Lithuanian president, Greek PM discuss EU budget talks, Eurogroup vote

VILNIUS - Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda spoke by phone with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Wednesday to discuss upcoming talks on the European Union’s multiannual budget and the approaching vote to elect the next Eurogroup president.

According to the president's office, Nauseda told Mitsotakis that the next EU financing period must properly reflect the interests of the bloc’s eastern flank, covering security, defense, economic and social needs.

"President Nauseda noted that, given the growing scale of threats and pressure on the eastern border countries, the specific needs of this region must be integrated horizontally across all financial instruments," it said.

Nauseda also underlined the need for sustainable, long-term support for Ukraine.

He stressed "the need to ensure reliable financial mechanisms for Ukraine’s resilience and recovery, including decisions based on international law, with the aim of reaching an agreement on granting a reparations loan to Ukraine."

Nauseda added that Lithuania values the professional experience and competence of the Eurogroup presidency candidates.

He emphasized that "the Eurogroup must reflect the interests of Europe as a whole, taking into account the needs of different regions," the office said.