Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevičius: Lithuania was clearly in need of the euro, and the EU – of Lithuania in the Eurozone

An official euro introduction event will be held in Vilnius on Wednesday, convening many EU dignitaries, including Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, Valdis Dombrovskis, Vice-President of the European Commission, and other senior officials of the Eurozone member states, who attended the event at the invitation of Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevičius.

In his address, the Prime Minister expressed the delight with his government’s efforts that have proved to be successful. “Although we are in for new challenges and much work lying ahead, I am sure that the euro will enable us to grow into a modern European state with new targets and regained confidence”, said the Prime Minister, noting that our country will contribute to the euro zone with a strong sense of partnership and solidarity.

“I am pleased that the changeover has been smooth and effective, and the better part of the population have already got accustomed to the new currency”, said the Head of Government.

President of the European Council Donald Tusk congratulated Lithuania on the accession of the Eurozone and noted that this step is above all a step towards increased security and stability. The President of the European Council also noted that the membership of the Eurozone makes Lithuania a more credible and attractive partner in the eyes of foreign investors.

Valdis Dombrovskis, European Commission Vice-President responsible for the Euro and Social Dialogue, also paid a visit to Vilnius. In his statement he remarked that our country’s decision to join the Eurozone proves that it is a strong and attractive club the country is joining. According to the Vice-President of the European Commission, Lithuania did very well in preparing for the adoption of the new currency and that the decision in itself will strengthen Lithuania’s position in the Euro-Atlantic structures. “Beginning with the 1st of January all Baltic States are now using the single currency; this will undoubtedly make economic cooperation a lot easier,” said the European Commission Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis.