Baltic States – CIS, EU – Baltic States, Integration, Legislation, Ukraine

According to the European commissioner, first of all, partners' ambitious decisions and European aspirations have to be regarded very seriously. Second, the EU has to prove its trustworthiness by matching words with actions. The EU should use the most effective reform mechanism it has at disposal, which is enlargement. The commissioner hopes that reforms in Ukraine and its commitment to European future will allow the country to join the EU.

Nonetheless, the commissioner did not speculate when this might happen and reiterated the words of Jean-Claude Juncker, new President of the European Commission, that it was not likely to be achieved in five years, which is the period of office of the new composition European Commission.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Linas Linkevicius said that the process of EU enlargement, which results in membership, is a value in itself. According to him, this not only expands economic ties but promotes values, such as human rights and democracy.

The foreign minister also said that the process will depend both on the reforms implemented by Ukraine and on EU's efforts to assist the country. Linkevicius added that the Eastern Partnership remains Lithuania's priority.