News

On 31 December, Lithuania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Linas Linkevičius congratulated Ireland’s Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Eamon Gilmore on the beginning of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union from 1 January 2013, and wished him every success.

“Lithuania fully supports Ireland’s ambitious goals set for the forthcoming EU Presidency, especially dealing with core issues of the EU agenda such as finalization of the negotiations on the Multiannual Financial Framework, development of Digital Agenda and single energy market, further deepening of the EU Single Market and coping with the issues of economic and financial policy”, Linkevičius said.

The Minister expressed hope that taking into account successful previous Presidencies, Ireland would definitely contribute to the progress of the European Union in these challenging and difficult times for all Europe.

Lithuania will take the helm of the Council of the EU for the first time on 1 July 2013, succeeding the Irish Presidency.

“Lithuania and Ireland already have good experiences of successfully working together. We highly value your support during the preparation process for the Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union”, Linkevičius said.

According to Linkevičius, there is no doubt that the concerted efforts and further close cooperation of Trio partners in implementing ambitious goals of the Trio Presidency’s 18 month programme will lead to developments in the EU that are of great value for all EU member states and European citizens.