Lithuanian president leaves for his 1st EU summit to discuss Brexit, budget

  • 2019-10-17
  • BNS/TBT Staff

VILNIUS - Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda is leaving on Thursday for his first EU summit that will focus on Brexit and the bloc's next budget. 

In the last scheduled European Council before the UK's October 31 departure day, EU leaders plan to discuss negotiations on the terms of Britain's divorce from the bloc. 

The key stumbling block has been how to prevent the return of a physical border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.  

Various possible scenarios, such as an agreement to continue technical talks, a three-month extension of Brexit or a no-deal divorce, were still being considered on the eve of the summit. 

According to diplomats, Lithuania would agree to another Brexit extension if requested by the UK. 

On Friday, the second day of the summit, EU leaders are expected to begin talks on the bloc's draft budget for 2021-2027.

No final decisions on the issue are expected on Friday, with many diplomats saying the talks will likely continue into next year. 

Lithuania seeks to secure higher payments to its farmers and prevent a radical cut in Cohesion funding for poorer regions.