Lithuania's Incoming PM Questions Belarus Sanctions, Says Civil Unions Not a Priority

Mindaugas Sinkevičius, leader of the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party and the country's prime minister-in-waiting, has outlined his government's priorities, touching on relations with Belarus and China, the future of the foreign ministry, and domestic social policy. He is set to become prime minister after an agreement between the Social Democrats, the Democrats "For Lithuania," and the Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union to form a new governing majority.

Belarus Sanctions: Alignment with Allies, but Questions Remain

Asked about the sanctions regime against Belarus imposed after President Alexander Lukashenko's violent crackdown on pro-democracy protests and the rigging of the 2020 presidential election, Sinkevičius said he was not convinced the policy was achieving its intended effect. "Sanctions must achieve a certain defined result... sanctions should change behavior," he said, using a domestic analogy: "If children misbehave and you ban them from using a phone or watching TV, you don't wish them ill – you want them to behave accordingly."

He was nonetheless clear that Lithuania would not act unilaterally. "We should not engage in improvisations here, but act together with the European Union, assess everything comprehensively, and hear what our partners across the Atlantic are saying and what they expect from us. Because we also expect something from them: troops, support and strategic partnership." The remarks come against the backdrop of a live diplomatic and economic question. Lithuania suspended transit of Belarusian potash fertilizers through the port of Klaipėda in February 2022 after the United States imposed sanctions on Belaruskali the previous year. The EU subsequently followed suit. However, Washington lifted its sanctions earlier this year and has since approached Lithuania and other regional countries about resuming fertilizer transit. Sinkevičius acknowledged he has no ready-made answer but called for a clearer national strategy to be developed.

China: Pragmatism over Principle

Lithuania and China have been at diplomatic loggerheads since 2021, when Vilnius allowed Taiwan to open a representative office under the name "Taiwanese Representative Office" – a designation that displeased Beijing. China downgraded diplomatic relations in response, and since mid-2025 there have been no accredited Chinese diplomats in Lithuania at all. Sinkevičius said he would assess the relationship through the prism of "state security, diplomatic and economic interests," adding: "If that means some changes, it will not be a dogmatic, value-based, undefined metaphysical argument. It will be a very clear argument as to why we are doing it – based on the size of investments, cooperation, relations and benefits."

Foreign Minister May Keep His Post

Despite speculation about a reshuffle at the foreign ministry, Sinkevičius indicated that the incumbent foreign minister, Kęstutis Budrys, could remain in post. If not, political insiders had pointed to Deividas Matulionis, President Gitanas Nausėda's chief national security aide, as a likely successor. "That name is likely in mind, but there are more: Asta Skaisgirytė [the president's chief foreign policy aide], current deputy ministers, and Kęstutis Budrys himself," Sinkevičius said. "No decisions have been made yet. We will consult with the president to find the best option for the state." Budrys has served as foreign minister since late 2024, having previously been the president's national security adviser. He has drawn criticism from some within the ruling bloc over his handling of relations with China and certain statements regarding NATO, though President Nausėda has repeatedly expressed confidence in him.

Civil Partnerships: Not a Priority

On the domestic front, asked about the legalization of gender-neutral civil unions, Sinkevičius said it was not at the top of his agenda. "For now, the question remains open. It is one of many, but not on the top of my list," he said. His comments reflect both the internal divisions within the Social Democratic parliamentary group and the stated priorities of coalition partners who do not support legalization. Sinkevičius added that he would be more inclined to engage with the issue if the opposition Conservatives or Liberals were to take the initiative. The remarks are likely to disappoint civil rights advocates. Lithuania's Constitutional Court has previously ruled that parliament violated the Constitution by failing to implement provisions of the Civil Code relating to partnership regulation – provisions the court found should encompass same-sex couples. Despite that ruling, no relevant legislation has been passed or placed on the parliamentary agenda.