Although the next EU multiannual financial framework begins only in 2021, EU institutions and member states already begin discussions on the new budget. President Dalia Grybauskaitė handed a letter on topical priorities for Lithuania and the entire region, signed by the heads of the three Baltic states directly to the President of the European Council.
The President underscored that the new multiannual budget should contribute to the prosperity of all EU citizens, promote European integration and uniform development of the entire EU.
Dalia Grybauskaitė said that the Brexit situation, ongoing challenges to the EU and the need for new programmes will be taken into consideration and the target will be for agricultural payments to come close to those received by the old EU member states, for structural support not to be reduced and for appropriate funding to be ensured for strategic infrastructure projects, including the synchronization of power grids and Rail Baltica standard-gauge tracks.
The smooth decommissioning of the Ignalina nuclear power plant is yet another Lithuania’s objective to be properly taken into consideration when planning the future budget of the EU.
The Baltic states unanimously support the development of European energy and transport network, economic integration and investment into progress and security. Not reducing the funding for youth, science and innovations, appropriate funding for the protection of EU external borders, cyber and information security measures and further support to Eastern neighborhood countries are of particular importance for the future of the EU.
Tomorrow, the President of the European Council and other foreign dignitaries will attend festive centennial events. According to Donald Tusk, the words in Lithuania’s national anthem “Let unity blossom” could be transferred to the anthem of the EU as the states will preserve their independence only if they stand united. Donald Tusk underscored that for him, as President of the European Council, as Polish citizen and as friend of Lithuania, it was very important to celebrate this jubilee with all the people of Lithuania in Vilnius.
