Lithuanian FM to discuss U.S. tariffs, Ukraine aid with EU counterparts in Brussels

Kęstutis Budrys. Source: urm.lt

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys is participating in a meeting of the European Union Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) in Brussels on Monday and Tuesday.

According to the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry, Monday’s session will focus on trade relations between the EU and the United States, as well as preparations for the upcoming EU–China summit in Beijing later this month.

The foreign ministers will also exchange views on strengthening the EU’s resilience to geo-economic threats and its competitiveness, as well as on negotiations regarding trade relations with Ukraine, the MERCOSUR and ASEAN countries, and other partners.

Budrys is also scheduled to meet with European Commission Vice President Maroš Šefčovič, responsible for trade and economic security, to discuss issues related to Lithuania’s business and trade interests.

On Saturday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced 30-percent tariffs on products from Mexico and the European Union, two of America’s biggest trading partners, effective August 1.

On Tuesday, the second day of the FAC meeting, ministers will focus on Russia’s war against Ukraine, military aid for Kyiv, and tightening sanctions on Moscow. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha is expected to join the talks via video link.

The agenda also includes discussions on the worsening situation in Georgia and growing repression of civil society there. Ministers will review developments in the Middle East, including rising military tensions between Israel and Iran, Tehran’s destabilizing actions in the region, and its support for Russia’s war on Ukraine.

Ahead of the FAC meeting, EU foreign ministers will hold talks with Moldova’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mihai Popșoi.

Other topics include a new Pact for the Mediterranean and reforms of the Union for the Mediterranean, as well as an assessment of Monday’s EU–Southern Neighborhood ministerial meeting and broader geopolitical challenges facing the region.

The council will also address other foreign policy issues, including EU relations with the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the situation in Somalia.

The Foreign Affairs Council, made up of the foreign ministers of all 27 EU member states, usually meets at least once a month.

Source: BNS

(Reproduction of BNS information in mass media and other websites without written consent of BNS is prohibited)

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