Democratizing society and politics – first step to European integration: Lithuanian experts

Democratizing society and politics is the first step towards the European integration, says the chairman of the Foreign Policy Committee of the Lithuanian Legislature (Seimas), Justinas Karosas. The MP and other two experts from Lithuania joined a cycle of public lectures and debates in Chisinau, meant to transfer Lithuania's knowledge and experience in the process of integrating into the European Union, Info-Prim Neo reports. Justinas Karosas says democratizing the political space is a joint task for all the countries having left the Social camp and aspiring to become EU members. However, attaining this goal was simpler for Lithuania, which had an active national movement. Even since gaining independence, the European integration was a desideratum for Lithuania, as the goal was unanimously backed up by all the political forces. The consensus contributed to Lithuania's shortly managing to become a EU and NATO member. According to the official, the objective most difficult to attain in the integration process was adjusting the national legislation and the state institutions to the European standards, a task worsened by shortage of experience and specialists. During the debates, the expert spoke on the foreign policy of the member-states and its conformity with the EU's common foreign policy. An official with the Lithuanian Defense Ministry, Andrius Krivas, shared his country's experience in choosing the model of insuring the state's security. According to him, Lithuania's option for NATO dates back to the 90s, when the Lithianians want to oppose the Soviet forces. The public presentations were organized for public servants, NGOs, academicians, journalists, experts and students interested in European affairs. The debates were organized by the Moldo-Lithuanian Foundation “European Integration and Studies Center” (EISC) with the support of the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry. Lithuania became a member of the EU and NATO in 2004.