IN BRUSSELS FOREIGN MINISTERS DISCUSSED ISSUES OF EUROPEAN ECONOMY RECOVERY AND EASTERN PARTNERSHIP
On 23 February in Brussels, during the European Union’s General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC), foreign ministers from the EU Member States discussed ways to overcome the economic recession in Europe. It is expected that the leaders of the EU will agree on this issue during an extraordinary summit on 1 March.
Lithuania‘s Ministers of Foreign Affairs Vygaudas Ušackas indicated that during the economic recession, the EU Member States should act in solidarity looking for a common solution of economic and social problems. According to Minister V.Ušackas, namely the effective functioning of the EU internal market, but not individual means or protectionism, will help to overcome the economic recession, strengthen competitiveness and guarantee welfare.
“Open EU internal market and free trade has always been and has to remain key tools for creating Europe’s economy and welfare,” said V.Ušackas.
On the subject of European Economy Recovery Plan, the Minister indicated that it was necessary to come to an agreement regarding this plan as soon as possible. Head of the Lithuanian diplomacy drew attention to the need to speed up the solution of energy security problems. 175 million euros that are foreseen to be allocated to the power link between Sweden and the Baltic States would serve as a big impetus for modernisation of the energy system in the Baltic region and its integration into the EU energy market.
Speaking about the EU Eastern Partnership initiative, Minister V.Ušackas emphasized that this initiative would contribute to the creation of security and stability from Belarus to Azerbaijan, it would also deepen economic integration of the countries in the region and the EU, would strengthen cooperation in the area of energy, democratic governance and openness of the societies.
The Minister highlighted that Lithuania’s interest was independent and stable Belarus that functioned according to the principles of free market and moved towards the creation of an open and democratic society. According to Minister V.Ušackas, it was important to seek that Belarus would take part in the EU Eastern Partnership as a full-fledged member.
Social media
