Committee on European Affairs: ‘Lithuania in COSAC: support for Ukraine and a strong response to the threats posed by the Iranian regime’

Press release, 17 March 2026 (News ● Photos ● Broadcasts and videos)

The European security situation, Russia’s war against Ukraine, and the role of the European Union in the Middle East crisis were the key topics discussed by the delegation of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania and parliamentarians from other European countries during an interparliamentary videoconference held by the Conference of Parliamentary Committees for Union Affairs (COSAC).

Rasa Budbergytė, Deputy Speaker of the Seimas and Chair of the European Affairs Committee, together with Radvilė Morkūnaitė-Mikulėnienė, Deputy Speaker of the Seimas, and members of the Seimas Ruslanas Baranovas and Arminas Lydeka, represented the Seimas at the Conference.

Speaking at the session dedicated to the war in Ukraine and the European security outlook, Ms Budbergytė stressed that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine remains the biggest security challenge for Europe.

‘Five years into Russia’s brutal aggression, we remain committed to fully supporting Ukraine and strengthening European security. We need to step up our long-term military support for Ukraine and ensure a clear prospect for its membership of the European Union,’ Ms Budbergytė said. She also underlined the need to maintain close cooperation with NATO, increase investment in defence, and preserve a strong transatlantic link to reinforce the defence capabilities of Europe.

‘Given its proximity to the aggressor states of Russia and Belarus, Lithuania continues to confront significant security, economic, and social pressures,’ she noted, highlighting the importance of the European Commission’s efforts to reinforce the EU’s eastern border.  ‘These regions form the Union’s frontline and constitute a strategic space for the European security, resilience, and stability. They therefore require robust EU support and comprehensive funding,’ Ms Budbergytė said.

‘I once believed that my generation would only be remembering the horrors of past wars and conflicts, yet today we are all confronted with the reality of an ongoing conflict. Even countries far from the frontline are feeling its impact. In these turbulent times, our duty is to stand united and support Ukraine, recognising not only its role in defending Europe, but also its valuable contribution in sharing essential expertise on drone defence in this new security environment,’ Ms Morkūnaitė-Mikulėnienė emphasised during the debate on the situation in the Middle East.  

She underlined that the Iranian regime has disregarded the efforts and appeals of the international community to address the most sensitive issues through dialogue. ‘The Iranian regime poses a threat not only to the Middle East but also to the wider international order. Lithuania supports the European Commission’s view that, despite the pressures linked to energy prices, the EU must not revert to using Russian resources and must not thereby fuel Russia’s war machine. As we prepare the EU’s next multiannual financial framework, the risks posed by authoritarian regimes must be fully considered,’ she said.  

The COSAC interparliamentary videoconference was held in place of the LXXV COSAC Plenary Meeting, which was originally scheduled to take place in Nicosia. Discussions focused on European security, the war in Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, and EU’s cooperation with Mediterranean partners.

Aistė Pikiotienė, Adviser, Office of the Committee on European Affairs of the Office of the Seimas, e-mail: [email protected]