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It is important to include measures for solving energy issues of the European Union in the new EU 2020 strategy for economic growth and employment. Preparation of this strategy is on the agenda of the Spanish EU Presidency during the current half-year.

This is what Lithuania’s Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Asta Skaisgirytė Liauškienė said on 14 January during the informal meeting of EU Ministers for European Affairs in La Granja, Spain.

“The development of energy network infrastructure and creation of a common competitive EU-wide energy market should be among the main priorities of the new strategy.  One may agree that a safe and effective provision of energy supplies is a prerequisite to a competitive market of every country,” the Lithuanian diplomat said during the meeting.

The Vice-Minister presented Lithuania’s vision regarding the EU 2020 strategy to the European ministers and suggested to maintain and to continue developing the priorities of sustainable economic growth and reducing current high levels of unemployment within the strategy. The strategy also has to provide guarantees for an appropriate financing from the EU and national budgets. 

Vice-Minister A.Skaisgirytė Liauškienė also stressed that it was particularly important to pay due attention to scientific research and innovation, to create a business-friendly environment and to reduce the administrative burdens that are placed on business. In addition, it is necessary to ensure a smooth functioning of the EU’s internal market and to continue removing barriers to free movement of goods, services, labour and capital.

The preparation of the new EU 2020 strategy that will replace the current Lisbon Strategy is one of the key priorities of the Spanish Presidency of the European Union in the first half of 2010.

During the meeting, a lot of attention was dedicated to the issues related to the coming into force of the Treaty of Lisbon. The Ministers discussed issues regarding the European External Action Service that is currently being created and that will coordinate the EU’s foreign policy.

Opinions were also exchanged regarding the Citizens' Initiative that is set out in the Treaty of Lisbon and that will allow for 1 million EU citizens to call on the European Commission to bring forward new policy proposals regarding certain public concerns.

Lithuania’s Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs A.Skaisgirytė Liauškienė is taking part in the informal Meeting of EU Ministers for European Affairs in La Granja, the Spanish province of Segovia, on 12-14 January.