News

On 16 November Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Petras Vaitiekūnas and the Minister of Interior Raimondas Šukys discussed Lithuania’s readiness to join the Schengen area in 2007.

The Ministers underlined the necessity to continue the technical preparation for enlargement of the Schengen area using appropriate human, financial and other resources, agreed on the ways of further informing of the EU institutions and Member States about Lithuania’s readiness and aim to join the Schengen area in 2007.

Mr Vaitiekūnas and Mr Šukys also addressed preparations for the meeting of ministers of interior of the EU Members aspiring to join the Schengen zone and representatives of the EU institutions that will take place on 30 November in Vilnius and where enlargement of the Schengen area will be discussed.

Joining the Schengen area is Lithuania’s strategic goal. Lithuania strives to become a member of the Schengen area in 2007.

Lithuania hopes that the decision on the start of enlargement of the Schengen area will be taken till the end of 2006. In spring the European Council decided that favourable environment should be provided to ensure the enlargement of the Schengen area in 2007.

The Ministers also considered possibilities of establishing the post of Special Attaché for Migration in several Lithuanian diplomatic representations and consular posts to improve the quality of services offered to Lithuanian citizens.