In an exclusive interview for N1 television, Lithuania's Foreign Minister, Linas Linkevicius, talked to Ivana Dragicevic, and discussed topics ranging from the challenges of chairing the Council of the EU, the issue of energy security across Europe, the competitiveness of Lithuania's economy, and more.

Linkevicius was in Croatia’s capital Zagreb last week for the opening of Lithuania’s embassy, a move expected to improve ties between Croatia and Lithuania, two small countries which are both members of the EU and NATO.

Asked whether there was a difference in the role small and large countries play in international organisations, Linkevicius said that instead of size, countries are compared by how successful they are.

“Neither in the EU, nor in NATO, nowhere… There are no small and big countries – there are successful cocuntries, active countries, and sometimes there are failed states. This is really the case. I believe we proved – not just us, but many others – that small countries can contribute to common solutions, decisions… Also, let’s admit that small countries can also ‘spoil the game’ – so it’s very important to understand that we are important. Definitely maybe we will not make some breakthrough or (offer) a game change, because that’s not so possible, but on the other hand, I believe small countries are really as efficient as they perform themselves,” Linkevicius said.

Linkevicius was asked to describe Lithuania’s national branding, as the issue of how Croatia should be branded internationally has been reaised by several local politicians lately.

“It’s growing, it’s changing maybe. I can mention basketball, we are very proud of that, it’s our religion, sport number one. When it comes to industry or trade, there are some segments which are world-level. For example, we have the fastest public Internet in the world, we are very active in fintech, which is (based on) blockchain. ICT solutions… I have to mention also sophisticated technology, like lasers – ten percent of all scientific lasers produced in the world come from Lithuania. In terms of life sciences, we considered ourselves a regional hub… These are some of the things we can share, and these are included in the agenda of our bilateral relations with Croatia. Because let’s be frank – although our trade is increasing and the dynamics are positive, the overall volume is really modest… When it comes to politics, we (both) have a lot of challenges in the EU, in NATO, and in between these organisations, and I feel we are like-minded, we can compare notes and deliver, contribute, a lot of things for the common good. This opening of the embassies, which is reciprocal – Croatians had opened theirs in Vilnius earlier – will be a good impetus for further activities. This is also the only embassy of Lithuania in the region, which also means something.” Linkevicius added.

Croatia is set to take over the six-month rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2020, its first time in that role since joining the bloc on July 1, 2013. Coincidentally, Lithuania had taken over the presidency of the Council on that same date.

Linkevicius shared Lithuania’s experience of such a small nation of only three million people formally holding a key role in decision-making in a bloc of half a billion people. Just like Croatia, which is about to take over right after the new European Commission is appointed later this year, Lithuania’s six months in 2013 at the helm of the bloc was also challenging.

“It was also a challenging period, at the beginning of a new political cycle, before elections. Also, before the adoption of the new seven-year budget, we were newcomers – it was six years ago from today, but back then we were still considered young and fresh as members, and others probably looked at us with some expectations on what we are capable to do or not. And I can say that it is possible. Of course, we prepared seriously… But it went well, and it brought more confidence. A country three million in size, in this half a billion people bloc, with all the sophisticated structures, Council, Commission, Parliament… Not easy – but possible, doable. And that was my message also to my Croatian friends – it’s doable, it’s possible.”

For the complete interview, click the video above.