EU budget and social investment negotiations discussed with the Members of the European Parliament in preparation for Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the EU
Lithuania supports the overall objective of the Council of the European Union (EU) to reach an agreement on the EU's Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028-2034 by the end of this year, as the launch of the new 2028-2034 programmes in 2028 requires both an approved new MFF and sectoral legislation. With a view to taking over the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2027, Vice-Minister of Finance Rūta Carik met with the Members of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs of the European Parliament –Ms Li Andersson, Ms Idoia Mendia and Ms Vilija Blinkevičiūtė – to discuss ongoing negotiations, possible challenges and further cooperation.
“Although we hope that the negotiations on the EU's Multiannual Financial Framework will be concluded before the Lithuanian Presidency, we need to carry out preparatory work so that, if necessary, we are ready to take the lead and become a reliable and effective intermediary in finding common European solutions”, Vice-Minister of Finance R. Carik said at the meeting.
Depending on the progress of the negotiations, during the Lithuanian Presidency further work may be necessary concerning the MFF and related sectoral legislation. It is important for Lithuania that interinstitutional discussions with the European Parliament start as early as possible and that all legislation for the new financial period is adopted in a timely manner.
At the meeting with the Members of the European Parliament, the structure of the future EU budget, the needs of the EU's eastern border regions, strengthening Europe's competitiveness and resilience, and further financial support for Ukraine were discussed. Lithuania underlines that due to geopolitical and hybrid threats to the EU's eastern border regions, due attention must be paid in the future MFF.
Special attention was paid to the European Social Fund (ESF+) and the National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPs). According to the Vice-Minister, Lithuania supports high ambition for social investments and their visibility, while stressing the need for Member States to maintain sufficient flexibility, taking into account different national and regional needs.
During the Presidency, the Ministry of Finance, together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will organise two high-level European Union events in Lithuania, i.e. informal ministerial meetings of the General Affairs Council (Cohesion) and the Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN), and seven informal meetings of the Council of the EU working groups and committees.
Lithuania will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2027, taking over the Presidency from Ireland and then handing it over to Greece. Together, these three countries form a joint 18-month Presidency trio.