Lithuania's incoming government softens stance on Belarus
The new government program drops a blanket commitment to isolate Belarus, instead linking pressure to its actions, while maintaining a firm line on Russia.
Lithuania’s incoming government, led by Prime Minister-designate Mindaugas Sinkevičius, has submitted its program to parliament, signaling a shift in policy toward Belarus. Unlike the outgoing government under Inga Ruginienė, which committed to actively maintaining the international isolation of both Russia and Belarus, the new program only explicitly calls for isolating Russia. Regarding Belarus, it pledges to strengthen “isolation and pressure” only if Minsk continues to support Russia’s war in Ukraine or conducts hybrid attacks against the European Union or Ukraine.
The program also changes the approach to Belarus’ Astravyets nuclear power plant. The previous government called for the plant’s closure until all safety concerns were resolved. In contrast, the new program no longer demands closure but says Lithuania will continue raising safety issues in international forums and seek Belarus’ compliance with highest international nuclear safety and environmental standards.
Most other provisions concerning Belarus remain unchanged. Additionally, the incoming government aims to normalize relations with China by restoring diplomatic representation to a level comparable with other EU member states.
The government program still requires approval from the 141-seat Seimas before the new cabinet can take office. Sinkevičius’ government is being formed after a reshuffle of the governing coalition led by the Social Democrats.
