IN THE ISSUE

·         11^TH SEIMAS (FOR THE LEGISLATIVE PERIOD OF 2012–2016) OF THE REPUBLIC OF LITHUANIA WAS ELECTED

·         VYDAS GEDVILAS ELECTED SPEAKER OF THE 11^TH SEIMAS

·         DURING ITS PRESIDENCY OF THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, LITHUANIA WILL BEAR THE HEAVY RESPONSIBILITY OF PREPARING FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEW EUROPEAN UNION BUDGET 2014-2020

·         THE COMPLETION OF THE TASKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE RE-ESTABLISHMENT OF THE LITHUANIAN STATE WERE DISCUSSED AND THE 80^TH BIRTHDAY OF VYTAUTAS LANDSBERGIS WAS MARKED AT THE SEIMAS

·         THE SEIMAS COMMEMORATED THE ANNIVERSARIES OF THE 1922 CONSTITUTION AND THE 1992 CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF LITHUANIA

·         THE 31^ST SESSION OF THE BALTIC ASSEMBLY AND THE 18TH BALTIC COUNCIL WERE HELD AT THE SEIMAS

11^TH SEIMAS (FOR THE LEGISLATIVE PERIOD OF 2012–2016) OF THE REPUBLIC OF LITHUANIA WAS ELECTED

In October 2012, during the election to the 11th Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania, Lithuanian citizens entrusted the mandates of Members of Parliament to the representatives of the following political parties: Lithuanian Social Democratic Party (37 seats), Homeland Union - Lithuanian Christian Democrats (33 seats), Labour Party (29 seats), Party “Order and Justice” (11 seats), Liberals Movement of the Republic of Lithuania (10 seats), Lithuanian Poles’ Electoral Action (8 seats), Political Party “The Way of Courage” (7 seats), and Lithuanian Peasant and Greens Union (1 seat), as well as self-nominated candidates (3 seats).…

VYDAS GEDVILAS ELECTED SPEAKER OF THE 11^TH SEIMAS

Vydas Gedvilas has been elected Speaker of the Seimas by secret ballot with 84 votes for and 49 votes against. The Speaker is elected for a four year term.

In his address Vydas Gedvilas spoke about his efforts to engage the Seimas Political Groups as well as the Seimas ruling majority and the opposition in closer cooperation for the key laws of strategic significance to be considered and deliberated in an efficient manner. “The Programme of the Government, when approved, will be an important part of the activities of the Seimas”, he said…

THE COMPOSITIONS OF THE BOARD OF THE SEIMAS AND ASSEMBLY OF ELDERS HAVE BEEN ENDORSED

On 16 November, the Seimas met for its first sitting and endorsed the composition of the Board of the Seimas. A total of 92 MPs voted in favour of the Seimas decision endorsing the Board of the Seimas, with 1 vote against and 12 abstentions.

The Board of the Seimas consists of Vydas Gedvilas, Speaker of the Seimas, Vytautas Gapšys, first Deputy Speaker, and Deputy Speakers Irena Degutienė, Gediminas Kirkilas, Kęstas Komskis and Algirdas Sysas...

DURING ITS PRESIDENCY OF THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, LITHUANIA WILL BEAR THE HEAVY RESPONSIBILITY OF PREPARING FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEW EUROPEAN UNION BUDGET 2014-2020

The European Commission has adopted its work programme for 2013. The programme defines the EU objectives in seven key policy areas. The priority will be given to economic growth and creation of jobs, with a special focus on legal acts related to the implementation of the EU multiannual budget.

Mr Petras Auštrevičius, MP, Deputy Chairman of the Seimas Committee on European Affairs, believes that Lithuania will bear the heavy responsibility of preparing for the implementation of the new European Union Budget 2014–2020, especially in view of the fact that Europe needs additional incentives for economic growth and further decisions for boosting competitiveness. “Secondly, I believe that the European Commission Work Programme has to be essentially based on job creation and further EU activity reform”, the MP says…

LITHUANIAN DIPLOMACY STAR: APPRECIATION OF THE WORK OF THE OFFICE OF THE SEIMAS

Press release, 7 November 2012

ELTA

On 7 November 2012, Jonas Milerius, Secretary General of the Office of the Seimas, was awarded the Lithuanian Diplomacy Star – an official award of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania. Audronius Ažubalis, Minister of Foreign Affairs, decided to award the Lithuanian Diplomacy Star to the leader of the Office of the Seimas, which ensures the activities of the Seimas, taking into consideration the close cooperation between the institutions in the implementation of foreign policy goals.

