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On 19 May during the round-table discussion “The future of the European Union and the most important challenges for Europe and Lithuania” Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Antanas Valionis noted that the need to find ways to continue the European integration project is obvious.

“The Constitutional Treaty is the best possible compromise, in the name of which all members have made concessions,” Foreign Minister said.

The Minister emphasised that increasing number of states that have already ratified the Treaty shows its importance for Europe’s future.

“We approve the proposal of the European Commission announced this week to give the Constitution another chance. But we should discuss other opportunities and Lithuania’s attitude towards them,” Mr Valionis stated.

According to the Head of Lithuanian Diplomacy, practical decisions should inevitably have an impact on the future of the EU. The Minister proposed to consider the areas where the current structure of the EU does not allow proper implementation of Lithuania’s interests, and how we are planning to strengthen EU’s foreign policy and keep our influence on it.

“In this free discussion we have an opportunity to discuss how to overcome the fear that has appeared after the enlargement and how to help certain EU members reject negative stereotypes,” the Minister said.

Answers to the questions on future development of the EU are related to one of the most important process – EU enlargement. According to the Minister, Lithuania supports the future “open door” policy of the EU.

“I think that in this context Lithuania should assume the leader’s role in order to continue the enlargement process and consolidate democratic values both in the East and South of the EU,” Lithuanian  Foreign Minister emphasized.