The Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) will require smart coordination and mediation in brokering the best solutions to global challenges. This was emphasized by President Dalia Grybauskaitė at her State of the Nation Address at the Seimas.

“In just a month’s time we will take over our first Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Together, we will have to seek solutions that are the best not only for Lithuania, but for the whole expanded community of 28 Member States. We are embarking on this task in challenging times when Europe is going through a period of historic change,” the Head of State said. In her view, any delay in the adoption of the necessary decisions can produce effects in all the EU Member States and influence a total of 500 million European citizens.

The President of the Republic also referred to the Eastern Partnership Summit to be held in Vilnius this autumn, which can open a qualitatively new stage in EU neighbourhood cooperation. “Association of Eastern partners with Europe would enhance the democratic process in these countries. It would also ensure a more secure life for the Lithuanian people and more opportunities for economic growth,” Grybauskaitė said.

Reviewing the work done in preparation for the Presidency, the Lithuanian Head of State emphasised the common pan-European concern, namely, energy security and a search for alternatives to the Russian gas. “The Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union will focus in particular on completing the EU internal energy market, implementing the 3rd energy package and eliminating energy islands,” the President emphasised, noting that the Presidency will also need to negotiate many legal acts related to the implementation on the EU’s new multi-annual budget. “We must ensure that European financial support reaches all Member States as soon as possible. Even though the EU budget has been significantly reduced because of the crisis, Lithuania has managed to negotiate a total of LTL 44 billion in financial support for the next seven-year period, which is an increase of 10 percent in the overall package compared to the 2007 – 2013 framework. Each year it adds up to almost one fourth of Lithuania’s annual budget, giving a strong impetus to the economy. <...> European funds can open new opportunities for our people to start businesses, restore Lithuania’s national heritage, upgrade production, and consolidate local communities,” President Grybauskaitė stressed in her State of the Nation Address.

Rimas Rudaitis, Public Relations Unit, tel: +370 5 239 6132, e-mail: [email protected]