BALTIC STATES’ PRESIDENCIES OF THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION DISCUSSED AT THE 31^ST SESSION OF THE BALTIC ASSEMBLY AND THE 18^TH BALTIC COUNCIL

On 9 November 2012, the Seimas hosted the 31^st session of the Baltic Assembly and the 18^th Baltic Council where current issues and challenges of cooperation between the Baltic States were discussed. The events focused on the optimisation and defence of the Baltic States’ interests in the EU, especially in view of the Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which is drawing close...

SEIMAS HAS ADOPTED THE LAW ON CRIMINAL INTELLIGENCE

The Seimas has adopted the Law on Criminal Intelligence (draft No XIP-4214(3)) which replaces the current Law on Operational Activities from 1 January 2013. The new piece of legislation has been passed by 64 votes in favour, 4 against, and 12 abstentions.

The Law adopted lays down the legal basis for criminal intelligence, rights and duties of criminal intelligence bodies, carrying out of a criminal intelligence investigation, participation of persons in criminal intelligence operations, use of criminal intelligence information as well as financing, coordination, and control of criminal intelligence operations...

LAWS ON ELECTIONS HAVE BEEN AMENDED

The Seimas has amended the Law on Elections to Municipal Councils, Law on Elections to the Seimas and Law on Elections to the European Parliament (drafts No. XIP-4338(2), No. XIP-4339(2) and No. XIP-4340(2), respectively) in order to preclude conflict with the Constitution. The Law on Elections to Municipal Councils now provides a more detailed definition of the permanent resident of municipality, thus eliminating the discrepancy between the Lithuanian legislation and the requirements under the Council Directive 93/109/EC...

Under the Law on Elections to the Seimas, every parliamentary candidate is required to disclose information on any previous convictions for serious or grave crimes rendered by a court in the Republic of Lithuania and coming into effect after 11 March 1990. The requirement to provide the information on any former convictions in the candidate’s questionnaire equally applies to expired and revoked convictions… 

THE SEIMAS ADOPTS THE LAW ON ANIMAL WELFARE AND PROTECTION

The Seimas adopted the new version of the Law on Animal Welfare and Protection (draft No XIP-3404(3)) with 54 votes in favour and 20 abstentions. This legal act updates the effective legal regulation of animal welfare and protection in view of the requirements provided for in the EU legal acts and international treaties signed by the Republic of Lithuania. The new law determines the scope of activities of state and municipal institutions in ensuring welfare and protection of animals as sentient beings. It also stipulates the responsibilities of natural persons, legal entities and other organisations and institutions in the area of animal welfare and protection. Moreover, the law provides for the welfare and protection of stray animals and the measures of reducing the population of abandoned animals. In addition, the law lays down requirements for humane treatment of animals with the aim of protecting them from cruel treatment, torture and other negative influences, as well as ensuring the safety of people...

SEIMAS RATIFIED THE COMMON AVIATION AREA AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE EUROPEAN UNION AND ITS MEMBER STATES AND GEORGIA

In conformity with the Constitution and the presidential decree of 12 June 2012, the Seimas  has ratified the Common Aviation Area Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and Georgia, of the other part, signed in Brussels on 2 December 2010...

COUNCIL OF EUROPE CONVENTION ON THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN AGAINST SEXUAL EXPLOITATION AND SEXUAL ABUSE RATIFIED AT THE SEIMAS

In compliance with the Constitution and the presidential decree of 2 October 2012, the Seimas has ratified the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse.

The explanatory note to the document highlights that by ratifying the Convention the Republic of Lithuania will contribute to the international community efforts to prevent and combat sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of children, protect the rights of child victims and promote national and international cooperation in combating sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of children. 

THE SEIMAS HIGHLIGHTS THE OBLIGATION PROVIDED FOR IN THE TREATY OF LISBON TO CREATE THE SYSTEM OF OWN RESOURCES OF THE EUROPEAN UNION AND INVITES TO REJECT BUDGETARY ADJUSTMENTS

The Seimas has adopted the Resolution on the Position of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania on the 2014–2020 Multiannual Financial Framework of the European Union highlighting the obligation provided for in the Lisbon Treaty to create the system of own resources of the Union and inviting to reject budgetary adjustments. The Resolution has been passed at an extraordinary sitting by 64 MPs with one vote against and four abstentions…

