On 18 December in Brussels, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Linas Linkevičius, passing over the presidency of the EU Council to the Deputy Minister for European Affairs of Greece Dimitris Kourkoulu, stressed that one of the major achievements of Lithuania's Presidency is the consolidation of the long term programme and the budget for 2014, as well as a stronger Eastern Partnership, - reported the correspondent of IA REGNUM.

"Six months ago, taking over the baton from the presidency of Ireland, we were full of optimism and hopes. Now we are even stronger, more experienced, and we are proud of having served Europe and did it well. There is no doubt that about 130 legal acts, 250 initiatives and 50 findings of the Council contributed to the creation of a reliable, growing and open Europe" - quoted the words of Linkevičius press service of the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry.

Among the most important achievements for the growing Europe – is the approval of the budget package of the EU: voting on a long term financial programme and the legal acts associated with this programme on the budget of 2014 and the additional costs in 2013.

Seeking for secure Europe, Lithuania, according to Linkevičius, made ​​a significant progress during the period of its presidency in creating Banking Association, achieving the approval of a general control mechanism for avoiding financial and debt crises. The reached final agreements on the Conversion and revitalization of banks and Directives on guarantee systems of deposit will create a solid foundation for the financial stability of the EU.

"We believe that the openness of Europe is our strength, therefore we tried to reinforce the relations of the EU with its partners. No doubt, the meeting of the leaders of Eastern Partnership was of great importance for us. Participation of Government members in decision-making in Vilnius, the expressed solidarity and open discussions about the future made the Eastern Partnership ​​stronger, - Linkevičius said. - Of course, we remain bound to the residents of Ukraine, who demonstrated heroic determination in choosing Europe and demanding transparency from the government."

Be reminded that Lithuania holds the EU presidency during the second half of 2013. Lithuania was the first country in the Baltic region, which has been entrusted to the EU leadership.

Material has been prepared by the Centre of Geopolitical Studies with reference to the article from “IA REGNUM” of 18 12 2013

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