VILNIUS, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Lithuania plans to make issues of defense, internal and social security, the bloc's enlargement, and transatlantic bond high on the European Union's (EU) agenda after taking over the EU rotating presidency next year, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said in his annual address to parliament on Tuesday.
Addressing lawmakers, Nauseda underlined that the EU remains the strongest and most influential defender of multilateralism, but it lacks speed and more effective decision-making and implementation mechanisms.
He described Lithuania's taking over the presidency of the EU Council for six months starting on Jan. 1, 2027, as a rare opportunity to shape the bloc's agenda at the highest level.
During this time, Lithuania intends to raise the issues of defense, internal and social security, and EU enlargement, and advocate for a stronger transatlantic bond and closer cooperation between the EU and NATO.
The issue of EU competitiveness is also becoming increasingly important. Lithuania aims to make the single market more integrated and create better conditions for innovation, investment, and economic growth.
Lithuania's presidency period will also open up more opportunities to talk about EU reforms, the Lithuanian president noted, while also emphasizing protections for the interests of smaller member states. ■