Petras Auštrevičius: A Career in Lithuanian and European Politics
Petras Auštrevičius is a distinguished political figure who has spent two decades shaping foreign policy and diplomatic relations at both the national and continental levels. From his early tenure in the Lithuanian Parliament to his influential role in the European Parliament, Auštrevičius has consistently focused on strengthening the ties between Lithuania, the European Union, and neighboring Eastern European nations.
Key Facts
- National Service: Member of the Seimas (Lithuanian Parliament) from 2004 to 2014.
- European Leadership: Elected to the European Parliament in 2014, 2019, and 2024.
- Specializations: Expert in foreign affairs, specifically regarding Belarus, Moldova, and Ukraine.
- Political Affiliation: Co-founder and former chairman of the Liberals Movement of Lithuania.
- Current Role: Standing shadow rapporteur on Ukraine and standing rapporteur on EU enlargement (2024–2029).
The Foundation: Service in the Seimas (2004–2014)
Before transitioning to the European stage, Auštrevičius served three terms in the Seimas, the unicameral parliament of Lithuania. During this decade, he focused heavily on foreign policy and the integration of Lithuania within the European Union.
His leadership roles within the Seimas were extensive. He served as the Deputy Speaker of the Board and the deputy chair of the Committee on European Affairs. His expertise was further utilized through memberships in the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Commission for NATO Affairs, and the Commission on the Problems of the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant. Additionally, he acted as the Deputy Chair of the Seimas Delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly.
Politically, Auštrevičius began as a member of the Liberal and Centre Union of Lithuania. In 2006, he expanded his political influence by co-founding the Liberals Movement of Lithuania, serving as its chairman until 2008.
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Ascension to the European Parliament
In 2014, Auštrevičius was elected to the European Parliament, marking the beginning of a long-term commitment to EU governance. Throughout his tenure, he has been a mainstay of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET).
First Term (2014–2019)
During his initial term, Auštrevičius held several high-level positions, including vice-president of the ALDE (Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe) from 2014 to 2017. He served as the coordinator for ALDE in the Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) and was the standing rapporteur on Moldova. In this capacity, he was responsible for assessing the European Union Association Agreement with Moldova.
Second Term (2019–2024)
In his second term, he continued his work with AFET and became a coordinator for the Renew Europe group in the Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE). He also expanded his focus to animal welfare, chairing the Working Group on Companion Animals, and led the "European Ukraine" group of friends. Notably, he served as the standing rapporteur for Belarus from 2019 to 2024, proposing a resolution on relations with Belarus that was passed by the Parliament on July 31, 2023.
Third Term (2024–2029)
Following the 2024 elections, Auštrevičius secured a third term. His current responsibilities include full membership in the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), the Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI), and the Committee on Security and Defence (SEDE). He currently serves as the standing shadow rapporteur on Ukraine and the standing rapporteur on EU enlargement.
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Summary of Political Roles
| Period | Institution | Primary Focus/Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2004–2014 | Seimas (Lithuania) | Foreign Affairs, EU Relations, NATO Affairs |
| 2014–2019 | European Parliament | ALDE Vice-President, Rapporteur on Moldova |
| 2019–2024 | European Parliament | Rapporteur on Belarus, Security and Defence |
| 2024–2029 | European Parliament | Shadow Rapporteur on Ukraine, EU Enlargement |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a rapporteur in the European Parliament?
A rapporteur is a member of the European Parliament appointed to lead the preparation of a report on a specific legislative proposal or policy issue, essentially acting as the lead expert and negotiator for that topic.
Which political parties has Petras Auštrevičius been associated with?
He was a member of the Liberal and Centre Union of Lithuania and co-founded the Liberals Movement of Lithuania, which he chaired from 2006 to 2008. In the European Parliament, he has been associated with the ALDE and Renew Europe groups.
What has been Auštrevičius's role regarding Belarus?
He served as the European Parliament's standing rapporteur for Belarus from 2019 to 2024, during which time he proposed a resolution on relations with Belarus that was successfully passed in July 2023.
Has Petras Auštrevičius faced any international restrictions?
Yes, in 2015, news media reported that he was included in a Russian blacklist of prominent EU figures, which prohibited him from entering the country.
What are his current priorities for the 2024–2029 term?
His current priorities include serving as the standing shadow rapporteur on Ukraine and the standing rapporteur on EU enlargement, while remaining active in foreign affairs, human rights, and security and defence.