Lietuva in brief - 2010-01-20

“The development of energy network infrastructure and creation of a common competitive EU-wide energy market should be among the main priorities of the new [EU2020] strategy. Probably you will agree that a safe and effective provision of energy supplies is a prerequisite to a competitive market in every country,” said Lithuanian Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Asta Skaisgiryte Liauskiene on Jan. 14 during an informal meeting of EU Ministers for European Affairs in La Granja, Spain, reports LETA. Preparation of this strategy is planned during the Spanish EU Presidency this half-year. Liauskiene also stressed that it was particularly important to pay attention to scientific research and innovation, to create a business-friendly environment, for creating massive new employment and to reduce the administrative burdens that are placed on business. 

Having discussed the government’s priority tasks for 2010, President Dalia Grybauskaite has yet to speak about any possible changes in the Ministers’ Cabinet, reports ELTA. “I need a government that would think about the country, that would do what is necessary in this situation, that would seek results responsibly - that is, would work more and speak less.” said the head of the state. Grybauskaite added that Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius will be responsible for implementation of the priorities. “Today, it is important for us to agree on the key tasks. Of course, their implementation requires a suitable team, a team that the president and the prime minister would trust,” he explained. According to unofficial data, Minister of Economy Dainius Kreivys, Minister of Transport Eligijus Masiulis and Foreign Minister Vygaudas Usackas are among those who might be changed.