Tomas Tomilinas, MP, advocates at COSAC Chairpersons’ Meeting for accelerated EU enlargement and strong support for Ukraine

Press release, 4 July 2025 (News ● Photos ● Broadcasts and videos)

Tomas Tomilinas, Deputy Chair of the Seimas Committee on European Affairs, took part in the Meeting of the Chairpersons of the Conference of Parliamentary Committees for Union Affairs of Parliaments of the European Union (COSAC). The meeting focused on the priorities of the Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Ukraine’s security and EU integration, and European security and defence.

Participants also discussed procedural matters, including the report of the outgoing COSAC Trio Presidency, the agenda of the upcoming LXXIV COSAC Plenary Meeting, and the presentation of the plan for the questionnaire for the 44th Biannual Report. Danish Minister for European Affairs delivered the opening presentations, while senior representatives of the European Commission, the Danish Ministry of Defence, and the Parliament of Ukraine contributed insights on security and defence matters.

‘We welcome the Danish Presidency’s ambitious programme and fully support its priorities, particularly the aim to strengthen EU security and defence. It is crucial to increase military support for Ukraine, maintain and expand sanctions against Russia, and counter disinformation and other hybrid threats. We call for the opening of all negotiation chapters with Ukraine and Moldova within this. We also support Denmark’s focus on EU competitiveness and the vision of a green Europe: strengthening the single market, ensuring social justice and cohesion, and achieving sustainability goals must remain central to enhancing the EU’s economic competitiveness. Denmark will also need to initiate negotiations on the Multiannual Financial Framework. Unfortunately, the current EU budget falls short of addressing today’s global challenges. I urge Denmark and all upcoming Presidencies of the Council of the EU, including Lithuania’s Presidency starting in 2027, to use this platform to foster discussions on the future of Europe,’ Mr Tomilinas said.

In the second session, the Mr Tomilinas emphasised the need to strengthen the EU’s defence capabilities in close cooperation with NATO, ensure targeted funding for countries bordering the Russian Federation, and promote new initiatives such as the East Shield and the Baltic Defence Line.

‘Russia’s strategic objectives remain unchanged, both on the battlefield and at the negotiating table. Ukrainians have endured systematic Russian terror for more than 1 200 days and nights. This only reinforces the urgency to continue and intensify our support for Ukraine. The EU and European nations must demonstrate leadership and responsibility for Ukraine’s – and their own – security. This war is more than just another humanitarian crisis. Ukraine’s victory is our opportunity to forge a shared European identity. We express strong political support for an unconditional ceasefire. We must speak to Russia the only language it understands,’ Mr Tomilinas stated.

‘Until genuine negotiations begin, we must demonstrate our commitment to Ukraine through tangible actions. We therefore call on the Member States to adopt a resolution affirming support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, in line with the resolution adopted by the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania on 9 May 2025. Defence spending must be increased both at EU and national levels. We strongly support NATO’s commitment to allocate 5% of GDP to defence. Lithuania has pledged to allocate 5–6% of GDP from 2026 to 2030 and has already introduced the necessary tax amendments. Only through unity, clarity, and decisive action can we ensure peace and security in Europe,’ Mr Tomilinas underlined.

Conference of Parliamentary Committees for Union Affairs (COSAC) is a biannual forum bringing together members of the European Affairs Committees of the national Parliaments of the EU Member States and the European Parliament. Organised by the parliament of the Member State holding the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU, COSAC fosters the exchange of information and best practices among national parliaments and the European Parliament. The LXXIV COSAC Plenary Meeting will take place from 30 November to 2 December 2025.

Denmark holds the Presidency of the Council of the EU from 1 July to 31 December 2025. The Danish Presidency Programme focuses on two key priorities: a secure Europe and a competitive, green Europe. The Danish Presidency’s programme emphasises that by 2030, the EU must be capable of defending itself and contributing to Euro-Atlantic security, in close cooperation with NATO. The Programme also underlines the importance of providing comprehensive support for Ukraine, including cooperation with Ukraine’s defence industry. The EU enlargement process must be merit-based, prioritising countries that show real progress, particularly Ukraine, Moldova, and the Western Balkans. Regarding the second priority – competitive and green Europe, Denmark advocates for improved conditions for business growth and innovation and the reduction of administrative burdens in order to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness.

Danish Presidency website – Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union. 

Dainora Asevičienė, Head, Office of the Committee on European Affairs, tel. +370 5 209 6861