“Modern information technologies will help to ensure a smooth Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU). In order to ensure openness and flexibility of the Lithuanian Presidency, we will strive to provide the Presidency materials to the widest possible audience. For example, if, for some reason, a distinguished guest is unable to attend the Presidency event in Lithuania, a video conference with his presence can be organised. By the way, this is the option we are effectively using today,” Gediminas Kirkilas, Deputy Speaker of the Seimas and Chair of the European Affairs Committee, said to students and teachers of Vilnius Žemyna Gymnasium during their meeting in the Seimas.

Mr Kirkilas briefed the pupils on the Lithuanian Presidency objectives and preparations for the Presidency, pointing out that the Lithuanian Presidency Programme included fight against youth unemployment as an important priority.

“All the Member States are entitled to hold the Presidency of the Council of European Union for a semester on a rotational basis. The EU cannot be compared with the Soviet Union, where all orders came from Moscow. In addition, the EU is unique in that it is supporting the national languages of the Member States. In short, we need to eliminate the bad myths about the EU,” Mr Kirkilas emphasised during the meeting with the pupils from Vilnius.

Morta Vidūnaitė,  Adviser to Gediminas Kirkilas, Deputy Speaker of the Seimas, tel: +370 5 239 6278, e-mail: [email protected]