Minister of Finance R. Šadžius and European Commissioner P. Serafin discussed EU budget issues of importance to Lithuania
On a formal visit to Brussels Minister of Finance Rimantas Šadžius and European Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration Piotr Serafin discussed the EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2034 issues of most importance to Lithuania.
“As Russia's war continues and its consequences will be felt in the long term, in the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework, in addition to the EU traditional policies, we will have to focus much more on addressing new challenges. During the meeting, I presented Lithuania’s priorities for the upcoming negotiations on the multiannual EU budget, highlighting the continuity of funding for Cohesion policy and Common Agricultural Policy, continued support to Ukraine, EU security and defence, military mobility, implementation of cross-border infrastructure project Rail Baltica and fulfilment of the EU contractual obligations, i.e. decommissioning of Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant, Kaliningrad Special Transit Scheme”, said Mr. R. Šadžius.
The Minister noted that Cohesion policy and next MFF should remain the main investment source to reduce economic, social and territorial disparities among the EU regions as well as to achieve the strategic goals. Cohesion policy should significantly support the Member States on the EU’s Eastern borders with the aggressor countries and most affected by the war in Ukraine. Sufficient funding for Cohesion policy in the next MFF is vital not only to foster regional convergence, but also to enhance the EU’s economic competitiveness and resilience.
The Minister also stressed the importance of continuous EU funding for Rail Baltica and Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant decommissioning projects. The Rail Baltica project is extremely important in the current geopolitical context, as it would improve accessibility of the region and, in parallel, the infrastructure of military mobility. Funding for the decommissioning of Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant must be ensured following the Treaty of Accession of Lithuania.
Mr. R. Šadžius stressed that the issue of increasing funding for security and defence at EU level must be addressed urgently, without waiting for the new MFF to enter into force only in 2028, therefore it is necessary to analyse all possible means of increasing funding, including also the creation of the EU joint borrowing instrument.
The role of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in addressing climate change issues, ensuring farmers’ income and sustainable development of agricultural sector as well as supporting rural development were also discussed during the meeting. The Minister noted the importance of external convergence of direct payments to ensure equal treatment of farmers in all EU Member States.
The Commission is expected to set out proposals for the EU Multiannual Financial Facility 2028–2034 by 1 July this year.
Last updated: 23-01-2025
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