The agenda of the Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union is socially oriented. Both the main motto of the Lithuanian Presidency – a credible, growing, and open Europe and the four priorities – the Eastern Partnership, the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region, energy security, and protection of external EU borders contain a social dimension. They are directly or indirectly aimed at the creation of new jobs in Europe, reduction of unemployment, and growth of personal income, leading to more social security and stability and less poverty and social exclusion. This is a strong view of Gediminas Kirkilas, Deputy Speaker of the Seimas and Chair of the Committee on European Affairs.

“The priorities of the Lithuanian Presidency are not magic and we do not pursue unrealistic goals. Instead, they are clear, specific and socially-oriented. During its Presidency, Lithuania wants to see the EU become stronger financially, and Europeans be employed (we focus on fighting youth unemployment in particular) and have more confidence in banks, national governments and the social system. This approach is particularly needed when people are still experiencing painful consequences of the economic crisis,” Mr Kirkilas says.

Gediminas Kirkilas believes that the Eastern Partnership policy is directly related to the social dimension. The EU wants to see not only genuine democracy but also economic prosperity in Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova, and Belarus. The objective of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region is to reduce the social and economic gap among the counties in the region. Energy security is also necessary to ensure the lowest possible prices of energy resources for consumers. Strengthening of external EU borders also means less poverty, illegal labour, and human trafficking.                 

Morta Vidūnaitė, Adviser to Gediminas Kirkilas, Deputy Speaker of the Seimas, tel. +370 5 239 6278, mob. +370 612 01121, e-mail: [email protected]