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Today during a European Parliament debate in Strasbourg in which the EC President José Manuel Barroso delivered the annual report on the State of the Union, the Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevičius spoke on the behalf of the EU Council.

The Minister stressed the importance of the implementation of initiatives related to the Economic and Monetary Union, the Banking Union, and the EU Internal Market for the European Union’s economic growth and competitiveness mentioned in the report of the President of the EC. These are priority issues in the agenda of Lithuanian Presidency of the EU Council and the Trio partners (Ireland, Lithuania, and Greece). L. Linkevičius pointed out that the EU economic outlook is also strongly dependent on the rapid implementation of the political consensus achieved on the Multiannual Financial Framework.

"The European economy stands to benefit from the EU multiannual budget, which will release much needed funds to help stimulate growth and create jobs, in particular for young people. The consensus reached in June is favourable for our citizens, and we hope that it will be accepted in the near future," said Minister L. Linkevičius addressing the EP members.

Talking about the ambition of a united Europe, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stressed that a strong and united position on Syria, reflected in the statement of the EU foreign ministers on the Syrian issue in the informal meeting in Vilnius significantly contributed to the international efforts to find a diplomatic solution.

Today the Minister also made a statement on behalf of the High Representative in a debate concerning the EU Common Security and Defence Policy. This debate focused on the maritime dimension of the Common Security and Defence Policy, and also EU’s military structures, their state of play and future prospects.

During the meeting with the EC Vice-President responsible for Institutional Relations Maroš Šefčovič, L. Linkevičius and the Lithuanian Foreign Affairs Vice-Minister V. Leškevičius discussed the issues of the status of the European political parties, political funds and delegated and implementing acts. In addition, the progress on the adoption of legal acts implementing the agreement on the Multiannual Financial Framework was discussed.

Vice-Minister V. Leškevičius and the President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz today signed the new European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) regulation. The reform of OLAF will strengthen the office, will facilitate cooperation with national authorities and help to protect financial interests of the EU.