Lithuania's Ministry of Finance published remarks by Finance Minister Kristupas Vaitiekunas in an interview with Ukrainform in Brussels, reaffirming Lithuania’s position that Ukraine should become a full European Union member by 2030 or earlier. He also indicated support for a staged EU integration approach proposed by the European Commission where it helps speed up accession. Vaitiekunas argued that the priority is avoiding a situation where Ukraine remains on a permanent EU waiting list, while endorsing intermediate integration milestones if they accelerate the process and strengthen confidence among Ukrainians. The interview also covered financial support, anti-corruption, Ukraine’s role in European competitiveness including agriculture, Lithuania–Ukraine economic ties and investment potential, reconstruction, energy independence from Russia, and the case for further tightening sanctions against Russia and Belarus.
Ministry of Finance (Lithuania) 2026-01-22
Lithuania's Ministry of Finance reiterates support for Ukraine to join the European Union by 2030 and backs phased integration if it accelerates accession
Lithuania's Finance Minister Kristupas Vaitiekunas, in an interview with Ukrainform, emphasized Lithuania's support for Ukraine's full European Union membership by 2030, endorsing a staged integration approach to expedite accession. The discussion also covered financial support, anti-corruption efforts, Ukraine's competitiveness, Lithuania-Ukraine economic ties, reconstruction, energy independence from Russia, and sanctions against Russia and Belarus.