Addressing a public dialogue in Valletta last Thursday hosted by MEUSAC, he stated that “the EU should demonstrate it pursues credible financial and economic policies and is committed to growth and jobs through joint initiatives that increase competitiveness and aim at security for its citizens and openness to its partners. We will strive to strengthen the ground for financial stability and sound public finances in the EU, further deepen the Economic and Monetary Union, including develop the Banking Union, making progress on other legislative proposals in the field of financial market reforms.
“Significant attention will be devoted towards effective implementation of the newly established and enhanced economic governance framework focusing on prudent surveillance of potential budgetary and economic imbalances in the euro area and the EU. Following the March 2013 European Council conclusions, the Lithuanian presidency will put its efforts to ensure prompt and efficient negotiations on Single Resolution Mechanism with a view to reach as much progress as possible. “
The fight against tax fraud and tax evasion would be an important issue. In line with the May 2013 European Council conclusions, particular priority would be given to the automatic exchange of information on income tax, including with third countries. VAT fraud issues would also be high on the agenda while discussions would be initiated within the Council on the establishment of a European public prosecutor’s office in order to protect the financial interests of the EU. Special attention would be dedicated to the fight against fraud affecting the Union’s financial interests by means of criminal law.
Growing Europe would entail building on the Europe 2020 agenda and the European Semester, reinforced by a stronger Single Market policy as well as the effective implementation of the Compact for Growth and Jobs. Initiatives to create jobs would include invoking the Youth Guarantees, while agreement would be sought with the European Parliament on the portability of supplementary pension rights, on the undeclared work platform and the enforcement of rights of EU migrant workers and their families.
“To enhance confidence in the EU economy and to stimulate growth potential,” the ambassador continued “our efforts will be directed to further integration and well-functioning of the EU internal market with special focus on service markets, the digital single market, internal energy market, industry and a SME/ business-friendly regulatory environment based on better regulation principles as well as efforts to modernise public administration.”
Completing the EU internal energy market by 2014 in accordance with successive European Council conclusions meant that no EU state should remain isolated from the European gas and electricity networks after 2015. “It is important to monitor properly the implementation of already agreed actions and the existing legal framework, especially the 3rd energy package, market design, integration of renewable with a view to overcome possible obstacles and, if needed, to initiate further follow-ups.
“A smooth start of the EU multi-annual programmes is an essential element for EU growth. Following the political agreement on the multi-annual financial framework, there will be a number of related sectoral proposals now in the pipeline. This is essential to be able to apply the new programmes as of the beginning of 2014. So as to avoid a legal vacuum: 56 MFF-related legal acts should be agreed by the Council and the EP by the end of 2013. In this regard, timely adoption of the EU 2014 annual budget will be important as well.”
Tourism would be a key presidency focus since Lithuania and the European Commission would organise the 12th European Tourism Forum aimed at providing for further activities and measures contributing to the attractiveness of Europe as a tourism destination, discussing future tourism trends as well as tourism financing opportunities during 2014-2020. Lithuania also expected to initiate discussions within the Council on the proposed European tourism quality label.
In relation to the integrated maritime policy, Lithuania would seek general agreement within the Council on the proposal for a directive establishing a framework for special maritime planning and coastal governance. Extensive attention to air transport issues would include discussions on the Single European Sky (SES) II+ package, passenger rights and occurrence reporting.
“As regards EU external policy, a key focus will be closer integration between the EU and its Eastern Partners”, the ambassador indicated, “with the Eastern Partnership Summit taking place in Vilnius in November 2013. The presidency will seek to advance further the enlargement process, pursue smarter control of the EU’s external borders, increase the impact of the EU development policy while promoting free trade with strategic partners such as the USA, Japan, Canada and others. Efforts will be made to make the common security and defence policy more effective in particular by reinforcing defence cooperation with partners and developing joint responses to emerging security challenges.”
Lithuania would seek progress in discussions on the “Smart Borders” package, encompassing the establishment of the entry / exit system, as well as the registered travellers programme. It would also support Council adoption of the European Commission's communication entitled “Stepping up the fight against cigarette smuggling and other forms of illicit trade in tobacco products - a comprehensive EU strategy.”
On Mediterranean issues, Ambassador Zapolkas said that his country had already received 'thousands of questions' about what appeared to be a preferential emphasis on relations with Eastern members of the European neighbourhood policy area. He emphasised that the presidency sought a balanced approach with equal emphasis on southern partners. Negotiations with Morocco were underway to conclude a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area with the EU, other such negotiations might be launched in the region while trade issues would be discussed at the forthcoming Mediterranean trade ministerial.
However, in answer to a question from this paper he did not clarify whether this ministerial would discuss the so far non-existent Euro-Mediterranean free trade area envisaged for 2010 under the 1995 Barcelona Declaration launching the Euromediterranean Partnership or what presidency initiatives were envisaged within the EU's role as co-chair of the 43-nation Union for the Mediterranean set up in 2008.