Press release, 23 May 2016
The Speaker of the Seimas, Loreta Graužinienė, together with the Speakers of the EU Parliaments and heads of the European Parliament, attended a Conference in Luxembourg, which focussed on the future of the European Union. Management of migration flows and strengthening of the EU were the main topics of discussion during the first day of the event.
In her speech the Speaker of the Seimas noted that a strong European Union is the Union that is united and guided by common interests. “What we need today is a strong Europe based on economic and social cohesion, solidarity between Member States, sustainable growth and efficient EU policy that stimulates competitiveness and employment,” said the Speaker of the Seimas.
The Lithuanian politician voiced her reservations concerning the proposal to grant even more powers to the EU institutions and to refer sensitive social issues and matters related to culture or security and defence policy to the Union.
The Speaker of the Seimas noted that Lithuania had always maintained a firm stance with regard to a strong European Union and its institutions, a functioning internal market, while respecting the sovereignty of EU Member States. In her view, integration is a consistent and gradual process. “Given the current complex security situation, a strong European Union and NATO are of vital importance. They serve as the fundamental security guarantor,” argued Mrs Graužinienė.
In the discussion on the future of the EU, the Speaker of the Seimas stressed that she saw Lithuania as “a strong, educated country that has preserved its national values in the EU family”. Mrs Graužinienė suggested that, while seeking solutions to the current challenges, it is necessary to keep the balance. “The family is firm when it is based not only on economic welfare and values but also on sound mind,” said the Speaker of the Seimas and encouraged her colleagues to assess the current situation and the prospects of the EU in a far-sighted and rational manner.
On the first day of the visit, Ms Loreta Graužinienė also met with other Speakers of the EU Parliaments and the Grand Duke of Luxembourg.
Rosvaldas Gorbačiovas, Senior Adviser to the Speaker of the Seimas, tel. +370 5 239 6005,
e-mail: rosvaldas.gorbaciovas@lrs.lt