A Budget on Rails for a connected European Union Commissioner Piotr Serafin’s goal during his trip to Estonia and Lithuania from 15 to 17 October was to strengthen the dialogue between national authorities and EU funds recipients on the next EU long-term budget (also known as the Multiannual Financial Framework). The visit highlighted how European investments, from Rail Baltica to bio-tech industry and healthcare, are bringing tangible benefits for citizens and fostering a more connected, resilient, and innovative Europe. Page contents Page contents Estonia------------------ STOP 1: Strengthening political dialogue for a future-oriented EU budget (15 October) Commissioner Serafin opened his visit to Estonia with a meeting with Prime Minister Kristen Michal. Their discussion focused on Estonia’s economic outlook, its strategic priorities, and expectations for the next EU long-term budget. Both underlined the importance of maintaining a strong and forward-looking European budget that supports stability, competitiveness, and shared security.They also had the chance to discuss defence and the broader geopolitical context, reaffirming Estonia’s key role in contributing to the resilience and unity of the European Union.Stenbock House, the Residence of the Prime Minister of Estonia Piotr Serafin on X: "Started my visit to Estonia 🇪🇪 with a meeting with Prime Minister @KristenMichalPM. Europe’s strength depends on investing in defence, security and competitiveness - key priorities as we continue our work on the next long-term #EUBudget STOP 2: Investing in cross-border infrastructure and connectivity (15 October) In Tallinn, Commissioner Serafin with the minister of Energy and Transport, Mr. Andres Sutt, met with Rail Baltica stakeholders and visited the EU-funded Ülemiste rail terminal. Rail Baltica is a greenfield rail transport infrastructure project with the goal of integrating the Baltic states into the European rail network. The project involves five European Union countries – Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and indirectly also Finland. It will connect the cities of Tallinn, Pärnu, Riga, Panevėžys, Kaunas, Vilnius, and Warsaw. This is a strategic project, which strengthens connectivity, promotes economic integration, and supports the green transition. Stakeholders highlighted the project's positives, like EU support, smooth buying processes, partnership model, Estonia's good business climate, and upfront financing. But they also suggested improvements such as more involvement from the European Commission's departments, auditing and control duties, and clearer timelines.Rail Baltica STOP 3: Dialogue with national parliaments on Europe’s future budget (15 October) RiigikoguCommissioner Serafin addressed members of the Riigikogu, Estonia’s National Parliament, to present and discuss the Commission’s proposal for the next EU long-term budget. The session offered an important opportunity to explain the vision and priorities underpinning the proposal, while also listening to the perspectives of Estonian parliamentarians on how EU investments contribute to the country’s long-term goals.The discussion reflected a shared commitment to ensuring that the EU budget delivers tangible results for citizens. Members of the Riigikogu underlined the importance of empowering local authorities and municipalities in implementing national recovery and resilience plans, while also touching on key themes such as defence, regulatory complexity, linked for example to the Green Deal, investment in defence, and developments in agriculture policy, including the CAP and international trade partnerships.Riigikogu, Parliament of Estonia From Narva, the border is more than a line on a map. It marks the meeting of two very different worlds: one ruled by fear and coercion, the other by freedom, democracy, and cooperation. It is said that “the sun of Europe rises in Narva,” and indeed, it rises there every day, over a nation that guards Europe's Eastern horizon with courage and conviction. And the EU should contribute to this effort. Through our shared resources, investments, and choices, we can ensure that Europe's promise of security and opportunity reaches every corner of our Union — including here, where Europe begins each morning. Link to the full speech: Speech by Commissioner Serafin before the Riigikogu Lithuania------------------ STOP 4 The next day, Commissioner Serafin started his visit of Lithuania. He first met with Ms Inga Ruginienė, Prime Minister the Republic of Lithuania, who was joined by her Finance Minister, Mr. Rimantas Šadžius. First on the agenda: a discussion about the Commission’s proposal for the post-2028 Multiannual Financial Framework.The very positive discussion focused on Lithuania’s key priorities within the next EU budget cycle, such as defence and military mobility, new own resources, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), cohesion policy, the nuclear decommissioning at Ignalina, and the special transit scheme (STS) for Kaliningrad. The Lithuanian authorities also stressed the need for faster decision-making and implementation processes at EU level to make sure investments benefit citizens quickly and efficiently.Seimas, National Parliament of Lithuania STOP 5: Building trust through dialogue with the Seimas (16 October) Commissioner Serafin then took part in the plenary session of the Seimas, the national Parliament, where he delivered a speech on the next EU long-term budget. This dialogue with Lithuanian elected officials allowed for an open exchange of views on the priorities of the next EU long-term budget, and its role in supporting the country’s economic and social goals. The dialogue was a valuable opportunity for an open exchange of views on how the future EU budget can best support Lithuania’s economic, social, and strategic objectives. Parliamentarians raised key issues