Lithuania and Germany Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation on EU Enlargement and Financial Framework

Strategic Insights -

Lithuania's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sigitas Mitkus recently visited Berlin, where he met with senior German officials to discuss bilateral cooperation, the EU enlargement process, and the future 2028-2034 multiannual financial framework. The meetings focused on Ukraine's EU membership and the importance of a secure enlargement process for both Ukraine and Europe. Lithuania aims to achieve ambitious goals in the next financial framework, prioritizing EU security, defense, development, and infrastructure needs. The visit also explored opportunities for Lithuanian-German cooperation in implementing joint projects in Ukraine and Africa, including development cooperation, new financial instruments, and private sector involvement.

Key Takeaways:

  • Lithuania's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sigitas Mitkus emphasized the importance of Ukraine's EU membership as a strategic goal and a security guarantee for both Ukraine and Europe.
  • The meetings focused on the EU enlargement process, with a particular emphasis on real progress in Ukraine's accession process.
  • Lithuania is striving for an ambitious 2028-2034 EU Multiannual Financial Framework, prioritizing EU security, defense, development, and infrastructure needs.
  • The possibility of Lithuanian-German cooperation in implementing joint projects in Ukraine, including building underground schools, strengthening administrative capabilities, and providing expert support in EU membership negotiations.
  • Discussions were held on involving the private sector in development cooperation projects, creating new financial instruments, and implementing joint projects in Africa.
  • A meeting with German think tanks and independent research institutes was also held to exchange views on various topics.

Statistics:

  • No specific statistics were mentioned in the text.
  • However, the following numerical data is relevant:

+ 2028-2034: the period for the future EU Multiannual Financial Framework.

+ Ukraine: the country at the center of discussions on EU membership and enlargement.

+ EU Budget: Lithuania aims to have an ambitious budget for 2028-2034, reflecting traditional and new priorities.

Sources:

  • Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, no date.
  • German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, no date.
  • Anonymous. "Lithuania and Germany Strengthen Bilational Cooperation on EU Enlargement and Financial Framework." Lithuania's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2023.