Prime Minister is sending Europe Day greetings
Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė is sending her greetings to the fellow countrymen on the occasion of Europe Day.
‘The historical Schuman Declaration laid the foundations for the European Union, setting the stage for the flourishing of what has been the strength and identity of Europe for centuries: the quest for the harmony of freedom and responsibility, as well as solidarity in diversity. Being European does not mean being less Lithuanian, sacrificing uniqueness. Europe is like a melody that allows each note to retain its authentic sound and, together with the other notes, to discover a new force pulsating with harmony.
That is why we speak of Lithuania joining the European Union twenty years ago as a homecoming. It is a success story for all of us, one that has provided many opportunities for the people of Lithuania, fostered economic growth, innovation, and cultural exchange, given the freedom to travel, work and study across Europe, and the benefits of EU funding and cooperation have clearly contributed to the prosperity of our country, and will continue to do so in the future.
However, being at home in Europe also entails a responsibility to safeguard our shared values against both external and internal challenges. By standing together, we can forge a continent that is peaceful, prosperous, and just—a home for all European nations aspiring to join our collective family. Not only must we be proud of our successes, but we also must fight to ensure that the space for success does not shrink. It must grow for our security too, and we must continue to help in every possible way Ukraine, which is fighting for the civilisation that we represent, Moldova and all the other countries that are not wavering and that are firm on the path towards EU membership.
On this Europe Day, I call on you to reaffirm your commitment to foster and protect these values and principles. Let us continue to build Lithuania that will prosper in a strong and united Europe. Let us take pride in our contributions to upholding these ideals and shaping the future of the European continent,’ reads Prime Minister’s greeting.