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On 21 September in Brussels, the Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Sigitas Mitkus met with representatives of the international business and technology community, including delegations from the American Chamber of Commerce in the European Union (AmCham EU) and the European Tech Alliance (EUTA). The meetings discussed strengthening the EU's competitiveness, the role of business in shaping the EU agenda, and Lithuania's main priorities in preparing for Lithuania's Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2027.

Competitiveness is one of the five priorities of the Lithuanian Presidency. According to the Vice-Minister, in order to achieve a stronger European economy, it is necessary to further strengthen the functioning of the single market, reduce the fragmentation of financial markets and ensure competitive energy prices.

"Europe must not only be stronger and more resilient, but also a more attractive place to invest, create and grow. Therefore, during Lithuania's Presidency, we will pay particular attention to competitiveness and practical solutions that would help businesses to operate across the EU single market", said Mitkus.

During the meetings, business representatives stressed the importance of a clear, consistent and predictable regulatory environment, the need to reduce regulatory burden and avoid duplication of requirements. The meetings also highlighted the need to strengthen the single market and financial markets, facilitate private investment and maintain an open transatlantic economic link for the EU's competitiveness.

"Simplification should not be limited to the adoption of new initiatives – it is essential to ensure that the rules already adopted are implemented simply and consistently. Businesses need clarity, not additional layers of regulation," said the Vice-Minister.

According to AmCham EU representatives, Europe's regulatory standards can be its competitive advantage, but this requires clear, consistent and non-duplicative rules. They also underlined their readiness to contribute to the Lithuanian Presidency's agenda in the areas of simplification and competitiveness.

EUTA representatives focused on the digital agenda, artificial intelligence, data availability, the development of digital infrastructure and the conditions for European tech companies to grow. The discussion highlighted the importance for the competitiveness of the technology sector not only of the regulatory environment, but also of the possibility for businesses to expand across the EU single market.

"The technology sector is one of the main drivers of European competitiveness. Our objective is to ensure that European rules support innovation and growth rather than create additional obstacles for businesses. This requires constant dialogue with business", said Mitkus.

The meetings also addressed EU resilience, supply chains, critical raw materials, the circular economy and the EU-U.S. economic cooperation. The Vice-Minister stressed: During the Lithuanian Presidency, Lithuania will seek close dialogue with the business community to focus EU decisions on the real needs of the European economy and companies.