THE COMPLETION OF THE TASKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE RE-ESTABLISHMENT OF THE LITHUANIAN STATE WERE DISCUSSED AND THE 80^TH BIRTHDAY OF VYTAUTAS LANDSBERGIS, FIRST HEAD OF STATE IN THE RE-ESTABLISHED INDEPENDENT LITHUANIA, WAS MARKED AT THE SEIMAS

On 19 October 2012, the March 11 Hall of the Seimas hosted a Conference, entitled Re-establishment of Lithuania’s Statehood that marked the 20th anniversary of the completion of the tasks by the Supreme Council – Reconstituent Seimas and the 80th birthday of Vytautas Landsbergis, MEP, first Head of State in the re-established independent Lithuania, Chairman of the Supreme Council – Reconstituent Seimas, Signatory to 11 March Act of Independence of Lithuania…

SPEECH BY MRS IRENA DEGUTIENĖ, SPEAKER OF THE SEIMAS, DELIVERED AT THE SEIMAS CONFERENCE ON THE RE-ESTABLISHMENT OF LITHUANIA’S STATEHOOD

Mrs Irena Degutienė opened the conference titled the Re-establishment of Lithuania’s Statehood organised to mark the 20th anniversary of the completion of the tasks by the Supreme Council – Reconstituent Seimas and the 80th birthday of Vytautas Landsbergis, first Head of State in the re-established independent Lithuania.

THE SEIMAS COMMEMORATED THE ANNIVERSARIES OF THE 1922 CONSTITUTION AND THE 1992 CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF LITHUANIA AND HELD DISCUSSIONS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF CONSTITUTIONALISM

On 26 October 2012, the March 11 Hall of the Seimas hosted a Conference titled Development of Lithuanian Constitutionalism to mark the 90^th anniversary of the 1922 Constitution and the 20^th anniversary of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania. Irena Degutienė, Speaker of the Seimas, made a welcome address to the participants of the Conference. “The Constitution was then and remains now a special phenomenon in society’s life. It functions here and now, it regulates other legal acts, and it clearly influences all spheres of life. At the same time, it is a certain ideal and an objective, as well as a political, legal and moral benchmark that is equally obligatory for every Lithuanian citizen. Not only does it present a rather serious challenge for any society living honestly under the Constitution, it provides a sound foundation we rest on when looking for answers to difficult questions about political reality. What is even more important is that we are the first in Europe to respond to the suchlike challenges and to create a precedent for the law of the entire world.” Irena Degutienė said…

MRS DEGUTIENĖ, SPEAKER OF THE SEIMAS: THE CONSTITUTION IS AN INDICATOR OF THE STANDARD    OF THE NATIONAL LEGAL CULTURE AND CULTURE IN THE BROAD SENSE OF THE WORD, WHICH WE NEED TO RAISE THROUGH OUR PROFESSIONAL AND MORAL ENDEAVOURS

Mrs Irena Degutienė, Speaker of the Seimas, welcomed the participants and guests of the international conference, entitled Standards of the European Constitutional Heritage, organised to mark the 20th anniversary of the Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania…

THE SEIMAS MARKS THE 130^TH ANNIVERSARY

OF THE ACKNOWLEDGED LITHUANIAN WRITER VINCAS KRĖVĖ-MICKEVIČIUS

On 26 October 2012, the Seimas hosted the international conference titled Vilnius–Baku: Bridges between Cultures dedicated to the 130^th anniversary of the acknowledged Lithuanian writer Vincas Krėvė-Mickevičius. A book exhibition called Bridges of Literature was also opened on the occasion…

PETRAS AUŠTREVIČIUS, DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF THE SEIMAS COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN AFFAIRS:

“NOBEL PEACE PRIZE FOR THE EU IS AN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE UNITED EUROPE”

Petras Auštrevičius, MP, says that this year's award of the Nobel Peace Prize to the European Union for the Community's role in ensuring peace and stability on the Old Continent is important both from moral and political points of view.

