Andrius Kubilius

Andrius Kubilius (born 8 December 1956) is a Lithuanian politician. He has been a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) since 2019. He was Prime Minister of Lithuania twice: from 1999 to 2000 and from 2008 to 2012. He led the conservative Homeland Union party.

 Early life 
Kubilius was born in Vilnius. He studied physics at Vilnius University and completed postgraduate studies there from 1981 to 1984.

 Political career 
Kubilius joined the pro-independence Sąjūdis movement during Lithuania's break from the Soviet Union. After Lithuania became independent, he was elected to the Seimas (parliament) in 1992. He served as Deputy Speaker from 1996 to 1999.

Kubilius first became Prime Minister of Lithuania in 1999 after Rolandas Paksas resigned. He served until 2000. In 2008, he became Prime Minister again after his party won the elections. His government introduced unpopular austerity measures during the financial crisis, but Lithuania's economy recovered strongly.

 European Parliament 
Kubilius was elected to the European Parliament in 2019. He works on the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy. He focuses on EU relations with Russia and supports reducing reliance on Russian energy.

In 2024, he was nominated as Lithuania's European Commissioner. He was given the Defence and Space portfolio.

 Personal life 
Kubilius is married to Rasa Kubilienė, a violinist, and they have two children. He speaks Lithuanian, English, and Russian.

 References 

Category:1956 births
Category:Living people
Category:Lithuanian politicians
Category:Prime ministers of Lithuania
Category:MEPs for Lithuania
Category:People from Vilnius