News

On 26 May, the Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Albinas Zananavičius participated in a video conference of Ministers for European Affairs. Ministers held an exchange of views on the EU response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the next Multi-Annual. Financial Framework (MFF), and economic recovery.

The Foreign Vice-Minister A. Zananavičius presented the decision of the Baltic states to open their borders to each other, thus creating the first safe "travel bubble" in the EU. This solution sets an excellent example of regional cooperation aimed at facilitating the recovery of the tourism sector and economy.

A. Zananavičius stressed that the EU had to respond to the social and economic facets of the crisis as quickly as possible and start the new multiannual budget lifecycle in due time. As regards the EU’s recovery, we need a well-balanced MFF and a recovery package. The package must be targeted, temporary, and should not be created at the expense of an ambitious MFF," said Lithuania’s Foreign Vice-Minister.

In addition, A. Zananavičius identified EU budget and investments priorities for Lithuania. The EU needs a solid basis for a rapid recovery. It is necessary to foresee increased funding for Cohesion Policy. The agricultural sector needs not only more funding, but also a level playing field for farmers and, first of all, the harmonization of direct payments. According to the Foreign Vice-Minister, all member states are feeling the impact of the pandemic. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that all member states can benefit from the recovery package.