„Dear people of Lithuania,
Today we mark an exceptional event in the history of Lithuania. Officially and for the first time, our country launches the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
It is a great honour and huge responsibility. For the entire second half of this year, Lithuania will be in charge of the whole European Union’s agenda and responsible for its shaping as well as adoption of key decisions.
In simple terms, for half a year, the eyes of the citizens of all EU Member States will be notably directed at Lithuania, at us all. Tremendous work, huge responsibility and challenges are ahead of us. I am certain that we are ready for them and we will deliver.
Today, as we mark the beginning of our Presidency, I would like to address you, me fellow citizens, in particular those of you who are here together with us as well as those who couldn’t make it here, but whose presence is nevertheless felt. Today gives me a wonderful opportunity to thank you all sincerely.
It is only thanks to your work, your persistence, your efforts, your patience, your determination and your perseverance that today we are a country which has been entrusted with the helm of the European Union. We are now a country which is and will continue to be responsible, for the whole half of the year, for the pulse of Europe and for building welfare for European citizens.
This is your merit. This is recognition of your efforts. You have every reason to be happy and proud of that just as we are proud of you.
Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union gives us a wonderful opportunity to present our native country to a large number of guests from all around Europe and elsewhere and to show them what is the best and most beautiful here, in Lithuania, and what we can take pride in. Let us show Europe that we are a nation and country with unique, exceptional and extraordinary qualities.
Thank you“
