The Head of State began by stressing the importance of the history of Lithuania’s statehood. “The approaching centenary of the restoration of Lithuania’s independence has expanded the usual field of vision, offering deeper insights into our statehood, ultimate goals, and responsibility. The February 16 generation brought the nation back from oblivion and set out to build a new modern Lithuania. Remarkable progress had been achieved by the time it celebrated 20 years of independence. If we had not been brutally stopped, today we would be living in a state that does not need to catch up for the time lost. The jubilee year commits us to take an intense and realistic look at the most challenging tasks facing us. There is no one but us to speed up national progress. And there is no other time but now,” Ms Grybauskaitė said.
Referring to national security, the President stressed taht “this year we received historic support: a Germany-led NATO battalion with troops from as many as seven allied nations has been deployed in our country. Twenty out of twenty eight NATO allies have sent support to the Baltic region. All of this has upgraded our defence deterrence, taking it up to a new quality level.” However, in the President’s view, despite the existing security guarantees, we cannot stop here and there is a need to seek NATO reforms intended to speed-up the decision-making process. There is equally a need for stronger defence plans and joint air defence.
The Head of State noted that foreign policy is inextricably linked to security challenges. “The geopolitical reality makes us – and the whole of Europe – assume greater responsibility for our own security. These challenges also open up new opportunities for closer integration of European countries. It can become a counterbalance to the ongoing instability and tensions in the world. Membership of the European Union is a strong guarantee for lasting peace, stability, and well-being. Twenty eight European countries – which we still are – together carry considerably more weight than each one alone,” the President said.
