Lithuania is preparing to assume the Presidency of the Council of the EU: the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport presents the priorities for Lithuania’s Presidency in the fields of education, science and sport
As Lithuania’s Presidency of the Council of the EU approaches, significant attention is planned to be devoted to research competitiveness, skills policy, teacher careers, and physical activity among the population in the fields of education, science and sport. The Ministry of Education, Science and Sport will present these Presidency priorities today to the Seimas Committee on Education and Science.
“We will have many responsibilities in the areas of education, science and sport. We will seek ways to strengthen the European Research Area, improve the recognition of qualifications acquired by, and make teaching careers more attractive and sustainable. Lithuania will play an important role not only in fostering dialogue among EU Member States and EU institutions on these important issues, but will also need to bring Europe together to reach common decisions,” said Raminta Popovienė, Minister of Education, Science and Sport.
In the field of education, the goal is to strengthen the European Education Area, ensuring high-quality, inclusive education that meets the needs of the future. The plan is to focus heavily on the next-generation Erasmus+ program and to make progress in negotiations on its future.
It also aims to promote political dialogue on the attractiveness of the teaching profession, the sustainability of teaching careers and professional development. In the area of skills and qualifications, discussions will focus on the portability and digitalisation of qualifications, as well as ways to facilitate their recognition across EU Member States.
In the field of science, Lithuania will strive for a more competitive and open European Research Area, underpinned by the implementation of the fifth freedom. The fifth freedom refers to the free flow of knowledge, research and innovation. This initiative aims to strengthen Europe’s technological competitiveness and ensure that scientific discoveries and data flow freely among EU Member States.
Lithuania plans to seek progress in negotiations on future EU research programs and work towards a stronger, more researcher-friendly European Research Area. An important goal is to strengthen Europe’s technological competitiveness and capacity for innovation.
In the field of sport, the plan is to strengthen the role of sports and physical activity in building a healthier and more resilient Europe.
Lithuania will seek progress in promoting health-enhancing physical activity, ensuring better cross-sectoral cooperation and evidence-based policies. Discussions will also address ways to strengthen the shared values of the European Sport Model.
Lithuania will hold the Presidency of the Council of the EU starting 1 January 2027. Throughout the six-month Presidency, Lithuania will host meetings of high-level representatives from EU Member States and EU institutions, expert discussions, conferences, and other events.
DELFI / Photo by Šarūnas Mažeika
Last updated: 16-10-2026
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