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The Lithuanian President opened foreign policy security conference

President of the Republic of Lithuania

November 21, 2025

On Friday, President Gitanas Nausėda opened the eleventh annual Stasys Lozoraitis Vilnius Forum, dedicated to reviewing major foreign and security policy developments and organized by the Geopolitics and Security Studies Center (GSSC). Addressing the participants of the conference, the President emphasized that today's security challenges are global, and that the response of democratic states to the threat posed by authoritarian powers to Euro-Atlantic security and stability must be united and resolute.

"What we defend in Europe, and particularly in Ukraine, is not just territory. It is the very essence of our freedom - the freedom to think, to act, to decide, and to shape our policies independently, free from interference by hostile actors," the President said, stressing that this freedom is the bedrock of resilience for democratic societies both in Europe and in the Indo-Pacific region.

President Nausėda underscored the need to strengthen defense across the whole of Europe. He further noted that next year Lithuania will allocate 5.38 percent of its GDP to defense, clearly demonstrating that preparedness is more important than rhetoric. He urged other NATO countries to maintain a clear and transparent 5-percent commitment, avoiding "creative accounting" that could undermine trust in the Alliance.

In his speech, the President highlighted five key areas related to security and defense that require urgent decisions: strengthening defense and deterrence, supporting Ukraine, reinforcing the transatlantic bond, rapidly adapting to new technologies, and responding to the growing military capabilities in Eurasia, particularly the increasing cooperation between Russia and China. "The threat we are facing today is not distant - it affects every freedom-loving European nation. And our response must be swift, united and decisive," the President emphasized.

Significant attention was given to the partnership between Lithuania and Germany - from the construction of the Rheinmetal ammunition plant in Baisogala to the deployment of the 45th German Brigade "Lithuania." The President stressed that these decisions are strategic steps that strengthen deterrence and regional security.

Speaking about support for Ukraine, the President noted that Lithuania's military assistance will reach one billion euros this year. Lithuania has already contributed to NATO's PURL and Patriot air defense initiatives, and support for Ukraine remains one of Lithuania's top national security and NATO priorities.

The President also underscored the strong transatlantic bond and the importance of the United States for European security. Cooperation between Lithuania and the U.S. continues to expand - from the permanent presence of U.S. troops in Lithuania to defense industry projects and energy security initiatives. The Klaipėda LNG terminal has already become a key element of energy security, also helping Ukraine.

He also stressed the importance of learning the lessons of the war in Ukraine and adapting swiftly to new methods of warfare. "Russia is adapting and learning much faster than we expected. The Kremlin is seriously analyzing the experience of its war in Ukraine and integrating the lessons learned into its military training programs. It has drawn conclusions from its early failures and is rapidly adjusting its strategy, sharing these lessons with other authoritarian regimes that support it. We cannot afford to delay - we must react more swiftly," the President said.

After the speech, the President participated in a brief Q&A session. Speaking about relations with the United States, he emphasized the importance of the permanent presence of U.S. troops in Lithuania, the expansion of defense industry projects, and the U.S. role in strengthening energy security. In response to a question about NB8, the President stressed that regional formats complement NATO and the EU by enhancing rapid coordination and decision-making, but do not replace them.

The President's Communication Group