In his speech, Commissioner Andriukaitis emphasised that all 28 EU capitals, national Parliaments and Governments decided on the kind of the European Union they wanted to see and live in. “I would thus like to see the deeply ingrained cliché phrase ‘Brussels decided’ changed. There is no such concept,” he noted.
Mr Andriukaitis pointed out to the wave of scepticism sweeping over Europe and opening yet another wound. “It appears that the European Union, grounded in the principles of human rights and freedoms, is often willing to give them up. As EU Member States, all of us are beginning to, in one way or another, ignore once again the principles of the rule of law and the fundamental and public constitutional good, thereby causing tension and instability,” the Commissioner said. He claimed that Lithuania continued to ignore and failed to implement some of the rulings of the European Court of Justice. It was therefore necessary to resolve, as soon as possible, all conflicts arising from the treaties.
When referring to the refugee crisis, the Commissioner regretted that in the beginning of the crisis, Lithuania ended up being among the countries which demonstrated minimum solidarity. “It was not long before we forgot how tens of thousands of our countrymen fleeing war or the red or brown terror were sheltered by Western countries,” Mr Andriukaitis reminded.
“The financial crisis in Greece, nationalistic surge in Poland, Hungary or elsewhere, growing fear of terrorism, which has swept across the whole Europe following bloody attacks, and refugee asylum issues are all but a common headache for us all rather than the so-called Brussels’ problems. The lack of confidence that emanates among the public is also our common concern as to what needs to be done to have more harmony, understanding, confidence and security in the European Union that we share,” Mr Andriukaitis said.
By highlighting the key moments, Mr Andriukaitis indicated that major goals of sustainable growth, security and solidarity were set for both Lithuania and the European Union. “The new Government is looking forward to fulfilling crucial and pressing tasks, namely, tackling complicated issues of social inequality and exclusion; distributing the national budget more justly and transparently; fighting tax evasion; discussing and striving for a more equitable tax system; creating more jobs; paying off the debt to the senior population; assisting young families; promoting higher birth rates; protecting and asserting all human rights and freedoms; developing the senses of duty and responsibility; fostering tolerance; and safeguarding dignity in a democratic, harmonious and secular society governed by the rule of law,” the Commissioner outlined.
Mr Andriukaitis explained that protection of external borders, stimulation of investment, innovation and trade, boosting of employment, and development of a social Europe, including matters connected with young people, improvement of skills and healthcare, would mainly dominate the Commission Work Programme 2017. “Social justice, socially responsible business and fight against social dumping were what the President of the European Commission focused on. Lithuanians leaving the country to work in other European states have to be paid there as much as the locals are paid for the same job. Together with the new Government, we share the same goal, which is to ensure that a Lithuanian citizen earns enough money in Lithuania and that there is no need to look for a job abroad. We need to reduce the disparities in incomes,” the Commissioner stressed. He also highlighted fair competition, which meant uniform application of laws and legal acts to everyone and fight against tax evasion, tax avoidance, tax fraud and tax dumping.
As he reminded about the upcoming negotiations on the post-2020 EU budget and Lithuanian agricultural challenges, Mr Andriukaitis said that Lithuania would have to make a serious effort to maintain an appropriate level of EU support, especially in the field of agriculture.
In his speech, the Commissioner singled out the common fight against food waste, the aim to ensure free wireless internet access in every EU city in four years time, and the European Solidarity Corps for young people willing to gain professional knowledge from volunteer programmes. Moreover, he informed of the proposal to create the European Defence Fund and to introduce control measures for citizens of countries enjoying a visa-free regime. Mr Andriukaitis also welcomed the Clean Energy package presented by the European Commission.
“When dealing with these challenges, the European Commission and Member States should not embark on the road of disagreement,” said Mr Andriukaitis as he presented the upcoming tasks ahead of the European Commission.
