[ad_1]
According to data from the Department of Statistics, Lithuania’s gross domestic product at constant prices, compared to the same period last year, fell 3.7 percent in the second quarter and 0.6 percent in the first half of the year. However, V. Šapoka says that although these indicators provide moderate optimism about the future, you should not be proud too soon.
“We have to be very careful”
“It should be noted that this gives moderate optimism about the future, but only very moderate. Much will depend on the pandemic situation. What led to the fact that Lithuania actually withstood that shock surprisingly well is both a financial stimulus in terms of preserving jobs and income Second, the expectations of residents and businesses quickly rebounded. <...>
However, the situation can change very quickly if the situation related to the pandemic changes. Therefore, we must be very careful. If necessary, yes, of course, everything can be re-planned. However, we must follow a clear strategy, we cannot miss the opportunity to transform the economy and come out of the strongest crisis, “V. Šapoka told reporters on Thursday in the presidency.
Speaking about the state budget for 2021, V. Šapoka emphasized that his project must be safe, because he does not know how much time and resources the fight against Covid-19 may require.
“We have a safe budget because the environment is uncertain. Since we do not know how long the pandemic will last, the budget must be safe and debt management must be conservative. We have to move quickly to return to the previous situation, we cannot make it grow “said the Minister.
You want to use the funds efficiently
After four days of negotiations, the leaders of the European Union agreed last week on a recovery fund and a new Community budget.
On Thursday, President Gitanas Nausėda and the heads of nine ministries discussed the results of negotiations on the new European Union budget and the economic recovery fund. The meeting was attended by the heads of the Ministries of Finance, Agriculture, Environment, Economy, National Defense, Education, Energy, Transport and Foreign Affairs.
After the meeting, Asta Skaisgirytė, Senior Advisor to the President, emphasized that President Gitanas Nausėda hopes that Lithuania can use the funds received from the European Union effectively, rather than squander them.
“In statements to ministers, the President stated that his priority was that the funds to be allocated for next year be used appropriately and transparently, so that they would not be spent on low value-added projects, so that they could be used for reforms, “said A. Skaisgirytė.
The President prioritizes economic transformation, the development of high added value products and a special focus on education and research.
A historical step
The decision to provide assistance to the countries affected by coronavir of a total of 750 billion euros was approved in Brussels. Lending in euros is a historic step towards deeper fiscal integration in the EU. EU leaders also approved an EU budget of more than € 1 trillion for 2021-2027.
According to diplomats, considering both measures, the total European support for Lithuania in the new financial perspectives will be 1.7 billion. higher than in the 2014-2020 budget.
At the end of the negotiating marathon, the Baltic states managed to obtain higher direct payments to farmers in the EU budget. Payments to Lithuanian farmers will increase from the current € 177 per hectare to € 200 in 2022.
[ad_2]
