Let us work together for a stronger Europe. I really believe after the talks we had today that the Lithuanian government is well prepared and focused and I think we are facing these challenges with determination. I am sure the Lithuanian Presidency of the Council will help us to rise to the challenge.
(President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso, meeting with the Prime Minister of Lithuania, Mr Algirdas Butkevičius, 24 04 2013)
Lithuania will be chairing the Council meetings from July to the end of December 2013; this means that we will be responsible for balancing national negotiations as well as a wide range of decisions of EU relevance; we have the common goal of reaching a balance in national interests and to show that the EU is credible, growing and open; we must bring the confidence in the EU markets through the development of the economy, fiscal sustainability and stability; we will direct their forces to the management of the economy and the implementation of the EU fiscal treaty.
(Prime Minister of Lithuania Algirdas Butkevičius meeting the European Commission College in Brussels, 24 04 2013)
Soon Lithuania will hold the Presidency of the EU Council. It will be a challenge for our country and I believe in its success. It will also be a good opportunity for a lot of people from other EU member states and especially from Brussels, meet or renew acquaintance with Lithuania.
(MEP Justas Vincas Paleckis presenting exhibition "Neringa – A Wonder of Nature shaped by the Sea, Wind and Dunes" in the European Parliament, Brussels, 09 04 2013)