Rasa Budbergytė, Chair of the Committee on European Affairs, at the Meeting of the Chairpersons of COSAC: Lithuania expresses its full support for the security priorities chosen by Poland

On 26–27 January 2025, Rasa Budbergytė, 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) in Warsaw, Poland. This has been the first parliamentary dimension event organised by the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union since 1 January 2025.

The Meeting featured the presentation of the priorities of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union and a debate on a policy-based budget for the EU.

When congratulating Poland on taking over of the Presidency of the Council of the EU, Ms Budbergytė expressed full support for the security priorities chosen by Poland in view of Poland’s plans to strengthen European security in all its aspects, encompassing external, internal, information, economic, energy, food and health sectors.

As regards the specific tasks for the Presidency, Ms Budbergytė said that, first of all, the immediate attention should go to the security of critical infrastructure and the fight against escalation of hybrid attacks throughout Europe. ‘The EU must contribute to strengthening our critical underwater infrastructure together with NATO, which has increased its visibility in the Baltic Sea, as well as to intensifying pressure on the Russian shadow fleet, including through further sanctions. In particular, we are looking forward to the White Paper on the Future of European Defence as there is a need for greater European investment and greater defence spending,’ Ms Budbergytė pointed out.

‘During the Polish Presidency, we also expect further progress towards the implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum and more vigorous efforts towards reducing irregular migration. To improve the EU’s competitiveness, we need a well-functioning, integrated single market that encompasses the service sector as well,’ said Ms Budbergytė.

Finally, she congratulated Denmark and Cyprus on beginning the new Presidency trio together with Poland. 

‘You will pass the baton of the Presidency to our Presidency trio of Lithuania, Greece and Ireland, and I am really looking forward to working with you all,’ said Ms Budbergytė.

The COSAC Conference brings together representatives of the committees responsible for European affairs in the EU Member States and the European Parliament. The purpose of the Meeting of the Chairpersons of COSAC shall be to prepare for a plenary meeting of COSAC. Moreover, the Chairpersons discuss relevant EU policy topics, taking into account the Presidency’s priorities, and examine issues related to the involvement of national Parliaments in EU affairs.

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

Dainora Asevičienė, Head, Office of the Committee on European Affairs, Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania, tel. +370 5 239 6861