Speech by the Vice-Minister A. Pranckevičius at the inaugural Plenary meeting of the Conference on the Future of Europe in Strasbourg
On 19 June, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Arnoldas Pranckevičius addressed the inaugural Plenary meeting of the Conference on the Future of Europe held in Strasbourg.
“Congratulations with the start of the Conference on the Future of Europe. Lithuania looks forward to be an active and enthusiastic contributor to it.
We might have different views on the expectations and the purpose of the conference, but I hope that many of us can agree on what it should not be.
- It should not be top-down, but bottom-up, giving the voice also to the citizens that usually don‘t speak out.
- It should not predetermine the outcome, but be open-minded.
- It should not be about the past, but about the future, and thus it is so important to strongly involve the youth. I am proud that the Lithuanian Youth Council already initiated the resolution on the Future of Europe and shared their vision.
And it is also my hope that this Conference achieves at least three things:
First, that it makes Europe stronger, not weaker. Hence the importance of the word ‘resilience’, whether in terms of security, green and digital transition or stronger social fabric.
Secondly, that it makes Europe more democratic. Not only within Europe, strongly upholding human rights and rule of law at home, but also externally, holding the flag of democracy high up in the face of challenge of authoritarianism, whether in Moscow, Beijing or Minsk.
And third, that it makes Europe more inclusive, not exclusive. Therefore, as we speak about the future of Europe, we should not forget about the fate of Western Balkans, of Eastern Partnership and of Southern Neighbourhood.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Jean Monnet once said that Europe is born in crises. With this Conference, let‘s prove that he was indeed right.”
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