Lithuanians Prioritize EU Security and Defense as European Parliament Elections Approach

As the European Parliament elections draw near, Lithuanians are placing a strong emphasis on EU security and defense issues. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola highlighted the fight against poverty, social exclusion, security, and strengthening the economy as top priorities for citizens ahead of the elections.

The importance of the Single Market for Europe's competitiveness, prosperity, and global leadership was also emphasized. Calls were made to deepen the Single Market, reduce strategic dependencies, and complete the Banking Union and Capital Markets Union.

Enlargement towards Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, and the Western Balkans was highlighted as a strategic priority. The approval of the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans was seen as a positive step in this direction.

Reinforcing Europe's security and defense structures to defend peace and democracy emerged as another key priority. This includes providing strong support to Ukraine, countering Russian disinformation, and addressing tensions in the Middle East, particularly regarding Iran and the situation in Gaza.

The debate on Lithuania's approach to the EU's new migration reform package has also intensified. Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė stated that while other EU countries expect Lithuania to show solidarity by taking in asylum seekers, the country should not be forced to choose between accepting around 158 migrants per year or paying 3.16 million euros annually. The migration package is yet to be approved by the EU Council.

On the domestic front, the Lithuanian government has proposed creating a special defense fund to accumulate defense funds and ensure greater transparency in defense financing. Economist Nerijus Mačiulis welcomed the proposal, suggesting that the fund could be filled with dividends from state-owned companies, property sales, and voluntary business contributions, rather than relying solely on tax increases.

President Gitanas Nauseda supports additional taxation on corporate income but opposes a rise in the value-added tax (VAT) to fund the defense budget. The government plans to increase the fixed funding for national defense from 2.5 to 3 percent of GDP.

Why this matters: The European Parliament elections and the priorities of Lithuanian citizens reflect the broader challenges and concerns facing the European Union. The emphasis on security, defense, and economic competitiveness highlights the need for a united and strong EU in the face of global challenges. Lithuania's domestic discussions on defense funding and migration also underscore the complex issues that individual member states must navigate within the larger EU framework.

As the European Parliament elections approach, Lithuanians are making their voices heard on the critical issues of EU security, defense, and economic competitiveness. The proposed special defense fund and the ongoing debate on migration reform demonstrate the country's active engagement in shaping its future within the EU. As President Nauseda stated, "Any tax changes need to be announced six months before implementation," emphasizing the need for timely decision-making to address these pressing matters.

Key Takeaways

• Lithuanians prioritize EU security, defense, and economic competitiveness in EU elections.
• Calls to deepen Single Market, reduce dependencies, and complete Banking/Capital Markets Union.
• Enlargement towards Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, and Western Balkans seen as strategic priority.
• Reinforcing EU security and defense structures, supporting Ukraine, countering Russian disinformation.
• Lithuania debates migration reform package, proposes defense fund to ensure transparency.