including the security situation with Russia, critical infrastructure, the future of agriculture, and the implementation of National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPPs). Discussions also touched upon the need for geographical balance in directly managed programmes such as Horizon Europe, as well as the progress of major projects like Rail Baltica, the Special Transit Scheme (STS), and the Ignalina nuclear decommissioning. The next term long-term budget is about strategic choices. And when it comes to the strategy we should learn from the best. Like the Grand Duke Gediminas. In the year 1323 the Grand Duke sent his letters across Europe. He invited merchants, craftsmen, scholars and farmers to come to Vilnius. And they arrived: to build, to trade, to worship, to learn. But Gediminas did not write those letters only for economic reasons. He was thinking geopolitically, seeking partners, not just settlers. At a time when Lithuania faced pressure and aggression from the Teutonic Knights, he understood that connection with Europe could also mean protection. Seven centuries later, when Lithuania chose to join the European Union, it showed that same clarity and courage. Living in the shadow of Russia, an unpredictable neighbour, you knew that freedom must be anchored in community, and that peace must be defended through unity. Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine has reminded us that peace and freedom cannot be taken for granted. They must be defended. And the EU should contribute to this effort. Through our shared resources, investments, and choices, we can ensure that Europe's promise of security and opportunity reaches every corner of our Union. Link to full speech: Speech by Commissioner Serafin before the Seimas Piotr Serafin on X: "The next long-term budget isn’t just numbers - it’s strategy. Like Grand Duke Gediminas 700 years ago, Europe must think ahead, act together, and defend its future." STOP 6: Partnership for prosperity: meeting Lithuania’s leadership (16 October) Presidential Palace | President of the Republic of LithuaniaCommissioner Serafin was received by the President of the Republic of Lithuania, Mr Gitanas Nausėda, for a discussion on the future of the EU budget and Lithuania’s strategic priorities. President Nausėda welcomed the Commission’s proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework, expressing appreciation in particular for the continued support for the Ignalina nuclear decommissioning project and the Special Transit Scheme (STS).The meeting also provided an opportunity to exchange views on new EU flagship initiatives such as the Eastern Flank Watch and the European Drone Defence Initiative. Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening the protection of critical infrastructure, advancing the Common Agricultural Policy and cohesion policy, and maintaining momentum on major connectivity projects like Rail Baltica. The situation in Ukraine and the EU’s steadfast support for the country’s resilience and reconstruction were also key points of discussion.Presidential Palace STOP 7: Strengthening cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (16 October) Commissioner Serafin held a working lunch with Mr Sigitas Mitkus, Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania, for an in-depth exchange on Lithuania’s perspectives regarding the future EU budget and related policy priorities: the allocation of EU funds to Lithuania and the country’s participation in directly managed programmes, as well as on key strategic themes such as the Eastern Flank Watch and the European Drone Defence Initiative. The meeting also focused on the introduction of new own resources and the continued importance of the Common Agricultural Policy and cohesion policy in supporting balanced growth and resilience across the Union. STOP 8: Investing in resilience and security through national development finance (16 October) In the afternoon, Commissioner Serafin met with the leadership of Lithuania’s national development bank, ILTE (Investments in the Lithuanian Economy). The CEO and members of the board presented the history of the Bank, its evolution, as well as its current and expected successes and concerns.Discussions focused on the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), cohesion policy, and the investment needs along the EU’s Eastern flank.About ILTE STOP 9: Supporting innovation and biotechnology in Lithuania (17 October) The 10th leg of the Tour d’Europe concluded at Bio City – a hub of biotechnologies. Commissioner Serafin was welcomed by the CEO, who presented the country’s growing biotech ecosystem and its ambitious goal of generating 5% of Lithuania’s GDP from biotechnology by 2030. The visit included a guided tour of the facility, showcasing state-of-the-art equipment, research infrastructure, and innovative services currently developed on site.During the exchange, discussions focused on the funding needs of the biotech sector, the importance of strengthening EU support for research and innovation, and the potential for simplifying regulatory frameworks to foster competitiveness. Bio City Piotr Serafin on X: "Today I visited Bio City Vilnius, a key hub for Europe’s growing biotech ecosystem. Investments in biotech drive growth, high-value jobs & strengthen Europe’s leadership in life sciences. Thanks to Prof. Vladas Algirdas Bumelis for the warm welcome!
Commissioner Piotr Serafin’s goal during his trip to Estonia and Lithuania from 15 to 17 October was to strengthen the dialogue between national authorities and EU funds recipients on the next EU long-term budget (also known as the Multiannual Financial Framework). The visit highlighted how European investments, from Rail Baltica to bio-tech industry and healthcare, are bringing tangible benefits for citizens and fostering a more connected, resilient, and innovative Europe.
