On 3 September in Vilnius, Lithuania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs V. Ušackas met with Vice-President of the European Commission G. Verheugen, responsible for enterprise and industry, and discussed the most important issues of economy, energy and the implementation of the Treaty of Lisbon.
Vice-President of the European Commission Günter Verheugen
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On 3 September in Vilnius, Lithuania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Vygaudas Ušackas met with Vice-President of the European Commission Günter Verheugen, responsible for enterprise and industry, and discussed the most important issues of economy, energy and the implementation of the Treaty of Lisbon.
V.Ušackas and G.Verheugen discussed the EU relations with Belarus. G.Verhaugen spoke up for more open EU relations with Lithuania’s neighbour and welcomed Lithuania’s goal to help Belarus to open a more resilient dialogue with the EU.
During the meeting, the Minister stressed that Lithuania along with the EU member states and the European Commission were ready to overcome economic hardships.
Head of the Lithuanian diplomacy assured G.Verheugen, that Lithuanian companies were trying to use the benefits of the EU membership strengthening their competitiveness.
V.Ušackas and G.Verheugen discussed the plans of the EU and Lithuania’s economy revival, the implementation of the Lisbon strategy after 2010 and improvement of possibilities to finance business.
“Lithuania’s interests are coming into force of the Treaty of Lisbon and forming a strong European Commission,” said V.Ušackas.
Lithuania’s Minister for Foreign Affairs presented Lithuania’s key energy projects and Lithuania’s position regarding the Nord Stream project.
The Minister invited the Commissioner to get involved into the activities of the Lithuanian-German forum, promoting bilateral cooperation between Lithuania and Germany, after the Commissioner would finish his career at the European Commission.
V.Ušackas conferred “The Star of Lithuania's Millennium” on G.Verheugen for his significant support to Lithuania, during its integration into the European Union.
While thanking for the award, G.Verheugen said that he was proud that during the EU accession negotiations ten years ago Lithuania managed to catch up with other more progressive countries.
In 1999-2004, G.Verheugen was the Commissioner responsible for EU Enlargement at the European Commission.