3rd Princess Beatrix Lecture

Lecture by Kęstutis Budrys, minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania

Opening programme "Europe on the frontline: Drones, defence and Baltic security"ty”

16 December 2025 | 19:00 - 21:00 | Sint Janskerk, Vrijthof, Maastricht

“Building a case for a stronger, safer and more resilient Europe: view from Lithuania”

In an era when drones are reshaping the logic of warfare, defence production, and security cooperation across Europe, the Baltic states are among the first to face these challenges at scale. As Russia’s war on Ukraine drags into a critical phase, European countries must rethink deterrence, alliance architecture, and industrial resilience.

At the Princess Beatrix Lecture, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys will deliver a keynote reflecting on the legacy of the Maastricht Treaty, addressing the evolving security environment in Europe and the Baltic region, and highlighting how these challenges demand new forms of strategic coordination, unity and readiness.

The event will bring together relevant stakeholders to discuss how Europe, and the Netherlands in particular, can strengthen its defence posture and industrial base in response to the changing security landscape.

Register here to join the 3rd Princess Beatrix Lecture!

Third Princess Beatrix Lecture

The Princess Beatrix lecture invites leading European personalities to reflect on the legacy of the Maastricht Treaty and its relevance for contemporary Europe.

Organiser Studio Europa Maastricht, a centre of expertise at Maastricht University for Europe-related debate and research, launched the Princes Beatrix lecture in honour of Princess Beatrix’s involvement in the European integration process.

The lecture takes place within the framework of the European Heritage Label for the Maastricht Treaty, with the support of the Province of Limburg and the City of Maastricht.