Lithuania’s accession to the European Union (EU) meant the implementation of one of its top goals, i.e. the reinforcement of national statehood. Lithuania’s European integration, however, does not end here – it is a continuous process. The firm establishment of the country in the political, institutional, economic and cultural European society is the most relevant and sure way of reinforcing the achievements of the independence period, guaranteeing national security, expanding Lithuania’s influence and strengthening national prestige. These set objectives can be met only through active and successful involvement in the EU activities.

While actively involved in the EU decision-making process, Lithuania, guided by the mission of its EU policy, will seek compatibility of those decisions with the national and common EU interests, contribution to the strengthening of security of Lithuanian citizens and their welfare as well as creation of better conditions for the development of the state and society. It is important that, as the country further integrates into the EU, the feeling of community and multifaceted relations between Lithuanian and other EU citizens would constantly grow, and that the state would be governed according to the fundamental European principles of democracy and good governance.

The strategic guidelines of Lithuania’s EU policy are a middle-term strategic document which, taking into consideration the common national development priorities and public expectations, outlines the guiding principles of Lithuania’s EU policy and establishes the strategic guidelines for the period 2008–2013. The purpose of the strategic guidelines of Lithuania’s EU policy can be defined as follows:

first, to lay down the key Lithuanian positions on the EU vision, i.e. the ways the EU should develop and the role Lithuania should play in the process;

second, to determine the guidelines that would provide a basis for an active, consistent and constructive Lithuania’s EU policy and help identify the activity priorities of Lithuanian institutions in the EU;

third, to create conditions for Lithuania’s EU policy to become even more clear-cut and transparent, thereby encouraging the society at large to get more involved in the EU issue discussion;

fourth, to contribute to the preparations for the Lithuanian Presidency over the EU in 2013 by defining the Lithuanian position and priority guidelines in specific areas on the most pressing EU policy issues and improving administrative capacities of public authorities.

The strategic guidelines of Lithuania’s EU policy are identified by taking into account the Long-term Development Strategy of the State, the Government Programme, the National Lisbon Strategy Implementation Programme, the Convergence Programme of Lithuania, Government and Seimas decisions on EU matters, and other various national policy strategies and relevant EU documents.

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