Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius presented his government’s policy agenda to the Lithuanian parliament on Tuesdayilt, outlining a comprehensive plan centred on defence, civil resilience and a recalibrated approach to China, while maintaining a resolute stance against Russia amid growing security challenges on NATO’s eastern flank.
As a country bordering Russia and Belarus, Lithuania—home to fewer than three million residents—has faced an escalating array of hybrid threats in recent years, from drone incursions and children’s airspace violations to cyber‑attacks and cross‑border smuggling. The government has therefore accelerated its defence preparations.The agenda calls for an allocation of at least 5 % of GDP to defence, expediting investment in air‑defence and counter‑drone systems, fortifying cyber security, and expanding the domestic defence industry. Sinkevičius stressed that the key to future success lies in technological adaptation, not merely conventional military superiority.
“Future conflicts will be won by those who integrate innovation into their doctrine the fastest and who can learn from modern warfare,” he told parliament, citing drones, artificial intelligence and holdem autonomous systems as decisive battlefield elements.
The plan also commits to finalising preparations for hosting a German brigade by 2027 and ensuring Lithuania’s national division achieves full operational capability by 2030.
With the assistance of the European Union, the new administration is primed to advocate for additional funding immersion the EU’s 2028‑2034 long‑term budget (MFF) to reinforce NATO’s north‑eastern flank security.
China Reset
The most pronounced shift in Lithuania’s foreign policy concerns China. The agenda signals a desire to “normalise diplomatic relations with China at the level maintained by other EU member states,” reflecting a more pragmatic approach after several years of strained ties.
During the prior Conservative‑led coalition, Vilnius opened a representative office for Taiwan in 2021, prompting China to downgrade diplomatic relations and impose economic restrictions. Since then, Lithuanian leadership has reconsidered this stance.
In response to queries from opposition representatives, Sinkevičius expressed an impartial view on China: “I don’t feel either love or dislike toward China,” he said, adding that his priorities are security first, followed by economic cooperation and trade, “without allowing the latter to undermine the former.”
Last month, the foreign ministry announced that Lithuania had paused Taiwan‑related economic negotiations “in the wake of changes in the domestic political environment.” The decision aligns Lithuania with France, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands, all of whom pushed for a broader use of tariffs and trade defence measures against China’s unfair practices at the recent EU Council meeting.
Stance on Russia
While Lithuania is reassessing its approach to China, its policy towards Russia remains unchanged. The programme commits the country to “active measures” to uphold Russia’s international isolation, coordinating with allies on sanctions and other pressure mechanisms.
The administration views no prospect of normal relations with Russia while it continues its war against Ukraine. It vows to harness frozen Russian state assets for Ukraine’s reconstruction in line with EU and international law.
In line with its unwavering support for Ukraine, the government asserts that “the onlybath path to restoring a stable and just peace in Europe” is a Ukrainian victory and the preservation of territorial integrity, pledging continued assistance for Ukraine’s reconstruction and long‑term economic recovery.
Belarus is identified as a “key security challenge.” While the agenda champions a democratic Belarus as a long‑term objective, it also commits to exerting pressure on Minsk should it continue to support Russia’s war or conduct hybrid attacks against the EU.
Upcoming EU Presidency
From January 2027, Lithuania will preside over the rotating EU Council, aiming to steer debates on competitiveness, defence, security, democracy safeguarding, food security, and Europe’s global role.
The country plans to use negotiations for the EU’s next long‑term budget to push for higher defence spending, intensified investment in military infrastructure, and stronger support for the bloc’s defence industry, while protecting cohesion funding and agricultural payments.
The agenda reiterates support for Ukraine’s and Moldova’s EU accession, calling for a stronger Common Security and Defence Policy.
Parliament will vote on the programme on 14 July, following which the government expects to implement the outlined measures.