"Although the Prize was awarded for the EU long-term activities, this encouragement was more than welcome now when the Community and its Member States are trying to return to the path of growth. I think that Lithuania will benefit much more from being a part of a more united and more financially integrated European Union rather than a part of the Community divided into two-speed lanes. In the near future, Lithuania should come to the EU core countries as close as possible and we will have all the opportunities to do that," said Auštrevičius, member of the Liberals Movement Political Group, when referring to the Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2013…

EMANUELIS ZINGERIS RECEIVES THE HIGHEST AWARD OF THE UKRAINIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY

On 12 October 2012, Emanuelis Zingeris, Chairman of the Seimas Committee on Foreign Affairs, received an award for Merits at a ceremony in the Ukrainian Embassy in Vilnius. This is the highest award of the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Kostyantyn Gryshchenko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, awarded Mr Zingeris for his long-term and prominent contribution to the support for Ukraine’s aspirations to European integration, his outstanding personal merits in strengthening bilateral Lithuania-Ukraine relations and his consistent support to Ukraine on the international arena…

THE 31^ST SESSION OF THE BALTIC ASSEMBLY AND THE 18^TH BALTIC COUNCIL WERE HELD AT THE SEIMAS

The 31^st session of the Baltic Assembly made an overview of the most recent results of cooperation between the Baltic States, the mechanisms of cooperation in regulation and supervision of financial markets, the development of a common foreign economic policy, joint investment projects, the progress in implementing joint healthcare projects, the joint infrastructure and energy projects, and the forthcoming Baltic presidencies of the Council of the European Union…

IRENA DEGUTIENĖ, SPEAKER OF THE SEIMAS: “A PRINCIPLED AGREEMENT ON CREATING A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD THROUGH EQUALISING DIRECT PAYMENTS TO FARMERS ACROSS MEMBER STATES SHOULD BE REACHED DURING THE NEGOTIATIONS ON THE EU’S MULTIANNUAL FINANCIAL FRAMEWORK 2014-2020”

On 9 November 2012, Irena Degutienė, Speaker of the Seimas, welcomed the participants of the 31^st session of the Baltic Assembly at the Lithuanian Parliament.

ON 16 OCTOBER 2012, MRS IRENA DEGUTIENĖ, SPEAKER OF THE SEIMAS, MET WITH

HSH PRINCE ALBERT II OF MONACO DURING HIS OFFICIAL VISIT TO LITHUANIA

ON 16 OCTOBER 2012, MRS IRENA DEGUTIENĖ, SPEAKER OF THE SEIMAS, MR ERIKAS TAMAŠAUSKAS,

DEPUTY SPEAKER, AND MR EMANUELIS ZINGERIS, CHAIRMAN OF THE SEIMAS COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS, MET WITH HSH PRINCE ALBERT II OF MONACO

ON 31 OCTOBER 2012, MRS IRENA DEGUTIENĖ, SPEAKER OF THE SEIMAS MET WITH

HE MR PETER LESCOUHIER, THE NEW AMBASSADOR OF THE KINGDOM OF BELGIUM

ON 31 OCTOBER 2012, MRS IRENA DEGUTIENĖ, SPEAKER OF THE SEIMAS MET WITH HE MR TOOMAS KUKK,

THE NEW AMBASSADOR OF THE REPUBLIC OF ESTONIA

ON 9 NOVEMBER 2012, MRS IRENA DEGUTIENĖ, SPEAKER OF THE SEIMAS, GREETED MRS SOLVITA ĀBOLTIŅA, SPEAKER OF THE SAEIMA OF THE REPUBLIC OF LATVIA, AND MS ENE ERGMA, PRESIDENT OF THE RIIGIKOGU OF THE REPUBLIC OF ESTONIA, UPON THEIR ARRIVAL TO THE SESSION OF THE BALTIC ASSEMBLY

ON 15-16 NOVEMBER 2012, THE SEIMAS HOSTED THE INTERNATIONAL FORUM

“UNITED EUROPE – UNITED HISTORY”

ON 14 NOVEMBER 2012, MR ČESLOVAS JURŠĖNAS, SIGNATORY TO THE ACT OF INDEPENDENCE, THE ONLY MEMBER OF THE SEIMAS TO HAVE BEEN ELECTED TO THE SEIMAS THROUGHOUT ALL OF ITS LEGISLATIVE PERIODS AFTER THE RESTORATION OF INDEPENDENCE AND THREE-TIMES SPEAKER OF THE SEIMAS, PARTED WITH THE PARLIAMENTARY WORK DURING THE LAST SITTING OF THE 10^TH SEIMAS

ON 14 NOVEMBER 2012, MR ČESLOVAS VYTAUTAS STANKEVIČIUS, SIGNATORY TO THE ACT OF INDEPENDENCE AND MEMBER OF THE 7^TH AND 10^TH SEIMAS, PARTED WITH THE PARLIAMENTARY WORK DURING THE LAST SITTING OF THE 10^TH SEIMAS