Prime Minister: a More Fragmented World Needs a More United and Stronger Europe
Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė began her working visit to Brussels and Strasbourg on Thursday with an opening speech at the Brussels Economic Forum, the European Commission's main annual economic conference. A more resilient economy, a more capable defence industry and a stronger role in the face of geopolitical challenges, in particular in helping Ukraine to prevail, were the three directions for a strong European Union in the future, the Head of the Lithuanian Government said.
Lithuania chose freedom, democracy and the rule of law - fundamental European values - 20 years ago when it joined the EU along with nine other countries, Šimonytė recalled in her speech. The EU has grown stronger despite concerns about enlargement.
“Being a member of the EU for us was much more than internal market, cohesion policy or economic convergence. It was a dream. A dream of freedom. A dream to build a better life for our children. A dream, that together we will make Europe whole and at a peace for ever. And we were right. And wrong at the same time.
We were right to join the EU. To make unpopular, often painful but necessary reforms, adapt and transform our society and our economy.
We were wrong in thinking that ‘Happily Ever After’ exists and we will be able to relax and enjoy permanent peace. We (and not only us) were wrong in thinking that security, defence and resilience are and will be a secondary thing – somewhere in the background of economic welfare. That we need to focus only on internal market, cohesion, agriculture, energy, and employment.
We were wrong to miss growing external pressures and threats,“ said the Prime Minister. She stressed that the coming years must be about making the European Union an even more resilient and efficient Community.
In her speech, the Prime Minister identified priorities for the Community's economic progress: the elimination of barriers in the single market that limit the EU's competitiveness and the growth of prosperity, energy independence and reliable supply chains, increased trade relations with like-minded partners, and openness to countries that persistently strive to join the EU and share the same values.
“Second, we must focus on upgrading the EU’s defence industrial base,” said the Lithuanian Prime Minister, drawing attention to the importance of favourable investment conditions, and the role of institutions such as the European Investment Bank, which is particularly important in this area.
The EU also needs to make the most of its considerable geopolitical potential against the backdrop of security challenges.
“Ukraine must win. The outcome of this vital task should concern and unite all peace-loving countries of the world, but, first of all, it’s on us - Europeans. Our goal is to help Ukraine to restore its borders and sovereignty. Globally, we need to preserve the rules-based international order,“ added the Head of the Government.
Support for Ukraine and pressure on Russia through sanctions must be continued and strengthened, stressed Ms Šimonytė. The use of Russian funds, frozen and immobilised by sanctions, for Ukraine's needs must set a precedent, making it clear that launching an illegal and unprovoked war will have painful consequences for the aggressor.