Lithuanian govt plans to set up special commission on ethnic minority issues

VILNIUS – The Lithuanian government will on Wednesday decide on the establishment of a commission on ethnic minority issues.

Based on government documents, the new commission would submit proposals on the direction of Lithuania's ethnic minority policy and its priorities that will include more consistent economic development of Lithuania's southwestern region, a review of the funding concept of ethnic minority cultural and integration centers, the definition of an ethnic minority school, the spelling of names, as well as the implementation of international commitments.

The commission will be also expected to propose ways for state institutions to coordinate their actions while integrating ethnic minorities into Lithuania's political, public and cultural life, and ensure the integration of new ethnic minority representatives arriving in Lithuania.

The new commission will submit proposals to the government and will hold meetings at least once per six months.