President of the European Commission for Lithuania: you are the history of the whole of Europe

The announcement is supplemented with quotes from U. von der Leyen.

It is a great honor for me to participate in this special day with you. In the home of Lithuanian democracy, this is the place where you say no to the occupation and regain your independence. You brought your nation to the center of Europe and Euro-Atlantic security. It is the house of mastery and vision. This is also the place where Lithuanian residents came together and unitedly stood up to defend their freedoms, EC President U. von der Leyen began his speech.

Speaking in the Seimas, she recalled the complicated pages of Lithuanian history, mentioned the bloody 1991. January 13 events

Soviet tanks and soldiers moved through Vilnius, ready to enter buildings and destroy your democracy. More than fifty thousand people from all over Lithuania gathered here. All night until morning they stood shoulder to shoulder singing, chanting and praying. His only weapon was the love of freedom. They hold the most terrible troops in the country. Fearless and free. This is the spirit of Lithuania, summed up U. von der Leyen.

The chairman of the EC reminded that more than 90% of Lithuanians voted for joining the European Union.

Change not only your choice, but also the whole of Europe. Because when you join the EU, our Sjunga plays to its heart. Because of your history of resistance, the nation of Lithuania has become unique. Unique in its love of freedom, support for other freedom-loving nations and intolerance of any form of coercion. Ever since you took office, you have reminded us of what the European project has always been. This is the path of our eminence. This is a story of the joint strengthening of democracy, young and old, according to the President of the EC.

From 50% to 90% of the EU average

She says that for twenty years Lithuania has been the history of its own country and the whole of Europe.

Turn your dreams and vision into reality. Lithuania is growing faster than any other new member of the EU. You have used all the opportunities offered by the single market. You are an innovator and an entrepreneur. And your talent is now showcased in the entire community. Its startups have expanded far beyond the country’s borders and conquered the European markets. Its capital, Vilnius, is a growing technology center that attracts companies and investments from abroad. His art, from literature to opera, plays an important role throughout Europe. As a result, your GDP increased from 50% of the EU average to almost 90%, said U. von der Leyen on Thursday.

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The chairman of the EC also emphasized that Lithuania has constantly shown solidarity with other countries fighting for freedom.

You were always ready to fight not only for your own freedom, but also for the freedom of others. You set an example for the whole of Europe and you are an inspiration. For many years, you have been telling all the members of the Community about the threats posed by Russia. And Europe needed to listen, the Chairman of the EC spoke in the Seimas on Thursday.

Thursday marks the 20th anniversary of the accession to the European Union (EU) and Europe Day in Lithuania.

commemorative events, the head of the European Commission will meet with President Gitanas Nausda, Speaker of the Seimas Viktorija Miele-Nielsen, Prime Minister Ingrida Imonyte, and will participate in the solemn ceremony of raising the flag of the European Union (EU) in Lukiki Square.

the head of the country will discuss with the president of the EC the issues of support to Ukraine, the expansion of the European Union, and the strengthening of the defense industry, the President announced.

on the eve of Europe Day, Vilnius Street in the capital will turn into Europe Street for one day. there will be live music, an open-air cinema will be shown, and the second semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest will be broadcast live.

Read more about the history of Lithuania’s contribution to the EU.