Schulz said the fact that Lithuania, which regained independence two decades ago, will take over the rotating EU presidency on July 1 is a historical event.
"Today we are here together - as European parliamentarians, as national parliamentarians, the president of the Republic, to discuss Lithuania as leading and presiding over the European Union (...). When Croatia becomes the 28th member state of the EU on 1 July, Lithuania will be the country leading the biggest European Union ever. This is also a unique event and the historical moment," Schulz said.
"23 years ago, the people of this country freed themselves and decided that they will be independent. One month after this opening of the House (of Europe), this country will take over the presidency of the EU, the presidency of the whole continent. What a route made!" Reding added.
Lithuanian President Grybauskaitė noted that Vilnius Street, where the House of Europe is situated, is a very personal place for her as she spent her childhood here.
"I am very happy to be part of the opening of the House of Europe here with our other guests, on the same street, where my childhood was spent, as exactly on this street, Vilnius Street - then it's name was a bit different - just three blocks further, I was born. And I've never thought that the House of Europe can be so close to the place I spent all my childhood. (...) For me this place is very personal," the Lithuanian president said.
She also noted a group of people standing with banners saying "Stop Minority Discrimination", "Europe, Defend Our Rights ", "No to Financial Repressions", "Schulz, Would You like to be Šulcas?"
"I now see people who want to say something and I really understand them and agree with everyone who wants to say something and express their position on any issue. This is what Europe should be – open, listening and willing to understand every European citizen," the president said.
The House of Europe houses all EU institutions operating in Lithuania, including the European Commission Representation, the EP Information Office, and the European Institute for Gender Equality.
A library will be opened here as well as space for seminars, meetings, discussions. People will be able to find printed materials, videos, and audios on the EU.
The House of Europe will also have a conference hall for 85 people where seminars, discussions and EU presidency-related events will take place.
According to Natalija Kazlauskienė, the head of the EC Representation in Lithuania, the main objective of the House of Europe is to build a democratic and open environment for an active dialogue about Europe with citizens, institutions, and organizations.
