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On 12 May during the conference “The Baltic States in the European Union: two years of experience and the prospects” Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Antanas Valionis  discussed  Lithuania’s membership experience and named the objectives important for taking full advantage of the membership.

“Membership in the EU and NATO has changed economic, foreign and security policy of the Baltic States and in fact all our life,” Foreign Minister said.

“We have become more open and set our goals in the context of Europe and the world. I believe that now we aim at influencing our environment and not at being influenced by it. We are not ‘protecting’ our interests against somebody but implement them actively using the potential of the EU institutions,” Mr Valionis stated.

In accordance with this attitude, in negotiations on the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe Lithuania stood for strong and efficient European Union, able to implement the main objectives, ensure prosperity, solidarity and security.

“We approve the proposal of the European Commission announced this week to give the European Constitution a second chance. Intensifying consistent discussion will help to conceptualize our desired course of Europe’s evolution,” the Minister underlined.

The Minister paid attention to practical issues important for Lithuania – completion of the internal market, implementation of the Lisbon strategy, formulation of the common European energy policy, consolidation of joint external actions, including consular cooperation.

According to the Head of Lithuanian Diplomacy the Baltic States now have a unique opportunity to reach the average of the EU economic development, but it is necessary to use the assistance of the EU, coordinate science and education system and the labour market needs, increase competitiveness by introducing modern technologies, ensure sustainable economic growth to reach macroeconomic stability.

“To put it simply we need the Euro. Currently it is important not only for Lithuania, but also for Latvia and Estonia, because the Euro would ensure discipline and stability both in terms of prices and national finance and become an additional impetus for economic growth,” Foreign Minister said.

“The EU membership has shown that in the democratic space we should cherish, protect and promote our interests ourselves. The Baltic States can implement their most important objectives only by working together,” the Head of Lithuanian Diplomacy said.