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On 20 October in a discussion in the Seimas Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Antanas Valionis stressed that Lithuania needed the European Constitution for Europe to be stronger.

“This document would have helped to consolidate our sovereignty and turn it into pan-European actions. This would condition better coordination and more effective implementation of policies. Whereas we regard the European Union as an important instrument for promotion of Lithuania’s interests, we are interested in effective Union,” the Minister stated.

In the Minister’s opinion, since the discussion on European Constitution has dragged on, EU should take concrete actions in particular spheres at the moment, for example to reach the agreement on Financial perspective, to finish the creation of internal market for services, or to ensure more resolute implementation of the Lisbon strategy.

“These decisions are important for Lithuania because they will clarify our financial planning, accelerate our economy’s integration into the EU markets and increase its competitiveness,” Foreign Minister said.

The Head of Lithuanian diplomacy noticed that a strong European Union is essential for safer environment for Lithuania.

“Lithuania’s opportunities to influence important processes in the neighbourhood are much better with EU institutions than with bilateral instruments,” Antanas Valionis emphasised.

The Minister said that the new members succeeded to draw European Council’s attention to the Eastern neighbours. Together with other EU countries Lithuania was an active participant of changes in Ukraine, Moldova and the South Caucasus.

“We have accumulated a wealth of valuable experience, which is interesting to our neighbours, but we lack people who could transfer this experience,” the Minister said inviting the Members of the Seimas to think over the challenge.

Antanas Valionis noticed that after start of Turkey’s accession negotiations the European Union should stay an open organization for other countries of the region, which had decided to choose democracy and approach the EU policy.