EGN NEWS DESK
If authorized, Kubilius — a former educational and two-time prime minister who has served as an MEP since 2019 — must hand over his seat within the European Parliament.
Kubilius, a co-author of the European Plan for Ukraine from 2017, is a vocal supporter of Kyiv and has a tricky stance on Russia.
During his tenure within the European Parliament as a degree individual on Russia, he pressured the necessity for ongoing army help for Ukraine by advocating a plan that will see Western allies contribute 0.25 % of GDP to assist beat Russian President Vladimir Putin on the battlefield.
He additionally known as to make Moscow foot the invoice for Ukraine’s reconstruction by utilizing all frozen Russian belongings, not solely the earnings they generate, for that function. In Vilnius, he proposed the creation of a authorities division or ministry completely dedicated to Ukraine points.
“I need to imagine that the opposition teams, in the event that they have a look at it objectively, will even have the ability to put aside their biases and recognize Kubilius’ expertise and skills,” Šimonytė mentioned.
Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen, the speaker of the Seimas and chief of the coalition Liberal Movement, mentioned the parliament might vote on Kubilius’ nomination both throughout a unprecedented session or at the beginning of its common fall session on Sept. 10, regardless of the Commission wanting EU international locations to appoint their picks by Aug. 30.
Kubilius’ identify was put ahead after Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis halted his broadly anticipated bid to be a commissioner on Saturday, following the president’s refusal to again him.
