"The EU objective is not only to provide the necessary assistance to refugees, but also to support the countries and communities in the region affected by the flow of refugees. The most effective way is to act in a coordinated manner, and use the experience of the EU and its Member States," said Vice Minister V. Leškevičius.
Speaking about the tragic events of the last week off the coast of Lampedusa, V. Leškevičius on behalf of the Council expressed condolences to the families of lost ones. The Vice Foreign Minister noted that the European Union needs long-term solutions at the European level, and it was the topic of discussions of European interior ministers at the Council meeting in Luxembourg the day before.
The Vice Foreign Minister also addressed the EP on the former CIA prisoner transportation and illegal detention in European countries. He stressed that national security and intelligence activities are the competence of Member States, and that the fight against terrorism must take place within the framework of international law norms.
Speaking in the debate on the situation of Roma people, Vice Foreign Minister expressed his concern in relation to the social problems of Roma people, such as education, employment, health protection and housing provision. The improvement of the situation of Roma people is the urgent long-term political task that requires the major involvement of the EU, national authorities, representatives of the Roma and non-governmental organisations.
Speaking about political extremism spreading in Europe, Vice Foreign Minister noted that political extremism is unacceptable in modern Europe, and is a challenge to democracy.
"Political extremism poses a threat to the structure of our society, encourages racism and xenophobia, and Member States should be the first to take action at the national level. The EU should also clearly speak out against political extremism," said V. Leškevičius.
Political extremism is often accompanied by hate crimes. On 12-13 November, the Presidency of Lithuania in cooperation with the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights will hold a conference on fundamental rights "The Fight against Hate Crime in the European Union". This conference will be attended by decision-makers and practitioners in order to explore effective strategies to combat hate crimes using legal and political instruments at national and EU level.
On Wednesday, Vice Foreign Minister V. Leškevičius together with European Parliament President Martin Schulz signed the documents establishing the Community Customs Code amendments that provide more legal certainty for businesses and national administrations, as well as to facilitate international customs cooperation, and the documents for use of the funds of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) – whose aim is to provide additional support for workers made redundant due to the major structural changes in the world trade patterns caused by globalization and assist them with their reintegration into the labor market – for the employees fired from the Italian companies. Vice Foreign Minister also attended as a guest a special dinner in honour of Senegalese president M. Sall by invitation of President M. Schulz.
On Tuesday, Deputy Foreign Minister Vytautas Leškevičius addressed the European Parliament plenary session on behalf of the Council of the European Union regarding such issues as the 2011 budget implementation approval, European Research Area (ERA) completion by 2014, and the Convention on violence against women, and domestic violence prevention.
