Litouws voorzitterschap helpt Iers voorzitterschap bij onderhandelingen meerjarenbegroting (en)

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Linas Linkevicius has said at the meeting of the EU ministers of European affairs on June 25 in Luxembourg that the agreement on the EU multiannual budget for 2014-2020 is still possible during the Irish Presidency of the EU Council.

“We support Ireland in seeking the agreement with the European Parliament on the multiannual budget. We still think that it is within reach this week and urge to use all available opportunities. Everyone should feel responsibility to find the agreement that would strengthen the economic growth in Europe,” said Minister Linkevicius.

During the discussions at the General Affairs Council it was said that the positions of the EU institutions are close. It was agreed that the solution should be further sought by the Prime Minister of Ireland and the Presidents of the European Council, European Parliament and the European Commission.

Minister Linkevicius has welcomed the decision of the European affairs ministers to resume Turkey’s accession negotiations and underlined that it will encourage further reforms. The ministers have agreed to confirm the opening of a regional policy chapter during the Lithuanian Presidency after the European Commission presents the annual Progress Report in October.

The Foreign Minister has also welcomed the recommendation of the General Affairs Council to start the Serbian accession negotiations as well as negotiations with Kosovo on the Stabilization and Association Agreement. Minister Linkevicius said that the decision will serve to ensure the stability in the region but underlined that the momentum of reforms should be maintained.

“It is of vital importance to further deliver on meeting membership criteria and implementing the agreements of the Belgrade-Priština dialogue. Conditionality as a cornerstone of the enlargement process must be respected,” Minister Linkevicius said.

The Minister also said that the success of the Belgrade-Priština dialogue shows that EU integration is a powerful incentive that should be used beyond the Western Balkans.

At the conclusion of the General Affairs Council, Minister Linkevicius has thanked the outgoing chairman, the Foreign Minister of Ireland Eamon Gilmore, who handed over the symbolic presidency bell. The first meeting of the General Affairs Council under the chairmanship of Minister Linkevicius is planned for July 23.