LIW Magazine News: A New Dynamism for the European Union
Membership of the EU gives a boost to the economy
Raműnas Vilpiđauskas
On 1 May 2005, Lithuania, together with nine other new member states, celebrated its first year as a member of the EU. Accession had been a policy target of these states for more than a decade, providing stability and consistency to the reforms undertaken after the collapse of communism.
Hopes have been high, and the public has been among the most enthusiastic, voting overwhelmingly in the 2003 referendum to join. What does the situation look like after the first year of membership? Are the benefits being felt in the economy and in society? What are the main concerns?
Optimistic about membership
Opinion polls reveal that the Lithuanians are still quite satisfied with their country’s performance in the …