Lithuania and Poland discuss bilateral cooperation in EU matters

WARSAW - On Feb. 2 in Warsaw, Lithuanian Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Egidijus Meilunas and Polish Secretary of State for European Affairs Mikołaj Dowgielewicz discussed bilateral cooperation in EU matters, Lithuania’s preparation for the Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2013.

The Lithuanian-Polish partnership in this area is assessed as very successful, especially consultations on the issues that are important for both countries, including the discussion on the EU Financial Framework 2014-2020.

Diplomats stressed the importance of adequate and non-discriminatory financing of the common EU policies, which helps to reduce unemployment and disparities between the EU member states and regions, and boosts economic growth. Cohesion policy and common agricultural policy have been singled out.

Meilunas said that it was necessary to ensure sufficient and long-term financing for the closure of the Ignalina nuclear power plant.

During the meeting, the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of last year, achievements and challenges were discussed. The Lithuanian delegation evaluated the Polish Presidency as a very successful one from the point of view of organization and program implementation, also in terms of the number of the agreements reached.

Participants of the meeting were also acquainted with Lithuania’s preparation for the Presidency of the Council of the EU, and emphasis was laid on the aim to take over the best experience of the neighboring country.