Of course, the emotional factor of joining the family of democratic European countries has played an even greater role until now. As mentioned above, Lithuania has no alternative except the European security system to keep its political independence. It would be excellent to know that there will be no Russian aggression in the future. Unfortunately, Russia does not behave in a way which would allow one to make this presumption. Ironically enough, Russia, most probably, would prevent aggression of any other country.
Economic reasons are obvious.
They involve participation in the division of labour of a large and advanced region. Looking at the development programmes for the infrastructure of the Lithuanian economy to become an integral part of the European transportation, energy and communications systems, one can realise how great a stimulus it is for the development and modernisation of all economic sectors - that will follow from the implementation of these programmes. On the other hand, the very development of infrastructure, being a huge investment, may lead to an economic boom. Conclusion Transition period problems are numerous and serious. However, bearing in mind what has been achieved, the logic of economic development, and the availability of financial and technical assistance of developed countries, economic growth appears to be guaranteed.