News

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Linas Linkevičius stressed at the meeting of the EU ministers of European affairs on June 25 in Luxembourg that the agreement on the EU multiannual budget for 2014–2020 was still possible during the Irish Presidency of the EU Council.

“We support Ireland in seeking to reach an agreement with the European Parliament on the multiannual budget. We still think that it is within reach this week and urge to use all available opportunities. Everyone should feel responsibility to reach the agreement that would boost economic growth in Europe,” said Minister Linkevičius.

During the discussions at the General Affairs Council, the ministers highlighted that positions of the EU institutions were close. It was agreed that the solution should be further sought by the Prime Minister of Ireland and the Presidents of the European Council, European Parliament and the European Commission.

Minister Linkevičius welcomed the decision of the European affairs ministers to resume Turkey’s accession negotiations and underlined that it would encourage further reforms. The ministers agreed to confirm the opening of a regional policy chapter during the Lithuanian Presidency, after the European Commission presents the annual Progress Report in October.

The Lithuanian Foreign Minister also welcomed the recommendation of the General Affairs Council to open EU accession negotiations with Serbia, as well as negotiations with Kosovo on the Stabilization and Association Agreement. Minister Linkevičius said that the decision would help to ensure stability in the region. However, he underlined that the momentum of reforms should be maintained.

“It is of vital importance to further deliver on meeting membership criteria and implementing the agreements of the Belgrade–Priština dialogue. Conditionality as a cornerstone of the enlargement process must be respected,” Minister Linkevičius said.

The Minister also said that the success of the Belgrade–Priština dialogue showed that EU integration was a powerful incentive that should be used beyond the Western Balkans.

At the conclusion of the General Affairs Council, Minister Linkevičius thanked the outgoing chairman, the Foreign Minister of Ireland Eamon Gilmore, who handed over the symbolic presidency bell. The first meeting of the General Affairs Council under the chairmanship of Minister Linkevičius is to be held on 23 July.