News

On 1 January 2009 Lithuania started presiding over the Baltic Council of Ministers (BCM). During the Lithuanian Presidency, particular attention will be dedicated to the cooperation among the Baltic States – Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia – in the areas of economy, energy and defence, as well as to the development of relations with the EU neighbours in the East.

“Close and constructive cooperation of the Baltic States is very significant for the success of their economic development and for the strengthening of national security,” said Lithuania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Vygaudas Ušackas.

The Minister indicated that in order to ensure energy security and alternative energy supply provision, it is especially important for the Baltic States to actively create common electricity and natural gas market, and to guarantee reliable supplies of energy.

During the Lithuanian Presidency, the Baltic States will also strive to actively implement the EU Eastern Partnership initiative by strengthening the EU relations with Belarus, Ukraine, Georgia, and other neighbouring countries.

The Lithuanian Presidency concurs with the 20th anniversary of the historical Baltic Way, which symbolises the joint fight of the Lithuanian, Latvian and Estonian nations for freedom and independence. The Baltic Assembly and the Baltic Council of Ministers have both declared 2009 the Year of the Baltic Way.

This anniversary and the millennium of Lithuania’s name have attached a special meaning to the Lithuanian Presidency over the Baltic Council of Ministers.

The Baltic Council of Ministers was established on 13 June 1994, during the meeting of heads of the governments of the Baltic States in Tallinn. Each Baltic State holds a rotating presidency for a period of one year. The Baltic Council of Ministers is directed by the heads of the governments of the Baltic States. In each country, the Minister of Foreign Affairs carries out functions of the Minister for Baltic Co-operation, who coordinates the activities of the Council in that country. Five Committees of Senior Officials are functioning at the Baltic Council of Ministers.

In 2008, the Baltic Council of Ministers was presided by Estonia.