On 1st January 2015 the amendments that allow foreigners to become a candidate in the local elections and the European Parliament elections under the same conditions as for the Lithuanian citizens will come into force.

Europe needs an investment package to overcome low growth and high unemployment, EP President Martin Schulz warned government leaders at the European Council summit on 23 October. Schulz also pointed out that investment levels were still below what they were before the crisis. "Our economy is slowing down, a clear warning to which we must respond."

President Dalia Grybauskaitė, currently attending a European Council meeting in Brussels, together with other EU leaders are discussing the economic situation in Europe and actions to boost the EU's economic growth and competitiveness. Economic issues topical to the EU and euro zone will also be debated at the euro area summit where Lithuania will be represented for the first time.

On Monday, October 27, at 14:00 hours, President Dalia Grybauskaitė will attend the welcoming ceremony for the liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage vessel "Independence" in Klaipėda. The LNG terminal will ensure Lithuania's energy independence and competitive prices for consumers.

President Dalia Grybauskaitė met with the Chairman of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine, Yurii Baulin, to discuss the ongoing legal reforms, the strengthening of judicial system and preparations for the upcoming parliamentary elections in Ukraine. Taking part in the meeting was also Chairman of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Lithuania Dainius Žalimas and Ukraine's Ambassador to Lithuania Valery Zhovtenko.

Vilnius Regional Court ended the administrative proceedings regarding bilingual plates in the Vilnius District as the Government representative withdrew his complaint. In turn bilingual plates located on buildings remained. This is a great victory of the Polish community in Lithuania, which has been fighting for its rights for several years.

MEPs approved the new college of 27 Commissioners, as presented by its President-elect Jean-Claude Juncker on Wednesday morning, with 423 votes in favour, 209 against and 67 abstentions. The new Commission now needs to be formally appointed by EU heads of state or government to enable it to take up duty on 1 November for a five-year term.

All sides in the Northern Ireland peace process should refrain from "dangerous mutual provocation" urged European Parliament President Martin Schulz in his opening address at its October session.

Latest survey conducted by the company 'Vilmorus' showed that Government ratings fell in October compared to Semptember. Some political scientists explain this phenomenon referring to the fact that on 10th September 2014 Electoral Action of Poles in Lithuania (EAPL) left the rulling coalition.

On Thursday, the event Ukraine Culture Days began at Vilnius University, this year dedicated to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Taras Shevchenko, Ukraine's most praised poet.