Analytics, Budget, EU – Baltic States, Lithuania, Transport

The Lithuanian Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius

"We're little to blame for the consequences of the crisis that's strongly hit Eastern Europe and we ourselves have little opportunities to mitigate the effects of this crisis," Kubilius said in a radio interview with Zinius Radijas on Thursday. "We expect solidarity from the EU and coordinated action to tackle the problems that burden us."

Eastern Europe's economies are being battered by the crisis, which curbed demand for their exports while shutting off investment and loans. Lithuania is facing its worst recession since the country gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

The Government will lower spending further this year, which may include cuts in state wages, Kubilius said. He said the economy is "returning to the levels of 2007" and the Government spending, along with wages, must adjust according to the situation.