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On 18-19 June, the 70th anniversary of the Messina Conference was celebrated in Taormina, Italy. The Messina Conference, held in 1955, laid the foundations for the formation of the European Economic Community and later the European Union.

On 18-19 June, the 70th anniversary of the Messina Conference was celebrated in Taormina, Italy. The Messina Conference, held in 1955, laid the foundations for the formation of the European Economic Community and later the  European Union.

The event, organised on the initiative of the Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, brought together representatives of all EU member states, candidate countries, potential candidates, and the European Commission.

Lithuania was represented at the meeting by the Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Julius Pranevičius, who emphasised that the membership of the EU also entails the responsibility to actively contribute to the creation of a common European future.

“Along with the benefits of becoming a member of the EU comes the responsibility. We must share this experience and help those who are on the same path today. Our goal is a stronger, fairer, and more resilient Europe", said the Vice-Minister. In his speech, Pranevičius stressed that the enlargement of the EU must be based on clear values, the principle of the rule of law, and a consistent and fair merit-based process.

The Vice-Minister paid particular attention to the challenges posed by Russia’s aggression against Ukraine to the entire continent: "The commitment to Ukraine is even more important in light of Russia's brutal aggression, which is the biggest threat to peace in Europe since World War II. Europe must respond decisively: support Ukraine, both on the battlefield and in  negotiations, strengthen sanctions, ensure accountability, and confiscate frozen Russian assets. [...] There can be no return to 'business as usual' with the aggressor. Containing Russia should remain a priority, even after a peace agreement is reached. If Putin's regime is not stopped in Ukraine, the threat will continue to expand further. It is already interfering in our democratic processes and seeking to divide European unity.”

The Vice-Minister also reiterated that Ukraine's EU membership must become one of the strategic goals: "Ukraine's accession to the EU by 2030 is an investment in the long-term security and stability of the continent."

The 70th anniversary of the Messina Conference in Sicily and the ministerial declaration adopted during the event not only reminded of a crucial milestone in the history of European integration but also provided new political impetus for the EU enlargement process, which Lithuania consistently supports.