EU – Baltic States, Legislation, Lithuania

Photo: urm.lt

"The Presidency of the EU Council is a big challenge. Therefore, we have been preparing for it very responsibly. Preparation for the Presidency of the EU Council was identified as one of the most important priorities of Lithuania's foreign policy already in 2008. Currently, the preparatory work for the Presidency is underway – we are holding consultations with partners of our Trio Presidency – Ireland and Greece. Doubtlessly, this thorough preparation will allow us to smoothly hold the Presidency of the EU Council in the second half of 2013," Ignatavicius said.

At the meeting with Director of the European Union Council Presidency Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Remigijus Motuzas, guests discussed priorities of Lithuania's Presidency and the ongoing preparation.

Officials of the European Commission also meet with Members of the Seimas (Parliament) of Lithuania, representatives from the Office of the President, Office of the Prime Minister, and other institutions to discuss Lithuania's readiness to take the helm of the Council Presidency, practical cooperation among the institutions, and other issues.

Representatives of the Commission are paying a visit to Lithuania on 25-27 June. Experts of the European Commission traditionally visit those EU member states that are preparing to hold the Presidency of the EU Council. Lithuania will take the helm of the Presidency of the EU Council on 1 July 2013.