Former Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaitė on Lithuania’s Future and Foreign Policy

In a recent interview with Euronews, former Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaitė expressed her confidence that Lithuania will continue to be a responsible and proactive partner within the European Union and towards Ukraine, even if the centre-left coalition successfully forms a new government. Grybauskaitė remarked, “There is a strong likelihood that Lithuania will now have a centre-left government. However, from a foreign policy perspective, I don’t foresee any significant changes.”

She emphasized that the country will maintain its commitment to a pro-European, pro-NATO, and pro-Ukrainian stance, reinforcing Lithuania’s position as a steadfast ally for both the European Union and its partners. With the first round of Lithuania’s legislative elections showing the centre-left Social Democratic Party (LSDP) leading with approximately 90% of votes counted, the current administration, led by Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte’s centre-right Homeland Union – Christian Democrats (TS-LKD), is facing a challenging runoff vote scheduled for 27 October.

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Internal security remains a pivotal issue in Lithuania’s elections, given its strategic position on NATO and the European Union’s eastern flank. Grybauskaitė voiced concerns regarding potential peace negotiations in Ukraine that would allow Russia to retain control over occupied territories, suggesting that such compromises would only serve to embolden Moscow for future aggressions against neighboring nations, including the Baltic States.

She stated, “If we in the West and NATO permit Ukraine to concede and make this kind of compromise, it would signify that the West has failed to confront the terrorist state at our borders. This would also provide Russia with the opportunity to prepare for its next round of aggression against its neighbors, which could extend beyond the Baltic states to countries like Moldova or even Georgia.”

As a former European commissioner, Grybauskaitė underscored that as long as Vladimir Putin remains in power, he will continue to represent a significant threat to Europe. “Putin’s Russia today is a dangerous neighbor. It’s not merely Russia — it’s Putin’s Russia,” she articulated. “This is largely due to Putin’s initiation of an open war against his neighbors, leaving no room for retreat. As long as he is in power, he will maintain a war-like mindset, making him a persistent threat to the European Union and its surrounding regions.”

On European Defense Investments

Furthermore, Grybauskaitė highlighted the potential implications of the upcoming U.S. elections on transatlantic relations and the broader European landscape, regardless of the outcome on November 5. “Should Kamala Harris be elected, it will likely prompt Europe to assume greater defense responsibilities and strive for self-reliance,” she noted. “Conversely, if Donald Trump wins, the challenges will be so overwhelming that there will be little time for deliberation — only for swift decision-making.”

In this context, she stressed the urgent need for Europe to adopt a serious approach towards rapidly investing in its defense industry, enhancing military capabilities, and streamlining decision-making processes. “There will be no time for debate. Putin won’t allow us the luxury of discussing our options,” Grybauskaitė asserted.

Dalia Grybauskaitė recently participated in the Estoril Conferences in Portugal, where she engaged in a panel discussion focused on diplomacy and international cooperation alongside notable figures such as former Mongolian President Elbegdorj Tsakhia and former Tunisian Prime Minister Mehdi Jomaa.