News

On January 23-24, the Lithuanian Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Albinas Zananavičius attended the informal meeting of the European Union General Affairs Council held in Valletta, Malta. During the meeting, the priorities of the Maltese Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2017 were presented and the discussion of the ministers about the future of the EU in preparations to the meetings of the EU heads of state and government on February 3 in Malta and on March 25 in Rome was held.

Speaking on the issue of the future of the EU, Zananavičius noted that in the face of the current challenges it is necessary to preserve unity and trust of the citizens in the EU project, which is an essential guarantee of economic well-being and security in Europe.  

“All member states must take on responsibility and show their political will to act together for the whole of Europe,” emphasized Zananavičius.

According to the Vice-Minister, the EU needs to work constructively seeking specific results on the critical matters: ensuring security of the EU citizens, controlling the migration crisis, completing creation of the common market including digital and energy markets, executing efficient commercial policy and promoting job creation.

Vice-Minister Zananavičius also noted that in order to strengthen the trust of citizens in the EU, it is necessary to explain to them in the language they understand the meaning of the joint EU decisions and the value added in real life, as well as to raise awareness of the citizens of the EU matters.