Lithuania has been a member of the world’s strongest defensive North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) for 20 years. In commemoration of this anniversary, Lithuanian and NATO flags were raised on Market Square in Telšiai, as in the whole of Lithuania.
This action aims to show our solidarity and unity and the understanding that together with our allies we are strong, that NATO is us. We ourselves create and contribute to the security of our country – each of us and our allies in Lithuania.
“The fact that today we are members of the strongest defense alliance is a huge achievement of our state. Because only in a free, independent and strong state can democracy be created, civil society can grow and flourish, – said the vice-mayor of Telšiai district municipality Agnė Jakavičiutė – Miliauskienė at the flag-raising ceremony. – But today, more than ever, we must all remember that security is not an added value. After all, we ourselves are responsible for our own safety.”
In 20 years, being members of not only NATO, but also the European Union, we have come a long way in developing our economy, social life, strengthening our security and resistance to external threats. Therefore, today we can celebrate together the achievements of our country, the ability to cope with challenges and create security and stability for ourselves and our country.
After regaining independence, Lithuania saw integration into the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization as a primary strategic goal. In order to achieve this goal, many important tasks had to be done in the field of domestic politics: consolidating democracy, transitioning from an inefficient planned economy to a free market, curbing crime, strengthening free media, developing human rights policy, and creating and fostering civil society. It was no less important to consistently strengthen our positions in international politics. Towards a major historical, geopolitical goal – international recognition and Euro-Atlantic integration – we moved decisively and consistently, while gaining more and more confidence.
in 2004 March 29 Lithuania became a full member of NATO. On the same day, the F-16 fighters of the Royal Belgian Air Force, which landed in Šiauliai, began to carry out the NATO air police mission. Lithuania joined the EU in 2004. May 1st The inscription “European Union” appeared on Lithuanian passports.
Membership in NATO and the EU fundamentally changed the historical and geopolitical conditions that determined the fate of Lithuania for centuries, as well as our self-perception, – we understand that Lithuania’s membership in these organizations is a guarantor of our security and growth, as well as the responsibility to make and implement decisions ourselves and together with our allies for ensuring national and collective security, economic well-being. Today, more than thirty allies and partners are interested in Lithuania’s political and economic stability and geopolitical security, and Lithuania, together with allies and partners, contributes to the implementation of these extremely important goals of the Euro-Atlantic area.
Membership in NATO and the EU not only significantly contributed to strengthening the country’s security, but also created the conditions for the rapid growth of the country’s economy and its resistance to external threats. Flexible, fast and smart – this is how foreign investors describe the Lithuanian economy. Our country is like a successful start-up, ready to create together with the world. Rapidly adapting to global changes, Lithuania is a great place to develop innovations in financial technologies, life sciences, software and other fields. Players of global importance – companies and talents come to Lithuania together with us to create future solutions that change the lives of millions of people.
The 20th anniversary of NATO and the EU is a great opportunity to look back and assess the path our state and society have taken, what cooperation with the allies has given us and what we ourselves have been able to give them, what are the links of Lithuanian, European and Euro-Atlantic identity.
The sense of vigorous growth, stability, and security provided by twenty years of NATO and EU presence allows us all to become creators of the breakthrough we are experiencing together. We can feel like creators of the future, enjoy personal and country achievements. We can more easily face the challenges of the country and our own lives when we know that we are creating security and stability ourselves.
20 years of membership in NATO and the EU is a solid foundation from which Lithuania can stand up and rise, strive for more, see the overall picture and contribute to its creation. When meeting these important anniversaries, we do not forget the important question that should be considered when meeting an important anniversary – how we will continue to create a safe and prosperous future based on common democratic values with our allies NATO and the EU.
