Over 120 political scientists and researchers from EU member states, presidency-related EU officials and Lithuanian political figures participate in the conference. The focus of the debate is on energy and economic issues that are important for the whole of Europe. The programme also includes presentation of recommendations prepared by European political scientists for the Lithuanian Presidency.

At the event, Dalia Grybauskaitė presented Lithuania's EU Presidency priorities and key tasks and answered questions from the participants of the conference. She noted that financial stability and promotion of economic growth, elimination of energy islands, Eastern Partnership and the Baltic Sea Region Strategy are placed at the top of Lithuanian EU Presidency agenda. It is therefore very important that the European academic community would actively contribute to implementing the tasks essential for all people in the European Union.

In her welcome address the President highlighted the Lithuanian Presidency's aim for a strong, credible and open Europe. According to the President, the European Union needs to become home of concord and openness of all European citizens and not a symbol of faceless bureaucracy.

"Your opinion, rational proposals and objective criticism are significant not only for Lithuania's EU Presidency, but also for the development of the entire Union. The European Union is not just formal political meetings and backstage negotiations. It also comprises academic discussions, researchers' insights and expectations of all European citizens," the President said.

This conference is the largest academic event dedicated to the Lithuanian EU Presidency.

Press Service of the President