OREANDA-NEWS. September 12, 2011. President Dalia Grybauskaite met with Michel Barnier, European Commissioner for Internal Market and Services, to discuss the consolidation of the Single Market, the economic and financial situation in Europe, and the preparation of the negotiating basis for the new EU financial framework.
 
The President underlined that a deeper integration of the EU internal market was essential for sustainable economic growth in Europe. The Single Market was essential to help the EU, after economic recovery, to compete successfully in global markets.
 
"The single European Union market will not function if Lithuania and the other Baltic states are not effectively integrated into Europe's energy, transport and other networks. Therefore, EU support for strategic energy and transport interconnection projects is of key importance and should be adequately secured in the new financial framework," the President said.
 
According to the President, Lithuania has clearly identified the areas of priority focus for implementing the Single Market Act. These are energy and transport networks and interconnections, the system of mutual recognition of professional qualifications to improve the mobility of EU citizens and facilitate their employment in other EU member states, and a more favorable business environment.