By Kyran Lorio
Lithuania has many international relationships and is included in several different treaties and trade agreements worldwide. In 2004, Lithuania became one of the member states of the European Union (EU). Membership in the EU helped to improve Lithuania’s domestic economy by opening it to the European market, and also helped grow foreign direct investments. Another benefit for Lithuania that membership in the European Union gave is additional funding for the science and education fields, and free movement for Lithuanian people and goods across 25 different European states. Citizens of Lithuania have rights and privileges as European Union citizens and can travel and vote as well as have diplomatic protection and representation.
Prime Minister of Lithuania and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Lithuania signing EU treaty.
Also in 2004, Lithuania joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Although Lithuania was in cooperation with NATO since 1991, they did not join until 2004 after reviving a negotiation invitation in late 2002. As a member of NATO, Lithuania receives and provides defense that ensures the safety and security of the state. The Lithuanian Armed Forces, the military of Lithuania, have deployed thousands of servicemen to Afghanistan and Iraq for missions in recent years and have cooperated with other Baltic states for the Nordic Defense Cooperation. The NATO states are obliged to protect each other, strengthening international relations and protecting peace.
The Lithuanian Armed Forces
Lithuania is a party to several trade agreements, including the World Trade Organization (WTO). The World Trade Organization regulates and enables international trade and is the largest international economic organization worldwide with 164 state members. Another example of a trade agreement Lithuania is part of is a Bilateral Investment Treaty with the United States. This treaty protects investors and ensures that they receive adequate treatment in the other country.
These trade agreements and treaties help boost Lithuania’s economic activity, provide safety and state security, and promote positive relations with both distant and neighboring nations.