News

Vilnius, 7 July 2005

Distinguished Dean of the Diplomatic Corps,

Distinguished Ambassadors, and

Heads of Diplomatic Missions,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am delighted to welcome the foreign ambassadors, gathered here for our traditional “hot” July meeting. It is gratifying to see here so many friends of Lithuania, with who we have been working hard and will continue to work building business links and cooperative relations between our countries and people.

After one year of my office as the President, I would like, together with you, to take a look back at the first year of Lithuania’s membership in NATO and the European Union, to review the key events in Europe and future tasks, dealing with which will require creativity and goodwill not only from the Lithuanian diplomats, but also from all of you.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

Lithuania joined Europe determined to face new challenges and to open a new chapter in the economic and social development of our country. We acceded knowing that being part of the EU and NATO will open new opportunities and give more powers for representing our interests around the world, “to catch up” with Europe in economic wellbeing and to participate in creating a model of Europe of solidarity, competitive and open to its neighbours.

Looking back, I believe that this awareness mobilised the people of Lithuania, gave them the confidence in themselves and the state. The first year of membership was not as much full of challenges, as it was of successes. Lithuania was not only successful at making progress on the road of reform and impressive economic growth, but also at maintaining confidence and optimism of the people with regard to the future of Europe.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

At our last meeting, I said that Lithuania’s membership in the European Union and NATO brought a qualitative change in our involvement in regional and global politics. One year down the road, I can state that the fulfilment of this assumption of mine exceeded all expectations.

Last autumn, Lithuania was the first to ratify the Constitution for Europe. Last winter, we were active participants in the mediation mission to resolve political crisis in Ukraine. Last spring, at the Baltic-US Presidential Summit, we discussed the issues of eastward advancement of democracy and strengthening of transatlantic relations. This summer, for the first time in the history of independent Lithuania, the Lithuanian soldiers began the Lithuanian-lead reconstruction mission in the province of Ghor in Afghanistan.

We have no intention of stopping hallway. We will continue taking all opportunities to create, together with our Euro-Atlantic partners, common values, a secure and prosperous civil society in the European neighbourhood and beyond.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good neighbour relations hold a special place in the Lithuanian foreign policy. Lithuanians have a wise saying: “you cannot choose your neighbours, only learn to be on good terms with them”. It remains not only relevant, but also takes on a completely new and broader meaning.

Membership in the European Union, globalization and global competition – these are only a few reasons why Lithuania, and, in its own turn, the European Union, should pursue active and independent foreign policy in our neighbourhood and around the world.

Today, Lithuania’s neighbours include not only Poland, a strategic partner of Lithuania, or Nordic and Baltic states.

Today, Ukraine, Moldova and countries of the South Caucasus are also Lithuania’s neighbours. Through development of bilateral relations, we share our experience in issues of consolidation of democracy and economic reform.

I am convinced that countries that are open and friendly to their neighbours have nothing to fear– they understand each other, recognise that joint actions add to the power of the entire region and prosperity of its individual parts and without hesitation invite leaders of the neighbouring countries to their celebrations.

Lithuania will give its full support to countries committed to walk the road of Europe. Their success and democratic change is a guarantee of our success.

To continue these efforts, in Vilnius in May next year, we will be holding an international forum to support the New European democracies – Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine, to expand cooperation between these countries and the EU and NATO. I hope that the heads of your states will attend the event under my patronage jointly with the Presidents of Ukraine and Georgia.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today is the right time and the right place to say a few words about Lithuania’s view of the vibrant political life in Europe and to discuss how to propel the European ship that has hit a small shoal.

Europe is again at the crossroads of integration. Slowed down ratification of the Constitution, failure to agree on the next Financial Perspective – these are the signs that point to the need for leadership, unity and common vision in the family of 25.

I believe that next year we need to put our main focus on narrowing the gap between politicians and ordinary citizens, between political rhetoric and concrete commitments.

The lessons given by the French and Dutch referenda was a reminder that European integration – a deeper and broader integration – is not possible without ordinary citizens, their active involvement and support to the vision of Europe’s future.

Europe with strong institutions, active foreign and security policy, unequivocal development policy, giving a historic chance to a strong and dynamic Union. 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Success of the European political project is impossible without its economic and social dimension.

Slow growth of the Eurozone economies and increasing unemployment – these are the problems that can be dealt with by concrete actions, not rhetoric.

Rapid integration of new members into the single market, lifting of restrictions distorting competition, simplified business regulation and implementation of the Lisbon strategy – these are the recipes to help us all along the way.

I am certain that during the presidency of the United Kingdom we will achieve progress in liberalising the services and labour markets. Agreement on the next EU Financial Perspective, strategically important and acceptable to Lithuania, and modernisation of the budget formation principles is the way forward. 

In this context, the strategic goal of Lithuania is to become a net contributor to the budget of the European Union in fifteen years. Then we will be able to say firmly that after fifty years of life behind the “the iron curtain” we have caught up with Europe not only in terms of standards of democratic, but also economic life.

Distinguished Ambassadors,

I invite you to make an active contribution to economic cooperation between our countries, to encourage businesses in your countries to increase “green field” investment in the region, linking markets in the East and in the West.

Lithuania will be among the first new EU members to join the Eurozone and the Schengen area. This will ensure free movement and better opportunities for businesses. Add to this our goal to connect Lithuania and Europe by modern transport and energy links in the near future and we will have a vision of a dynamic European region.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am convinced that we will continue working together in developing relations between our countries and creating Lithuania that is open and prosperous in Europe.

I avail myself of this opportunity to ask you personally to convey my best wishes to the heads of state and government of the countries that you represent.