Since acceding to the European Union (EU) in 2004, Lithuania has participated in EU decision-making processes, considering EU membership to be one of its most significant foreign policy achievements. This has enabled a small country to proactively defend its national interests at an international level. While the EU has undoubtedly contributed to financing Lithuania's strategic projects (e.g. in energy politics), there are political areas in which Eurosceptics label Lithuania a 'loser of integration'. One such area is agriculture, where farmers still receive lower payments. Furthermore, government representatives are subject to criticism for what is perceived as an insufficient defence of national interests within the EU.

The objective of this conference paper is to analyse Lithuania's short-term and long-term strategies, coalition decisions, negotiation tactics, and voting patterns in representing national interests in the EU Council. Several case studies have been selected from the areas of foreign policy, energy, and agriculture. The analysis is grounded in a comprehensive collection of interviews with representatives from diverse Lithuanian interest groups, national politicians, and diplomats representing the national delegation in Brussels. The analysis is further supported by a meticulous review of relevant documents. This study constitutes a component of a scientific project, designated 'The formation and representation of Lithuania`s national interests in the EU Council: strategic choices, negotiating challenges and effectiveness' (No. S-LISm-25-9), which is being conducted by researchers from Vytautas Magnus University during the 2025-2027 period. The project is receiving financial support from the Research Council of Lithuania.