News

On June 20th, at the Permanent Representation of Lithuania to the European Union, on behalf of the Foreign Minister, Vice-Minister Jovita Neliupšienė awarded Katarína Mathernová, Deputy Director General at DG Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations, with the Medal of Honour of the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs "Lithuanian Diplomacy Star" for her significant contribution to strengthening the security and prosperity of the countries of the Eastern Neighbourhood of the EU.

K. Maternova's personal efforts helped Ukraine to move faster and more efficiently when it was mostly needed. She was the main initiator of the EU-Ukraine dialogue on the Green Deal and cybersecurity, as well as providing assistance to Ukraine during the Covid pandemic. After the start of Russia's large-scale war, thanks to K. Maternova's personal efforts, all kinds of comprehensive EU support were mobilized and provided for Ukraine, including in coordination with other donors and international financial institutions.

 The Vice-Minister said that Lithuania is grateful for Mathernová's personal contribution to Ukraine's receiving of the perspective of EU membership and candidate status to become an EU member. She added that we do not doubt that Mathernová, as the future head of the EU delegation in Ukraine, will continue to make every effort to gather international support for Ukraine's victory in this war and to contribute to accelerating Ukraine's integration into the EU.