Minister Sabutis to Discuss Air Passenger Rights and Updated Roadworthiness Package with EU Transport Ministers in Luxembourg

On 5–6 June, Lithuanian Minister of Transport and Communications Eugenijus Sabutis will participate in the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy (TTE) Council of the European Union (EU) in Luxembourg, where discussions will focus on strengthening the protection of air passenger rights. Minister Sabutis has voiced concern over regulations that could undermine passengers’ rights in cases of flight delays and compensation. 

The TTE Council will also address the EU’s road safety and vehicle registration rules. In response to the European Commission’s proposal to require annual inspections for vehicles older than ten years, Minister Sabutis intends to propose that Member States retain the flexibility to determine the frequency of roadworthiness testing in line with their national circumstances.

Minister Sabutis will also call for greater EU investment to enhance the resilience and dual-use capacity of transport infrastructure, alongside discussions on strategic international and regional transport priorities.

While in Luxembourg, Minister Sabutis is scheduled to meet with European Commissioners, transport ministers from the Nordic and Baltic countries, as well as delegations from Ireland and Greece. Ireland, Lithuania and Greece will form the presidency trio of the Council of the EU for 2026–2027.

Last week, Vilnius hosted the first-ever joint meeting of the Bucharest Nine and Nordic transport ministers. The ministers agreed to work together to strengthen military mobility links across the region, accelerate the modernisation of strategic transport infrastructure, and coordinate efforts to secure increased EU funding under the Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028–2034. A joint statement endorsing these objectives was signed by twelve transport ministers from Central and Northern European countries.

To date, Lithuania has obtained more than EUR 125 million in EU support for military mobility infrastructure linking it with Europe. Looking ahead, an estimated EUR 3.5 billion will be needed to fully meet the country’s military mobility requirements.