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August 26, 2002 TallinnDear colleagues, Ladies and gentlemen,Being fully aware of the topic I am given - the EU enlargement - I will start with the words of satisfaction regarding the Nordic-Baltic co-operation which is a perfect example of how regional co-operation can make a region more visible and more important in Europe.When the Baltic States enter the EU and NATO, close co-operation of our states will be even more important. We shall have to develop a qualitatively new Nordic-Baltic co-operation, which will have to ensure our common regional interests in the enlarged European Union and to allow for even better co-ordination and implementation of common EU and individual countries’ policies, including those regarding our Eastern neighbours. Through close co-ordination and consultation in the areas of politics, economy, environmental protection, through sharing our views on our place in Europe and the future of Europe itself I am convinced that our region can act as a model for future European developments. In the meantime, as we speak of the EU enlargement today we need to look deeper than just the number of chapters closed. We should take note is that the European political map is changing simultaneously with the changing shape of the EU. We should be aware of intensifying discussions and doubts regarding the consequences and the terms of the EU enlargement that occur as a result of those shifts. I must tell you that there was no anxiety when debating with the colleagues from European countries and the highest EU authorities, but certain concern and reassessment of the situation on the eve of the crucial decisions is there.In this context, we must try to be as realistic and calm as possible. We are encouraged by the fact that Denmark’s Presidency’s main priority is enlargement. We fully support the Danish Prime Minister’s position that the EU cannot afford missing the historic window of opportunity to finalise accession negotiations with the candidate countries by the end of 2002. Although to someone the “now or never” position might sound too dramatic, I think it is more like reality than drama.On the issue of EU membership negotiations, I should probably speak only in the name of Lithuania, but I suppose the same issues matter to all the three Baltic EU candidates. Today, with just a few months to go until the end of negotiations, we can state that only a couple strategic issues remain left on the agenda of Lithuania’s accession to the EU. These are agriculture and financing of the closure of the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant and are directly related to the negotiations on the contributions to and payments from the EU budget. As far as agriculture is concerned, I believe that the European Union will come to an agreement on its negotiating position in October or at the beginning of November, at the latest. The present proposal of the European Commission - including the issue of payments - is a compromise. Maybe it is not final.The Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant is a specific issue in Lithuania’s negotiations. At the beginning of summer we achieved the EU’s recognition of the scope and extent of the consequences arising from the closure of the Ignalina NPP. Thus, the way was paved for the negotiations on an programme that would allocate additional EU financial assistance to the closure of the plant. Dear colleagues, We all are well aware of one more issue linked with the EU enlargement process and having a direct bearing on regional co-operation. That is the issue of the Kaliningrad Region.We are ready to take part in further discussions to find flexible solutions to facilitate movement of people from and to Kaliningrad, having in mind that those solutions should not, by any mean, be an obstacle for Lithuania to become the EU member or to join the Schengen agreement.Using this opportunity I would like to inform you that Lithuania is preparing actively to implement its commitments in the field of visa policy, especially as regards the expansion of our consular service. Implementing the programme for expansion of consular service in 2002-2003, it should be additionally established 66 new consular posts for employees in the embassies and consular offices of the Republic of Lithuania in the Russian Federation, the Belarus Republic and other countries, new consulates will be opened in Kaliningrad Oblast and Belarus. It is estimated that the implementation of the above mentioned measures will cost 5,465 mln. euro additionally.However, for a smooth functioning of any arrangement, our neighbours should do their homework too – they should ensure adequate travel documents, invest more into the development and modernisation of border crossing points, facilitate expansion of our consular representations. What is important, any flexibility vis-a-vis the movement of people should be reciprocal, that is, it should apply to our people as well. I think, while acknowledging the specific situation of the Kaliningrad Region in the perspective of the EU enlargement, it would be logical to give the region a special status in receiving EU financial assistance. Ladies and Gentlemen,We are definitely facing a few months that will be really tough, but I hope that the Danish slogan for the EU enlargement - “from Copenhagen to Copenhagen” - will prove to be realistic. I also wish that Copenhagen should be the place where we can shake each other’s hands and raise glasses of champagne.Thank you for your attention.