Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius, among decision-makers and experts to attend
(Brussels/Vilnius, 10 November 2026) – On 19 and 20 November 2026, the Trans European Policy Studies Association (TEPSA) and the Institute of International Relations and Political Science of Vilnius University (IIRPS) are hosting the Lithuanian Pre-Presidency Conference (PPC), “Europe in a Contested World: Building Security, Resilience and Competitiveness”, in Vilnius.
The Lithuanian PPC will feature exchanges between researchers from the TEPSA Network, policymakers, and members of the public, including civil society representatives and journalists, assessing the aims and priorities of the incoming Lithuanian Presidency and presenting actionable recommendations for its success.
The “Pre-Presidency Conference” is one of TEPSA’s flagship initiatives. Since 1975, this conference has been held every six months in the country set to take over the Presidency of the Council of the EU.
The conference will focus on several interrelated topics, spanning from the EU’s next long-term budget to democratic resilience, security, and enlargement. Highlights include the presentation of TEPSA’s Recommendations to the incoming Presidency on 19 November and a panel discussion featuring Andrius Kubilius, European Commissioner for Defence and Space, on the same day.
Speaking about the conference, Professor Margarita Šešelgytė, IIRPS Director, commented: “Hosting the TEPSA Pre-Presidency Conference is a significant occasion not only for our Institute, but for Lithuania as a whole. It brings together a remarkable community of experts whose knowledge, experience, and critical insights are invaluable in navigating the challenges facing the European Union. As we prepare for Lithuania’s Presidency of the Council of the EU, it is equally important that we listen, exchange ideas, and learn from our European colleagues. Their insights and recommendations will help us refine our priorities and lay the groundwork for a successful and meaningful Presidency.”
Jim Cloos, Secretary-General of TEPSA, said: “The Lithuanian PPC happens at a time when the EU faces an array of existential challenges. The programme the IIRPS set up with our help bears testimony to that reality, and we look forward to having constructive and operational exchanges between policymakers, think tankers and the general public. I was still active at the time of the last Lithuanian Presidency of the Council and have fond memories of that time. I am confident that the upcoming Presidency will be just as successful and help the EU chart an ambitious course.”
The two-day conference will take place on Thursday, 19 November and Friday, 20 November at the Vilnius University Institute of International Relations and Political Science (VU IIRPS), Vokiečių St. 10 and will be streamed on Delfi.lt news portal.
Contact: For any media queries, please contact Barbara Vanotti on +32493290659 or Barbara.vanotti@tepsa.eu.
Notes to Editor
Registrations to attend the conference are now open. Click this link to secure your spot.
The Lithuanian PPC is co-funded by the European Union via the ExpressEU project and held in partnership with the European Parliament Liaison Office in Lithuania, the European Commission Representation in Lithuania, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania as Institutional Partners. Neringa Hotel joins the PPC as its Conference Hotel, Telia as the Broadcasting Partner, and Delfi as the Media Partner.
The Recommendations to the incoming Lithuanian Presidency of the European Council will be available here.
