Lithuania continues preparations for the upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU

Representing Lithuania at the informal meeting of EU fisheries ministers in Cork, Ireland, Vice Minister of Agriculture Rolandas Taraškevičius presented country’s preparations for taking over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2027. He emphasised Lithuania's forthcoming role in fostering consensus among Member States, bridging differing positions and supporting the achievement of common outcomes.

Lithuania's Presidency will coincide with discussions on the future of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), including their post-2027 financing. R. Taraškevičius highlighted the need for joint efforts to ensure that both policies remain common, adequately funded and capable of meeting today’s challenges.

“Lithuania will aim to bring Member States together and seek balanced solutions that guarantee a sustainable and competitive future for Europe’s agriculture and fisheries sectors,” the Vice Minister stated.

R. Taraškevičius underlined that Lithuania’s Presidency will be based on partnership, trust and open dialogue. Lithuania will strive to listen carefully to its partners, understand the diversity of their views and patiently pursue balanced compromises. It will cooperate closely with Member States and the European Commission, while ensuring the constructive involvement of the European Parliament.

R. Taraškevičius also met with Paulo do Nascimento Cabral, First Vice-Chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on Fisheries. The discussion focused on Lithuania’s preparations for the Presidency, fisheries funding under the new multiannual financial framework and the importance of close cooperation between the Council of the EU and the European Parliament.

During a bilateral meeting with Charlina Vitcheva, Director-General of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, the parties discussed the most important fisheries issues expected during Lithuania’s Presidency and the European Commission’s plans. Both sides stressed the importance of early preparation and close interinstitutional cooperation to make progress on simplifying the CFP, securing sectoral funding and advancing upcoming strategic discussions on the vision for fisheries and aquaculture up to 2040.

Last updated: 30-07-2026

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