Lithuania

A collection of 160 posts

EC unveils EUR 2tn 2028-34 budget draft, tilting funding model towards CEE countries

EC unveils EUR 2tn 2028-34 budget draft, tilting funding model towards CEE countries

The EC is expected to present the proposal formally as part of its mid-term budget review later this year. The plan must be approved unanimously by all 27 member states and endorsed by the European Parliament. Opposition is expected from net contributor countries and regions facing cuts.

Poland leads EU funding recipients with EUR 123.3 bn in long‑term budget draft

Poland leads EU funding recipients with EUR 123.3 bn in long‑term budget draft

The European Commission (EC) published long-term budget allocation plans on 17 July, showing Poland set to receive the highest national allocation under the 2028-34 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), totalling EUR 123.3bn.

Balkan ministers back Ukraine’s NATO bid at Dubrovnik summit

Balkan ministers back Ukraine’s NATO bid at Dubrovnik summit

Serbia and Bulgaria did not sign the Dubrovnik declaration. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has maintained a policy of strategic ambiguity regarding NATO, while Bulgarian President Rumen Radev has voiced concerns about deepening military support for Ukraine.

Poland's EU presidency under review: efficient but cautious

Poland's EU presidency under review: efficient but cautious

Key deliverables included the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP), East Shield funding eligibility, three rounds of Russia sanctions and progress on Montenegro's EU accession.

CEE countries jointly oppose EU's 'flexible funding' plan

CEE countries jointly oppose EU's 'flexible funding' plan

The signatories, including Poland, Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, said the policy’s “visibility and predictability” would be compromised if merged into a broader single investment fund.

NATO endorses 5% defence spending framework at The Hague summit

NATO endorses 5% defence spending framework at The Hague summit

Under the Hague Investment Plan adopted on 25 June, NATO members committed to raise annual defence-related spending to 5% of GDP by 2035. The 5% comprises 3.5% on conventional military capability and 1.5% on infrastructure, cyber-defence and civil preparedness; including support for Ukraine. cet

Hungary's decision to quit international court triggers diplomatic fallout

Hungary's decision to quit international court triggers diplomatic fallout

The withdrawal will take legal effect on 2 June 2026, making Hungary the first EU member state to exit the Rome Statute, which underpins the ICC’s jurisdiction to prosecute war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.

CEE diversifies on gas, as Merz decries Nord Stream 2 'mistake'

CEE diversifies on gas, as Merz decries Nord Stream 2 'mistake'

In late May, Merz said Nord Stream 2 must stay closed to “weaken Moscow's war machine” and also declared that his government would “do everything” to prevent the pipeline from going online.ce

China deepens CEE links on agro, rail, as bilateral trade climbs 6.3%

China deepens CEE links on agro, rail, as bilateral trade climbs 6.3%

China's trade with Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) reached USD 142.3bn in 2024, marking a 6.3% year-on-year increase, surpassing China's overall foreign trade growth rate by 2.5 percentage points, according to China's General Administration of Customs. The total marked a 4.