Lithuania: Parliament nominates Kubilius for EU commissioner

The Lithuanian parliament, the Seimas, has approved the nomination of former prime minister, MEP Andrius Kubilius for Lithuania’s EU commissioner, BNS reports. Altogether 70 MPs voted in favour and 24 against, while 15 abstained. Kubilius said that Lithuania should seek portfolios related to defence, security, and EU enlargement in the new European Commission. He noted that Lithuania had a “unique experience” in defence and security, BNS reported. Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis also said that portfolios related to foreign policy and defence would be most in Lithuania’s interests. Kubilius had a realistic chance of being appointed the EU’s defence commissioner, he suggested, adding that Kubilius was actively negotiating for the position.