Andrius Kubilius, born in Vilnius in 1956, entered the Seimas in 1992 following his early involvement with the pro-independence Sąjūdis movement. A physicist by training, he transitioned into governance and diplomacy, twice serving as Prime Minister of Lithuania and currently acting as the European Commissioner for Defence and Space within the European Commission.
Academic and Early Political Foundations
Educated at Vilnius University, Kubilius studied in the Faculty of Physics until 1979 and continued postgraduate work there from 1981 to 1984. His political ascent began through the Sąjūdis council, where he served as Executive Secretary. He joined the Homeland Union in 1993 and served as the party leader from 2003 to 2015. His parliamentary career commenced in 1992, followed by a tenure as Deputy Speaker of the Seimas between 1996 and 1999.
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Kubilius held the office of Prime Minister twice. His first cabinet served from 1999 to 2000, during which he supported legislative efforts in June 2000 to seek compensation from Russia for the Soviet occupation of Lithuania. In 2008, he secured a mandate to lead his second government, responding to economic instability with significant austerity measures. He reduced public spending by 30 percent and slashed pensions by 11 percent, while accepting a 45 percent salary reduction himself. His policies were credited with aiding Lithuania's economic recovery.
Foreign Policy and Russia Relations
Throughout his career, Kubilius maintained a consistent, critical stance toward the Russian government. As Prime Minister, he actively sought to reduce Lithuania's energy dependence on Moscow, including filing a lawsuit against Gazprom to claim over one billion euros in damages. Later, as a Member of the European Parliament from 2019 to 2024 and standing rapporteur on Russia, he advocated for strict sanctions and the phasing out of Russian energy imports. In 2021, he joined a parliamentary delegation to Taiwan to reinforce support for the island.
European Commission and Institutional Awards
In 2024, the Lithuanian government nominated Kubilius as its European Commissioner, a role subsequently approved by the Seimas. President von der Leyen appointed him to lead the Defence and Space portfolio. His career has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Grand Cross of the Order of Isabella the Catholic, the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit, and the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise in both the first and second classes.
Fast facts
- Born: 1956, Vilnius
- Education: Vilnius University
- Prime Minister of Lithuania: 1999–2000, 2008–2012
- Political Party: Homeland Union
- European Commissioner for Defence and Space: 2024–present
- Languages: English, Russian, Lithuanian
- Religion: Catholic Church
Questions readers ask
What was the main focus of his second term as Prime Minister?
He prioritized economic recovery through austerity, fiscal reforms, and diversifying Lithuania's energy supplies away from Russia.
What is his current role in the European Commission?
He is the European Commissioner for Defence and Space.
Achievements
- Prime Minister of Lithuania (1999–2000)
- Member of the Seimas (1992–1996)
- Prime Minister of Lithuania (2008–2012)
- Member of the European Parliament (from 2019)
- Grand Cross of the Order of Isabella the Catholic — 2009
- Commander of the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas
- Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, 2nd class
- Grand Cross of Royal Norwegian Order of Merit
- Educated at Vilnius University
