Ruslanas Baranovas at the LXXIII COSAC: ‘The implementation of the European strategic agenda calls for real action’

Press release, 9 June 2025 (News ● Photos ● Broadcasts and videos)

A delegation of the Seimas is attending the LXXIII Plenary meeting of the Conference of Parliamentary Committees for Union Affairs of Parliaments of the European Union (COSAC), hosted by the Sejm of the Republic of Poland in Warsaw. During the discussion on the strategic agenda of the European Commission and the European Parliament, Ruslanas Baranovas, Member of the Seimas delegation, emphasised the urgent need to move from declarations to real action and investment.

‘We strongly support the European Commission’s ambitious proposals in the fields of defence, migration, agriculture, and competitiveness. The timeliest implementation of the White Paper for European Defence and the SAFE regulation is a top priority now. Russia is not deterred by declarations; it respects only tangible capabilities. We need to increase EU and national defence spending, in particular by supporting countries bordering Russia and Belarus, and bolster Ukraine’s defence industry. Enlargement is another opportunity to boost our competitiveness. The new multiannual financial framework (MFF) will be a real litmus test,’ Mr Baranovas said.

The second plenary session focuses on the work programme of the European Commission and the European Parliament at the start of the new institutional cycle. Lithuania welcomes the proposals on strengthening EU defence, supporting Ukraine, developing the single market, managing migration, and achieving energy independence. Lithuania also stresses the need to increase investment in defence, support frontline countries, reduce administrative burden on business and achieve a breakthrough in enlargement and the new MFF.

The agenda of the LXXIII COSAC includes delivering on the priorities of the Polish Presidency; the work programme of the European Commission and the European Parliament at the start of the new institutional cycle; the future of the MFF; the prospects of EU enlargement; the fight against disinformation; and the strengthening of cyber resilience.

Members of the Lithuanian delegation are also attending separate meetings of political groups and the Meeting of Chairpersons of COSAC to debate on draft proposals and draft conclusions of the Conference.

For the Programme of the Conference in English, please follow this link. 

The Conference of Parliamentary Committees for Union Affairs of Parliaments of the European Union (COSAC) brings together the European Union affairs committees of the national Parliaments and the European Parliament. This is the largest and the most significant event for the committees on European affairs of the national Parliaments of the EU Member States, intended for discussing the most important items on the EU agenda. Held biannually, the Conference may submit any proposal to the European Parliament, the Council, or the Commission. COSAC is hosted by the Parliament of the Presidency of the Council of the EU.

Poland holds the Presidency of the Council of the EU from 1 January to 30 June 2025.

Martynas Lukoševičius, Adviser, Office of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, tel. +370 5 209 6881