Kubilius can realistically get EC defense portfolio – Landsbergis

VILNIUS – Ex-Lithuanian Prime Minister and now MEP Andrius Kubilius can realistically get the EU defense commissioner's portfolio if he is nominated as Lithuania's EC candidate, Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis says.

"I think it's realistic. As far as I know, Andrius Kubilius himself is actively negotiating for that position," Landsbergis told journalists at the Seimas on Tuesday, when asked about the Lithuanian candidate's chances of being put in charge of defense matters.

"I actually think this is the best situation when a person is able to stand up for themselves. When there is no one else to do it and, well, I am really optimistic," he added.

Landsbergis believes EC portfolios related to foreign policy and defense would be most in Lithuania's interests.

Asta Skaisgiryte, an advisor to President Gitanas Nauseda, also told the Ziniu Radijas news radios earlier in the day that Lithuania would be very happy with the EC defense portfolio.

Speaking later in the parliament, Kubilius also mentioned this area of responsibility.

"In security and defense matters in the Eastern European area, we as a country have unique experience and in these matters and we can bring the most added value in strengthening the security of the EU as a whole and, at the same time, strengthening our own security," Kubilius said.

On Tuesday, the Seimas is holding an extraordinary session on Kubilius' nomination.

The former prime minister from the conservative Homeland Union-Lithuanian Christian Democrats is being proposed for the post after President Gitanas Nauseda rejected Landsbergis as the country's candidate.

Kubilius was re-elected to the European Parliament for a second term this year.

The politician, who has served as an MEP since 2019, is a strong advocate for closer ties between the EU and the Eastern Partnership countries, increased support for Ukraine, and a tougher stance toward the Kremlin.

Lithuania's candidate for the European Commission is formally proposed by the government, but the nomination requires approval from both the president and the Seimas.