H.E. Mr. Vidmantas Purlys:

Our currency is tacked to the euro at a fixed rate so in effect we are a de facto part of the eurozone and we do not have our own monetary policy. It makes sense to become a member of the eurozone and participate in it. I alluded to the fact we are a pro-European country and we see deeper integration in the EU as a strategy to strengthen our statehood and independence. Since our independence in 1990 the European project has been very much related to our freedom and statehood. Given the region in which we are based, and our historical experience and legacy, the way forward seems to be to get as deep as possible into the EU. This is an additional dimension to the question.