On 22 February in Vilnius, Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Linas Linkevičius and Members of the European Parliament discussed preparations for the Presidency of the Council of the European Union and noted that one of Lithuania’s future key tasks was ensuring a smooth EU legislative process, and this required close cooperation with the European Parliament.

The meeting highlighted one of the most important areas of legislation - the new Multiannual Financial Framework 2014-2020. The EU budget contributes significantly to growth and jobs in the entire EU, while smooth and timely implementation of the programmes of the new Multiannual Financial Framework period is particularly important for Lithuania. The meeting also discussed the main issues of the visits of representatives of Committees of the European Parliament.

Participants of the meeting also discussed priority issues of the Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the EU: the strengthening of the EU Eastern Partnership, other issues on the European agenda.

Participants have agreed that such meetings with Members of the European Parliament will be held every month.