Today, during the European Parliament's plenary session in Strasbourg, the President of Lithuania Dalia Grybauskaitė officially started the Lithuanian presidency of the EU Council. During this opening event, various speakers declared their expectations, including the president of the EU Commission, José Manuel Barroso, and members of the European Parliament.

Today, July 3 in Strasbourg President Dalia Grybauskaitė will officially launch Lithuania's Presidency of the EU Council. She will hold a meeting with European Parliament President Martin Schulz, will outline Lithuanian Presidency priorities and key tasks to the European Parliament and answer questions from members of the parliament.

Dobro došla Hrvatska! Today the European Union grew one country richer as Croatia joined to become the 28th member state. As the newly elected Croatian MEPs get ready for their first plenary session, learn more about this popular tourist destination in our infographic.

Today Lithuania is taking the helm of the European Union for the first time as it assumes the rotating six-month presidency of the EU Council. President Dalia Grybauskaitė congratulates the people of Lithuania on gaining confidence of the international community and wishes unity and patience in discharging these important and responsible duties.

President Dalia Grybauskaitė is submitting to the Seimas amendments to the Law on Support for Employment, the Law on State Social Insurance and the Law on Health Insurance, which will open up opportunities for young people to undertake apprenticeship or practical traineeship independently, without any mediators, and to find jobs more easily.

July of 2013 promises to be a very interesting period for the European Commission, as it will be the time when the European Union starts negotiating transatlantic trade deal with the United States.

Opposing factions expressed the distrust towards the Minister of Health Andriukaitis, as they are not satisfied with the way the health system reform is being made. Votes on this issue are going to take place tomorrow or next Tuesday.

Opposing factions expressed the distrust towards the Minister of Health Andriukaitis, as they are not satisfied with the way the health system reform is being made. Votes on this issue are going to take place tomorrow or next Tuesday.