The Prime Minister thanked German Chancellor Merkel for her personal contribution to maintaining European unity and strengthening the European and the transatlantic security. The Prime Minister pointed out the importance of economic cooperation - Germany is the first by the exports of goods of the Lithuanian origin, and the third by investments in Lithuania. The remarkable development of economic relations in recent years is evidenced by the arrival of famous German companies to Lithuania.
The Head of Government invited German companies to continue investing actively in Lithuania which offers investment-friendly environment, skilled labour force, and one of the fastest Internet infrastructure in the world. It was noted that the advent of the LIDL retail chain to Lithuania resulted in higher competition and thus lower food prices. So it would be great if Kaufland followed suit. According to the Prime Minister, it is possible to offer individually tailored conditions for the establishment of companies in Lithuania for each investor.
“This year is exceptional because we are celebrating the centennial of Lithuania’s independence. I would like to sincerely thank Germany for the decision to hand over for long-term use of a particularly precious historical duplicate of the act of restoration of independence, which had been located at the German MoFA archives. Lithuania and Germany have always been closely linked in history. We were geographic neighbours for several hundred years. Today we are very close partners. I dare say that the relations between Lithuania and Germany have never been better”, said Saulius Skvernelis.
The Prime Minister sincerely thanked Merkel for her personal support and leadership in strengthening the security of our country, and for the decision to take the lead in the NATO forward presence forces in Lithuania. The presence of German troops is very welcome in Lithuania. Germany is an important partner in international operations and missions.
“An agreement between the Lithuanian political parties (both the ruling and the opposition) has been signed at my initiative on increasing the defence spending to 2.5 % of GDP in 2030. We will seek more effective deterrence and better preconditions for full participation in NATO Allies’ joint operations. This year we are allocating 2 % for defence”, said the Head of Government.
Germany’s role was noted as very important as regards the development of the European Energy Union, the issue of synchronisation of the Baltic electricity grid with continental European networks via Poland. Lithuania sees it now as the highest priority in energy security. This project is expected to be launched at the end of September from national and EU funds. Both political and technical support from Germany would be undoubtedly highly appreciated.
Regarding the upcoming EU agenda, the Prime Minister emphasised that one of the main challenges was the negotiations on the new multiannual EU budget. Lithuania is determined to make constructive progress in the negotiations but it is by no way ready for the reduction of Cohesion Policy funds by 24 %. The increasing national co-financing rate is also of great concern. In the field of agriculture, Lithuania will seek the completion of the convergence process of direct payments.
