Currently the law stipulates that Lithuanian citizens have the right to freely join political parties, participate in their activities and withdraw from them.
The amendments provide the same rights, except creation of political parties, to citizens of other EU Member States. However, they must meet certain conditions – permanently reside in Lithuania, have live here without a break for the last 5 years, and not be members of any foreign political party or organisation. As everyone else, they will be able to join only one Lithuanian political party.
The law was adopted with 70 MPs voting for, 12 voting against and 20 abstentions. The amendments will take effect on 1 January 2015.