Speaker of the Seimas: ‘Let us be a strong and progressive voice of Europe’

Press release, 9 May 2023 

Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen, Speaker of the Seimas, has said that today provides Europeans with an opportunity for reflecting on the future of the European Union and the worth and achievements of integration as well as for renewing our commitment to building the future of a united and prosperous Europe.

‘As many as 73 years have passed since the day when French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman presented the proposal for a united Europe thus laying the foundation for the creation of the EU. The EU has grown to 27 Member States and has become one of the largest economies and leading communities in the world. This enables dealing with important global issues such as climate change, human rights and international trade,’ said Ms Čmilytė-Nielsen.

According to the Speaker of the Seimas, Lithuania has never questioned the benefits and successes of EU membership and has consistently advocated for the EU enlargement, which is even more important in the face of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

‘Enlargement is crucial for successful politics and greater democracy, prosperity and peace on the European continent. Therefore, one of the key strategic steps now is to support Ukraine, Moldova and other countries that have decided to pursue European integration. Lithuania is willing to lend a helping hand,’ said Ms Čmilytė-Nielsen.

Photo by the Office of the Seimas

While extending her wishes of victory and European future to Ukraine as well as her wishes of fortitude and unity to the EU, the Speaker of the Seimas has congratulated each and everyone on Europe Day: ‘I thank the people of Lithuania who help building a European state. Today, Europe needs strong, progressive, and pro-European voices in particular. I call on you to be the ones!’

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