Speaker of the Seimas: ‘Now, the EU needs Sweden’s strong position on democratic values’

Press release, 26 January 2023

 

At the digital opening of the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the European Union today, Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen, Speaker of the Seimas, has said that currently, in the face of aggression and authoritarian regimes, the European Union is as strong as the agreement of its members on democratic values is.

 

‘It is precisely now that Sweden’s strong position on democratic values is needed. I am happy that we are in good hands. In the efficient and successful hands of Swedes,’ Ms Čmilytė-Nielsen said.

 

At the same time, she noted that it was very symbolic for the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the EU to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the single market.

 

‘The establishment of the single market was a solution for increasing Europe’s global competitiveness and attractiveness. The single market is often at risk when we fail to find European solutions in key areas, such as in the energy sector, where we need to lower energy prices, develop renewable energy sources and seek independence of the European Union from Russian resources,’ Ms Čmilytė-Nielsen noted.

 

The Speaker of the Seimas pointed out that Lithuania supported Sweden’s determination to continue providing aid to Ukraine, coordinate its reconstruction and assist Ukraine on its European path. She also welcomed the efforts to seek Russia’s accountability for the crimes of war and aggression.

Photos by Olga Posaškova, Office of the Seimas

 

Ilona Petrovė, Spokesperson for Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen, Speaker of the Seimas, tel. + 370  5 239 6030, mob. + 370 698 42071, e-mail: [email protected]