Baltic States – CIS, Energy, EU – Baltic States, Legislation, Lithuania, Markets and Companies, Security

Dalia Grybauskaite and Sergio Mattarella. Rome, 14.07.2015. Photo: lrp.lt

“We are going through difficult times: we see Russian military aggression in the East of Europe, the influx of refugees from Africa in the West, and the economic crisis in Greece, which has taught the whole EU a lesson in terms of financial responsibility. Consolidated efforts and solidarity are needed to meet these challenges. By making responsible decisions, Lithuania and Italy contribute to ensuring the security of their citizens and all Europeans,” the President said.

Italian jet fighters and servicemen contribute to protecting the airspace of Lithuania and the Baltic States. Lithuania acts in solidarity with the whole EU in helping Italy and Greece resolve the problem of the influx of refugees. Lithuania and Italy both seek that NATO’s Wales agreements are implemented as fast as possible and that proper measures to counter hybrid threats are in place.

The countries view the importance of energy security the same way – Lithuania’s LNG terminal is an example of how to survive without Gazprom’s gas while Italy is an example of how to use renewable resources, especially solar power, efficiently. Lithuania, too, has already implemented its target to produce a 23% share of energy from renewables by 2020. Italy is one of eight NATO countries that contribute to the activities of the Vilnius-based NATO Energy Security Centre of Excellence.

Lithuania and Italy place special focus on fighting corruption and organized crime. Corruption impedes the development of countries and distances the people from a better life both in Lithuania and Italy. Lithuania ranks 39th and Italy ranks 69th on the Corruption Perceptions Index. On the initiative of the President, new anti-corruption instruments have been created: illicit enrichment has been criminalized, extended confiscation of property has been legalized, the procedure for funding political parties has been changed, the supervision of public procurement has been increased, and limitation periods for all criminal offences have been prolonged.

The Presidents also discussed prospects for the development of economic relations. Italy is among Lithuania’s ten biggest trade partners, with hard and cottage cheese on top of the Lithuanian list of exports. The World Expo in Milan, which also presents Lithuanian food products and innovations in food industry, offers yet another opportunity to discover new markets for Lithuanian-made foods.

Lithuania and Italy are connected by special historical ties: Bona Sforza, Princess of Milan, was the wife of Sigismund the Old and the mother of Sigismund Augustus. During her visit to Milan, the President will open an exhibition devoted to Bona Sforza at Sforza Castle. Lithuania is the only country out of 150 Expo participants which not only takes part in the Expo but also has a display at the Milan museum.