Commissioner Serafin opened his visit to Estonia with a meeting with Prime Minister Kristen Michal. Their discussion focused on Estonia’s economic outlook, its strategic priorities, and expectations for the next EU long-term budget. Both underlined the importance of maintaining a strong and forward-looking European budget that supports stability, competitiveness, and shared security.They also had the chance to discuss defence and the broader geopolitical context, reaffirming Estonia’s key role in contributing to the resilience and unity of the European Union.Stenbock House, the Residence of the Prime Minister of Estonia
In Tallinn, Commissioner Serafin with the minister of Energy and Transport, Mr. Andres Sutt, met with Rail Baltica stakeholders and visited the EU-funded Ülemiste rail terminal. Rail Baltica is a greenfield rail transport infrastructure project with the goal of integrating the Baltic states into the European rail network. The project involves five European Union countries – Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and indirectly also Finland. It will connect the cities of Tallinn, Pärnu, Riga, Panevėžys, Kaunas, Vilnius, and Warsaw. This is a strategic project, which strengthens connectivity, promotes economic integration, and supports the green transition. Stakeholders highlighted the project's positives, like EU support, smooth buying processes, partnership model, Estonia's good business climate, and upfront financing. But they also suggested improvements such as more involvement from the European Commission's departments, auditing and control duties, and clearer timelines.Rail Baltica
RiigikoguCommissioner Serafin addressed members of the Riigikogu, Estonia’s National Parliament, to present and discuss the Commission’s proposal for the next EU long-term budget. The session offered an important opportunity to explain the vision and priorities underpinning the proposal, while also listening to the perspectives of Estonian parliamentarians on how EU investments contribute to the country’s long-term goals.The discussion reflected a shared commitment to ensuring that the EU budget delivers tangible results for citizens. Members of the Riigikogu underlined the importance of empowering local authorities and municipalities in implementing national recovery and resilience plans, while also touching on key themes such as defence, regulatory complexity, linked for example to the Green Deal, investment in defence, and developments in agriculture policy, including the CAP and international trade partnerships.Riigikogu, Parliament of Estonia
The next day, Commissioner Serafin started his visit of Lithuania. He first met with Ms Inga Ruginienė, Prime Minister the Republic of Lithuania, who was joined by her Finance Minister, Mr. Rimantas Šadžius. First on the agenda: a discussion about the Commission’s proposal for the post-2028 Multiannual Financial Framework.The very positive discussion focused on Lithuania’s key priorities within the next EU budget cycle, such as defence and military mobility, new own resources, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), cohesion policy, the nuclear decommissioning at Ignalina, and the special transit scheme (STS) for Kaliningrad. The Lithuanian authorities also stressed the need for faster decision-making and implementation processes at EU level to make sure investments benefit citizens quickly and efficiently.Seimas, National Parliament of Lithuania
Commissioner Serafin then took part in the plenary session of the Seimas, the national Parliament, where he delivered a speech on the next EU long-term budget. This dialogue with Lithuanian elected officials allowed for an open exchange of views on the priorities of the next EU long-term budget, and its role in supporting the country’s economic and social goals. The dialogue was a valuable opportunity for an open exchange of views on how the future EU budget can best support Lithuania’s economic, social, and strategic objectives. Parliamentarians raised key issues including the security situation with Russia, critical infrastructure, the future of agriculture, and the implementation of National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPPs). Discussions also touched upon the need for geographical balance in directly managed programmes such as Horizon Europe, as well as the progress of major projects like Rail Baltica, the Special Transit Scheme (STS), and the Ignalina nuclear decommissioning.
Presidential Palace | President of the Republic of LithuaniaCommissioner Serafin was received by the President of the Republic of Lithuania, Mr Gitanas Nausėda, for a discussion on the future of the EU budget and Lithuania’s strategic priorities. President Nausėda welcomed the Commission’s proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework, expressing appreciation in particular for the continued support for the Ignalina nuclear decommissioning project and the Special Transit Scheme (STS).The meeting also provided an opportunity to exchange views on new EU flagship initiatives such as the Eastern Flank Watch and the European Drone Defence Initiative. Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening the protection of critical infrastructure, advancing the Common Agricultural Policy and cohesion policy, and maintaining momentum on major connectivity projects like Rail Baltica. The situation in Ukraine and the EU’s steadfast support for the country’s resilience and reconstruction were also key points of discussion.Presidential Palace
Commissioner Serafin held a working lunch with Mr Sigitas Mitkus, Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania, for an in-depth exchange on Lithuania’s perspectives regarding the future EU budget and related policy priorities: the allocation of EU funds to Lithuania and the country’s participation in directly managed programmes, as well as on key strategic themes such as the Eastern Flank Watch and the European Drone Defence Initiative. The meeting also focused on the introduction of new own resources and the continued importance of the Common Agricultural Policy and cohesion policy in supporting balanced growth and resilience across the Union.
In the afternoon, Commissioner Serafin met with the leadership of Lithuania’s national development bank, ILTE (Investments in the Lithuanian Economy). The CEO and members of the board presented the history of the Bank, its evolution, as well as its current and expected successes and concerns.Discussions focused on the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), cohesion policy, and the investment needs along the EU’s Eastern flank.About ILTE
The 10th leg of the Tour d’Europe concluded at Bio City – a hub of biotechnologies. Commissioner Serafin was welcomed by the CEO, who presented the country’s growing biotech ecosystem and its ambitious goal of generating 5% of Lithuania’s GDP from biotechnology by 2030. The visit included a guided tour of the facility, showcasing state-of-the-art equipment, research infrastructure, and innovative services currently developed on site.During the exchange, discussions focused on the funding needs of the biotech sector, the importance of strengthening EU support for research and innovation, and the potential for simplifying regulatory frameworks to foster competitiveness. Bio City
