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The discussion with Valdas Adamkus, President of Lithuania (1998-2003, 2004-2009) was held in the Institute of World Policy.President delivered his speech and answered the questions from well- known Ukrainian experts and journalists.
Valdas Adamkus suggested that Ukraine should try to find new advocates in European Union, to make the European integration process more successful. “You should find countries that will support Ukrainian membership in the EU, and will push this issue, not letting it to be put away and forgotten”, he said.
“I do believe that Ukraine needs Europe as much as Europe needs Ukraine”, – underlined Valdas Adamkus.
He also admitted that European leaders don’t have an agreed and unanimous view on the future relationship with Ukraine, because of cautious policy towards Russia. “There are some countries which distrust the way Ukraine moves on”, said he.
According to experienced Lithuanian Euro-integrator, to win over such reluctance one clear announcement from the Ukrainian government would be enough. It reads: “We want to join European Union and we are ready to assume all responsibilities”.
Meanwhile, there are some disagreements between EU-members: “Still big countries in the EU take there privilege over the small states. But I hope that one day European Union will speak out in one voice”, he claimed.
Moreover Lithuanian politician commented on current events in Ukraine, protests of small and middle business against the new Tax Code. Adamkus reminded that not only Ukraine faced such problem: many other countries have to go through unpopular reforms as well.
“We have almost the same taxation problems. Our Parliament had to pass a bill on budget cuts, that influents even renters. This caused a lot of disagreement”, he told.
Valdas Adamkus expressed his personal attitude towards the situation when the big companies are oushing small business out of the market. “I do not think it is a normal thing for an open society and free competition, but there is such a trend in modern world economy. You should remember that you have big company on that, I mean many countries are facing the same challenges”, Adamkus assured.

Full transcript of the discussion is available here