EU – Baltic States, Lithuania, Post Office, Transport

In its background, the stamp features the flag of the European Union, and the flags of member countries are situated in the centre. The stamp dedicated to the presidency has been created by the painter Indrė Ratkevičiūtė. The stamp will be issued in the edition of 80 thousand copies with a nominal value of LTL 2.45.

Along with the stamp, the first day cover and sheet will be released. On Saturday in Vilnius Main Post Office postal correspondence paid by the new stamp will be marked by the first day cancellation.

On the occasion of Lithuania’s presidency of the Council of the European Union, Lithuania Post has also issued special postcards. The Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the news portal DELFI announced the photo contest Greetings from Lithuania. More than 650 photos were submitted for the contest. The visitors of the portal DELFI selected 5 ones, which are now seen on the postcards. The guests of official events will send the postcards to their homelands free of charge.

The Presidency of the Council of the EU rotates between each of the member states every six months. Lithuania will take over the presidency of the EU Council from Ireland holding this position from January 1 until June 30 of the current year.

The Council of the European Union is the EU's main decision-making body. Alongside with the European Commission and the European Parliament, the EU Council is one of the three main institutions playing a decision-making role in the European Union. Initiation and adoption of legal acts performed jointly with the European Parliament is the main function of the EU Council.

In the course of a year, Lithuania Post issues on average 25-30 postage stamps. Lithuania Post also provides courier, logistic, and financial intermediation services.