Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Linas Linkevicius welcomed great teamwork and results of 5 year-long activities of the outgoing European Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Stefan Fule and his team. Significant progress has been achieved: key reforms are being implemented in all aspiring countries. The EU's enlargement policy continues to be one of the most efficient instruments which contributes to promoting security and stability in Europe, Lithuania's MFA said.
When commenting on the Commission's findings and recommendations, the minister shared the views of the Commission underlining the increasing importance of solidarity among candidate countries with EU's common positions in the area of the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy, especially taking into account recent events in EU's Eastern Neighbourhood.
In addition to the Commission's focus previous years on rule of law, fundamental rights, economic governance and improving economic competitiveness, this year's package highlight the need to strengthen public administration reforms. The most common shortcomings were identified implementing reforms in the areas of public administration, judiciary and economic governance, as well as with establishing a solid track record fighting corruption and organised crime. Other areas of concern remain the freedom of expression and media, and the protection of minorities.
