EU budget

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda has said that the European Union’s proposed 2028–2034 budget addresses defence and security priorities for both Lithuania and the bloc as a whole, but still lacks a sufficiently clear focus on the eastern flank.

Speaking on April 23 ahead of an informal European Council meeting in Cyprus, Nausėda stressed that greater attention should be given to border regions facing Russia and Belarus, LRT reports.

“What we find missing is a very clear and articulated inclusion of the eastern flank in that budget,” Nausėda said.

He added that the eastern flank, which includes the Baltic states and other countries in Eastern Europe, “protects the [EU’s] external border”.

Nausėda also said he expected the issue to be addressed in upcoming negotiations, noting that “talks starting shortly” would provide an opportunity to clarify priorities.

Lithuania’s Ministry of Finance had previously stated that the country would push for stronger recognition of security needs along the EU’s eastern border, along with adequate funding for Cohesion Policy and the Common Agricultural Policy. It also highlighted the importance of regional economic convergence and addressing challenges faced by border regions.

Last July, the European Commission proposed a nearly €2 trillion budget for 2028–2034, aimed at strengthening European competitiveness, supporting Ukraine, and maintaining funding for traditional beneficiaries such as farmers.

By Sabina Mammadli