"The European Union is different today than when Lithuania and nine other countries joined 20 years ago, but it is still the most successful project for peace and prosperity, having withstood many challenges, and now facing the biggest one yet - Russia's war against Ukraine and open aggression against the entire democratic world. A united and strong EU has huge untapped potential, and an even better functioning Single Market is the key to unlocking it in the face of the EU's most important challenges in the short term - strengthening the defence industry, green transformation and sustainable development of the Community," said Prime Minister Šimonytė.
At the meeting, Ms Letta presented the process of preparing the report and its main orientations. The report is expected to be formally presented this April at a special European Council meeting.
As the Prime Minister stressed, ensuring a level playing field for all Member States is key to avoiding fragmentation in the EU's single market, as is improving access to capital markets between countries.
A more integrated, stronger Single Market would also strengthen the EU's geopolitical position, the meeting noted. Europe's defence industry can become a driver of the EU's internal market and would also strengthen Europe's security, said Ms Šimonytė.
I. Šimonytė said that the EU has intellectual potential, capital and other strengths that it is important to exploit at a time of particular importance for the future of Europe.
