Press release, 31 May 2013

On 31 May the delegation of the Conference of Presidents of the European Parliament – the most important of all the EP delegations coming to the following Presidency of the Council of the EU – has had its first visit to the Seimas. The EP delegation met with the Board of the Seimas, chairs of political groups, chairs and deputy chairs of committees.

Opening the meeting, Vydas Gedvilas, Speaker of the Seimas, noted that the Seimas was making responsible preparations for the Presidency. “We consider the Presidency not only as a great responsibility but also as an event highlighting Lithuania on the political map of Europe. This event symbolises Lithuania’s contribution to the European integration process,” stressed the leader of the Seimas.

Vydas Gedvilas said that the Seimas would try to make maximum use of the cooperation with the European Parliament during the Presidency. “Today we appreciate the opportunity to discuss the plans made for the Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, to exchange views and to find out your expectations,” underlined the Speaker of the Seimas.

Expressing gratitude for the welcome, Martin Schulz, President of the European Parliament, underscored that the meeting was very special. “We will soon mark the 25th anniversary of Lithuania’s Independence, and nine years have already passed since Lithuania joining the European Union. Now we are jointly preparing for the Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union. These are certainly historic events in which each can and should take pride,” said Martin Schulz.

Rimas Rudaitis, Public Relations Unit, tel: +370 5239 6132, e-mail: [email protected]