EU Presidency-related experience presented by Vice-Minister of Economy to the delegation from the Ministry of Economics of Latvia

On 26 February 2014, Vice-Minister of Economy Rasa Noreikienė met with the delegation of the Ministry of Economics of the Republic of Latvia led by Zaiga Liepina, Deputy State Secretary at the Ministry of Economics of the Republic of Latvia, and presented the experience and key achievements of the Ministry of Economy during the Lithuanian Presidency of the European Union (EU) Council.

According to the Deputy Minister of Economy, the Lithuanian Presidency of the EU Council was positively evaluated at the international level, so good experience shared during the meeting is expected to be useful for Latvia in the preparation for the Presidency of the EU Council in the first half of 2015.

Discussions were held on issues like the coordination of the Presidency in the Ministry of Economy, organisation of the European Union Competitiveness Council and its working groups, relations with various EU authorities and other structures, the use of funds allocated for the Presidency, formation of the Presidency teams and other relevant issues during the meeting.

During the Presidency of the EU Competitiveness Council, the agenda of which was drawn up by the Ministry of Economy, the main focus was placed on the promotion of Europe’s economic growth and enhancement of economic competitiveness. Key priority areas were strengthening of the EU single market, creation of industry as well as small and medium-sized business-friendly environment and modernisation of public administration.

Throughout the entire Presidency period, Lithuania was engaged in active cooperation with economic and social partners. Success of the Presidency was determined by close cooperation of Lithuania, other EU Member States, EU authorities and business organisations.

Lithuania has achieved significant results in terms of increasing the competitiveness of Europe and in the implementation of the Programme of the Presidency of the European Union Council.

Also, the Ministry of Economy of Lithuania cooperates with the Ministry of Economics of Latvia on other relevant issues. Currently active cooperation is carried out in taking over the Latvian experience in the introduction of the euro, also, experience is shared on the preparation for membership in the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development in both counties.