PermRep of Lithuania to the EU

High energy prices remain one of the biggest threats to Europe’s competitiveness – and instability in the Middle East once again shows how vulnerable global energy markets are. At EUCO, we discussed concrete measures to respond: deepen the Single Market, reduce regulatory burdens, mobilize investment,and ensure affordable energy for European industry and households, while accelerating the transition to domestically produced energy.

Competitiveness is one of the main topics at today’s #EUCO.

At EUCO, I emphasized that as conflict escalates in the Middle East, we must not lose sight of the war in Ukraine: delivering the €90 billion loan to ensure Ukraine’s defence and economic stability, advancing Ukraine's EU membership by 2030, and adopting the 20th EU sanctions package on Russia. The EU must remain united and resolute: strengthen support for Ukraine, maintain pressure on Russia, and boost Europe’s defense capabilities.

Sofija Kymantaitė-Čiurlionienė, a writer, playwright and teacher, also saved Jews. It was in her house that the rescued found shelter. The wife of the renowned Lithuanian composer and artist, M. K. Čiurlionis, was awarded with the title of Righteous Among the Nations in 1991.

#EUCO starts tomorrow! On EU leaders' agenda: ➡️ Middle East and impact on energy security ➡️ competitiveness and single market ➡️ MFF 2028-2034 ➡️ Ukraine ➡️ European defence and security ➡️ migration.

Lithuania has lodged a protest note to Russia over continued attacks against #Ukraine, targeting its civilians and critical infrastructure. Lithuania also stands in solidarity with #Moldova over its airspace violation and environmental threat caused by Russia.

On March 16, the EU Energy Council discussed the European Grids Package, aiming to boost cross-border infrastructure and strengthen electricity system resilience. The Energy Minister Vaičiūnas stressed the need to protect critical infrastructure and ensure its rapid restoration.

From the start of Nazi occupation, farmer Juozas Straupis and his wife saved Jews from death. Once, he transported 12 people to his neighbours' homestead and took care of them. Overall, Straupis saved 25 Jews and was awarded the title of the Righteous among the Nations in 1981.

Happy St Patrick's Day, dear @IrelandInEU! 🇱🇹❤️🇮🇪

#Lithuania has contributed €10mln in voluntary funding to the 🇪🇺 Ukraine Facility, reinforcing the Team Europe effort to support Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction. We stood with #Ukraine since the first day of Russia’s full‑scale aggression and will continue supporting Ukraine’s long‑term recovery and resilience. Since 2022, Lithuania’s assistance to 🇺🇦 has exceeded €1.7 billion.

#StandWithUkraine 🇱🇹❤️🇺🇦

There is nothing more expensive than cheap Russian oil. Any solution to rising energy prices should not come at the cost of weakening sanctions against #Russia or #Belarus. #FAC

Russian combatants should be banned from entering the Schengen Area. Our message is simple: there is no place in Europe for Russian war criminals. Forget your sunny European holidays and Aperol spritzes in our capitals while your country wages a brutal war and bloodshed in #Ukraine. #FAC

❗ 16 March 2026 – Foreign Affairs Council #FAC 📝 Check the indicative programme and the press opportunities 📷 👇 link.europa.eu/j99Hh6

The EU's sanctions against those responsible for undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine have been extended by 6 months. More information on EU sanctions in response to Russia's war against Ukraine➡️ link.europa.eu/M88gbW

Today, Ukraine’s unyielding fight reminds us of the value of freedom. OTD, in 1909, Jonas Žemaitis-Vytautas, one of 🇱🇹 #FreedomFighters, was born. Inspired by his leadership of the anti-Soviet resistance movement, we firmly stand with those defending their freedom today.

March 15 is the Day of the Rescuers of Lithuanian Jews. It was not chosen by chance. #OTD, in 1966, Ona Šimaitė, a librarian, was the first Lithuanian to be titled as Righteous Among the Nations. Saving more than 100 lives, she shed light on one of the darkest periods of history.

While much of the world wakes up to a peaceful spring weekend, Ukraine yet again woke up to the destruction and grief. Russia launched another massive overnight strike on #Ukraine, continuing its deliberate targeting of civilian and energy infrastructure. Last night alone, the aggressor deployed 430 drones and 68 missiles, with Kyiv region as the primary target. Critical energy facilities and civilian sites were again hit, killing at least 4 civilians. In Kharkiv region, Russia targeted a civilian train, leaving its staff injured. The pattern is clear: Russia is deliberately waging a campaign of terror against Ukrainians, targeting their homes, their security, and their ability to live normal lives. Even with Ukraine’s highly effective air defence, it is not enough without sustained military support. Every delay means more missiles breaking through, more destruction, and more civilian lives at risk. Let’s stop pretending nothing can be done. “Normalisation” of the Russian terror is the worst thing that could happen today.

Whoever saves one life, saves the entire world. Today, Lithuania commemorates the Day of the Rescuers of Lithuanian Jews - a tribute to those who chose humanity over fear during the darkest chapter of our history. They risked everything - their freedom, their families, their lives - to save the Jewish neighbours from death. They sought no recognition - they simply followed conscience when indifference and silence were the safer choice. Their courage lives on in every life they saved, in every family line that survived, and serves as a powerful reminder that even a single act of light can break through immense darkness, and that one act of bravery can change the fate of generations. The choice to protect another human being is the strongest stand one can take against evil. Today, we honour the rescuers - known and unknown - whose humanity saved worlds. Their legacy calls on us to defend dignity, reject hatred, and choose courage always and everywhere. #RighteousAmongTheNations #LithuanianJewsRescuersDay