July 1, 2013 marked the start of the Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the EU (the Presidency) - the first Baltic State to assume the rotating Presidency since joining the European Union (EU) in 2004. The Presidency plays a vital part in the organisation of the work of the EU Council, notably as the driving force in the legislative and political decision-making process. It has to organise and chair all meetings and work out compromises capable of resolving difficulties.
The Council is presided over for a period of six months by each Member State in turn, in accordance with a pre-established order. The rotating Presidencies are divided into groups of three, ‘Trios’. Trios ensure consistency in the work of the Council over an 18-month period. Lithuania forms part of the current Presidency Trio, along with Ireland and Greece, which is to ensure the consistency of the work of the Council until June 30, 2014. Ireland held the Presidency before Lithuania, while Greece will take over on January 1, 2014.
Having been one of the most successful countries to overcome the economic and financial crisis and return to sustained recovery and growth, Lithuania is seeking to organise the Presidency in an equally efficient and result-oriented manner by focusing on the three goals of credible, growing and open Europe.
To develop a ‘credible Europe’, the Lithuanian Presidency will focus on sustainable finances, better economic governance, the fight against tax evasion and fraud, and a stronger social dimension. With 2013 being the European Year of Citizens, dedicated to raise awareness and knowledge about the rights and duties related to EU citizenship, the Lithuanian Presidency will continue the work in the field of Justice and Home Affairs and focus on strengthening the protection of fundamental rights, raising public awareness of shared EU values, supporting the agenda for growth, strengthening common area for effective judicial cooperation, and highlighting the interests of citizens and ensuring their safety.
The second priority ‘growing Europe’ aims at greater investment in research and technological development, deeper integration of the internal market, as well as better employment opportunities and sustainable social security. In order to progress in these fields, Lithuania will build on the Europe 2020 Strategy and the European Semester, reinforced by a stronger Single Market Policy, as well as the effective implementation of the Compact for Growth and Jobs. The Presidency will pursue the EU’s commitments to complete the internal energy market by 2014 and also steer progress at EU level on the Fuel Quality and Renewable Energy Sources Directive, on the Green Paper ‘A 2030 framework for Climate and Energy Polices’, and on the European Commission’s reviewed strategy on air pollution. Furthermore the Lithuanian Presidency seeks to retain leadership and coordinate EU activities in international negotiations on climate change for a global legally binding post-2020 agreement.
When it comes to ‘open Europe’, the Lithuanian Presidency aims for safer and more democratic neighborhood; regional stability; openness for trade with strategic partners such as the USA, Japan, Canada and others; effective management of border controls; promotion and development of humanitarian aid; and strengthening of the Common Security and Defence Policy through stronger cooperation with partners, as well as better responses to new security challenges.
To pay special attention to the six-month calendar of the Lithuanian Presidency, on July 11, the Malta-EU Steering and Action Committee (MEUSAC) in collaboration with the Parliamentary Secretariat for EU Presidency 2017 and EU Funds and the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in Malta, organised a public dialogue on Lithuania’s priorities and the programme of the Presidency.
In his closing address the Parliamentary Secretary for the EU Presidency 2017 and EU Funds, Dr Ian Borg, stated that although Malta’s Presidency is still three years away, the Government has already set the ball rolling so that on January 1, 2017 Malta would be well prepared. Dr Borg emphasised that the most important aspect of every Presidency is the political agenda. In this regard, Malta intends to focus namely on the fight against poverty, the importance of the citizen at the heart of Europe, economic recovery, and the political situation in the Mediterranean with particular emphasis on the issue of irregular immigration.
The Parliamentary Secretary added that Malta welcomes Lithuania’s intention to strengthen the EU’s outer borders. He said, “Malta is also a border country and therefore the Government welcomes this initiative by Lithuania. Irregular immigration and asylum matters continue to be issues of great concern for Malta and it is therefore essential that solidarity and fair sharing of responsibility are given due attention.”
The public event, chaired by MEUSAC Head, Dr Vanni Xuereb, was also addressed by Jim Hennessy, Ambassador of Ireland to Malta. The keynote speaker was Petras Zapolskas, Ambassador of Lithuania to Malta. In his own words, “The first ever Lithuanian Presidency of the EU Council means responsibility, challenges and opportunities, high expectations and hard work. I have no doubt that no matter how big the current challenges are for my compatriots, Lithuania will lead the EU Council in a professional, effective and result-oriented way.”