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U.S. Welcomes Lithuania as a Partner for Democracy in an Enlarged European Union

May 3, 2004

The people of Lithuania accepted a great challenge to realize the vision of a strong, free and prosperous Europe -- founded upon "a common market, common objectives and common institutions" -- with their accession to the European Union on May 1st.  EU membership is a tribute to successive governments in Lithuania whose consistent and effective efforts have made this special goal come true.  

We applaud and congratulate the years of effort put forward by Lithuania, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia, to take their places as full members of the Euro-Atlantic community of democracies. Embracing these new members attests to the European Union's institutional confidence and to the essential role that the EU plays as a force for democracy, stability, and prosperity throughout Europe and beyond.  The United States has always shared this vision of an enlarged, free, democratic Europe, and today celebrates with all Lithuanians another step toward realizing this vision.   

We look forward to continued strong bilateral relations with Lithuania and all members of the European Union family. For more than 50 years, the ties between the United States and our allies and friends in Europe have ensured democracy, security, and prosperity in the trans-Atlantic region. On this foundation, the vision of a Europe whole, free, and at peace is being built.

Ours is a partnership of more than half a century, a partnership based upon a common vision of freedom for our people and the people of the world.  With this common goal, together we shall reach out to tackle the most important issues of the day.  The problems we shall confront are complex, and the stakes are high – no less than freedom and democracy.  We are glad to count Lithuania and the European Union as our partners in this challenge.