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First of all, I join my colleagues in appreciation of your initiative to extend this Gymnich meeting to the group of 28 for the first time. I would limit myself to two basic points.

First - in Lithuania enlargement debate and debate about the future of Europe are basically linked. It is only natural that accession negotiations, costs and benefits of membership attract the bulk of the public attention. It is increasingly clear now when difficult, sensitive issues are being laid on the table.

The course of negotiations affects and attracts public opinion. The shape of the Union membership is being realised by addressing issues - be it taxation or movement of labour, visa policies or number of the European Parliament members. Or agriculture - this week in Vilnius we held a meeting of agriculture ministers of candidate countries. And in discussions with Commissioner F.Fishler it was clear that there is a considerable way to go in bridging the expectations and calculations of the future and present members of the Union. Public is getting ever more aware of the fact that these questions are affected by the European decision making. It is by getting answers to these questions - to the policy reforms - that people in Lithuania grasp also the future of the Union.

Hence we are facing an important task not only to get to agreements at the accession negotiations and developing the European agenda but also to sustain broader public support for them. Up till now we have been managing this in Lithuania rather well and the opinion polls show slowly but steadily increasing support for membership. It stands at around 50 percent. [But this is something you cannot take for granted.]

My second point - on the debate that we are launching in Lithuania. I personally initiated a series of meetings to start reflection on the post-Nice issues. It includes meetings with the representatives of the Lithuanian political parties; also with - academia. Naturally the European affairs committee of the Parliament has appointed reporters and the Committee will play an important role in steering the debate. The European Movement and other NGOs are planning their respective activities. In autumn, we are planning to have a round-table gathering led by the Lithuanian President to take stock of the debate and to consider our suggestions for Laeken summit.
Concerning the period of 2002-2003 and preparations for the IGC we shall be flexible in formats taking issue by issue of the post-Nice agenda. It is also my understanding that experience gained in preparing the Human Rights Charter might be useful. In any case agenda of the debate should be open-ended if we are to see the broadest possible participation of our populations.

In conclusion it is important to promote the sense of involvement which for the candidate countries rests on the degree they can influence the process. I think we are starting well and we shall continue the journey to the future Union in this spirit.

I would like to thank once again for this initiative and express my conviction that we shall have a fruitful reflection this year. I can assure that Lithuania will be making its contribution.

Thank you.