Lithuania refused entry into Eurozone: The Commission must explain its statistical manoeuvres

2.34.15pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 18th May 2006

The Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe is surprised to learn that the European Commission has refused Lithuania entry into the Eurozone based on economic analysis derived from false figures. Contrary to the Commission's arguments, the inflation difference between Lithuania and the European average does not in fact exceed 1.5 per cent, but represents a mere 0.04 per cent, according to the latest Eurostat figures.

"This morning I learnt with dismay that Commissioner Almunia has not taken account of the latest Eurostat figures, published just one day after his recommendation to the Council to exclude Lithuania from the Eurozone. Last month's inflation rate indicates that the Lithuanian economy remains within sustainable levels. As Commissioner in charge of the Statistics Office, how could he ignore that the most recent inflation figures clearly indicate that Lithuania fulfills the criteria? We demand an explanation", Graham Watson, Leader of ALDE, declared.

"Last month's inflation rate shows that Lithuanian inflation is under control. As an MEP and citizen of a new Member State, I have the right to expect the truth", Danute Bukreikaite (Darbo partija, Lithuania) underlined. "Lithuania was the first country to ratify the European Constitution and claim its rightful place within the European Union. The Euro is the EU's greatest achievement. I cannot understand how and why the Commission could take such a negative decision regarding our entry to the Eurozone based on figures that are no longer current. I dare not believe that there were hidden political considerations", she added.