THE 28 VISIONS OF EUROPE: LITHUANIA PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC DALIA GRYBAUSKAITE

"Today we need a credible Europe to be more resistant to possible future crises and create conditions for economic growth. We must work to further strengthen the foundations for financial stability. This includes further deepening of Economic and Monetary Union, particularly focusing on further development of Banking Union, as well as further work on financial markets reform and fight against tax evasion and tax fraud. We will not regain our credibility without responsible fiscal policies.

Furthermore, we need a growing Europe that helps tackle social issues. In this area we need to  build on the Europe 2020 agenda and the European Semester, reinforced by a stronger Single Market policy as the main driving force for economic growth and against the unemployment. One particular area in this context is youth unemployment, which requires special consideration on national and EU levels.

We also need to pursue the EU commitment to complete the internal energy market by 2014 and ensure that no Member State remains isolated from the European energy networks as of 2015. Digital Agenda, research and innovations are also among priorities.

We cannot forget about the EU's external partners and our vision of an open Europe. We need a closer integration between the EU and its Eastern Partners.

If we declare that we need growth and jobs in Europe, if we say we need to increase Europe's competitiveness– we need to finalize negotiations on the Multiannual Financial Framework and all related programs. The agreement on the Multiannual Financial Framework for 2014-2020 is crucial to ensure that the EU budget funds reach member states in time and the projects that have been started are successfully carried out forward. If we are late to reach the agreement among all European institutions we will delay the needed funds for most important issues such as youth guarantee scheme, Connecting Europe Facility, COSME, and many others.

We need to set up a longer-term perspective for Eastern Partnership. Finalization of the Association Agreements, including Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreements, with four countries (Ukraine, Armenia, Georgia and Moldova) is a major priority and a concrete deliverable. If we delay signature of the Association Agreement with Ukraine, we risk this key neighbour drifting away from us - because the EU is no longer the only centre of gravity in the region. Close links with the Eastern neighbours as well as all neighbours in general is strategically important for European security, stability and wealth.

We will achieve success only if we believe in what we do. At present only every third European citizen trusts Europe. Therefore it is necessary to boost people's interest in ongoing processes within the EU and engagement in the EU's life with their daily activities, ideas and initiatives. Europe is not only Brussels or EU institutions, we all are Europe. Europe will be the way we make it,

President Dalia Grybauskaite stresses that involvement of citizens in decision-making process is important both at national and European levels. One of the most significant roles of European citizens is to elect the European Parliament (EP). It is therefore essential that the greatest possible number of people express their will during elections to the European Parliament and elect their representatives responsibly.

According to President Grybauskaite, only by building strong communities, participating in the activities of non-governmental organizations and actively cooperating with the government will we form a true civil society and contribute to Europe's credibility, rapid growth and openness.For the people to wish to actively participate in the ongoing process in the EU, it is crucial to better inform them about what is happening, what decisions are being adopted, and about the rights they can exercise as EU citizens.

Lithuania attaches special importance to promoting civic engagement.