Lithuanian delegation at the LXXIV COSAC: swift EU enlargement, stronger security and reinforced democracy are essential – no single country, not even within the EU, should be allowed to terrorise us

Press release, 2 December 2025 (News ● Photos ● Broadcasts and Videos)

The second day of the LXXIV Plenary Meeting of the Conference of Parliamentary Committees for European Union Affairs (COSAC) took place at the Danish Folketing in Copenhagen. It was attended by a Lithuanian delegation led by Rasa Budbergytė, Chair of the Seimas Committee on European Affairs, and included Deputy Chairs Ruslanas Baranovas and Arminas Lydeka, as well as Committee Member Radvilė Morkūnaitė-Mikulėnienė.

‘While the EU took its time to grow and become stronger, Russia launched a new war every few years – in Chechnya, Georgia, and Ukraine. We are now under attack through hybrid warfare. The European Union is a security-based union. The EU must therefore continue enlargement without delay: we cannot leave countries in the grey zone when they clearly choose the European path by opting for freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. No country, not even within the EU, should be allowed to terrorise us,’ said Ms Morkūnaitė-Mikulėnienė.

‘The last wave of enlargement took place 12 years ago – the longest gap in history. The next enlargement must happen by 2030 at the latest. We need to open the first enlargement cluster immediately, as we are already late. We must also plan the new EU Multiannual Financial Framework accordingly,’ she stressed.

‘The key to a sustainable and competitive energy future lies in the consistent development of renewable energy. The increasing renewable energy production lowers electricity prices, reduces dependence on fossil fuels, and strengthens our energy independence,’ Mr Lydeka emphasised.

According to Mr Lydeka, the EU needs a long-term investment policy that applies across the Union, including stable carbon taxation, guarantees for power purchase agreements and early-stage clean technologies, streamlined permitting and administrative procedures, and clear targets for the post-2030 period.

On the second day of the plenary session, the debate focused on the green transition in the European agri-food sector, as well as competitiveness and sustainable development in the energy sector. Issues raised included integrating renewable energy sources and sustainable production methods into agriculture, support measures to help farmers adopt more sustainable solutions, as well as renewable energy development strategies and their impact on competitiveness and energy price stability. There was a strong emphasis on energy security and Europe’s independence from fossil fuels and geopolitical supply crises. 

Another key theme of the Conference was EU enlargement, internal reform, and the strengthening of the rule of law. Discussions cantered on integrating new candidate countries, implementing membership criteria and reinforcing democratic institutions, highlighting the importance of internal reforms for the EU’s effectiveness. The event also addressed areas increasingly vital for European security and democracy – namely, the future of EU enlargement, measures against disinformation, and steps to strengthen cyber resilience.

COSAC (Conference of Parliamentary Committees for Union Affairs) brings together members of the European Parliament and the Committees on European Affairs of EU Member States. It is a biannual forum that can adopt proposals addressed to the European Parliament, the Council, and the Commission. The Conference promotes the exchange of information and best practices between national Parliaments and the European Parliament.

Denmark holds the Presidency of the Council of the EU from 1 July to 31 December 2025.

Aistė Pikiotienė, Adviser, Office of the Seimas Committee on European Affairs, 

tel. +370 5 239 6864, e-mail [email protected] 

Dovilė Paužaitė-Šliachtovič, Adviser, Office of the Seimas Committee on European Affairs,

tel. +370 5 239 6763, e-mail [email protected]