The Prime Minister, as the Head of Government of the country that was presiding over the EU in the second half of 2013, extended his congratulations to Greece having taken over this important role and a great responsibility.
In his welcoming speech, the Lithuanian Head of Government briefly reviewed Lithuanian presidency achievements, including a timely deal on the EU budget for 2014;substantial progress in building the Banking Union, specifically finding a consensus on the Single Resolution Mechanism; reviewing the progress made so far and accelerating the completion of the integrated EU internal energy market; finalised list of Projects of Common Interest, including six energy infrastructure projects important to Lithuania; finished free trade talks with Canada and launched with the United States of America; received mandate to negotiate investment protection with China.
These are very important steps which will ensure EU's economic growth and prosperity of the people, effective solution to unemployment, Europe's financial stability, and Europe's competitiveness in the world," – said the Prime Minister and thanked all the EU Member States for their cooperation which helped achieving the overall objectives of the Presidency.
The Prime Minister also noted the importance of the Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius, which included the initialling of EU Association Agreements with Moldova and Georgia as well as other important agreements, and it triggered historical developments in Ukraine. As regards Ukraine, the Prime Minister condemned the bloodshed and pointed out that the Government of Ukraine should stop fighting against its own people and look solutions through diplomacy and negotiations.
Prime Minister A. Butkevičius reaffirmed Lithuania's commitment as of the next year to adopt the single European currency – the euro – and become a member of the eurozone.
