Lithuanians see EU just as source of charity

Surveys show that the majority of Lithuanians are satisfied with their country's membership in the EU. For the daily Lietuvos Rytas that is not necessarily an expression of a new mentality in the country: "The Lithuanians associate the EU above all with a better life and more possibilities for themselves and their children. That is backed up by sociological studies. When asked what they expect from the EU, they say better material conditions. Correspondingly, before the referendum [in May 2003] the major argument for EU accession was: vote Yes and it will rain money. ... In fact this attitude is reminiscent of Soviet times: people didn't have to - or weren't allowed to - make an effort because the government took care of everything. And for that reason Europe too is merely seen as a source of charity."

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