"This year is designated the European Year of Citizens. During its presidency, Lithuania will aim to provide the best possible clarification of why one or another decision is made. It is necessary to speak about the ongoing processes in more understandable manner. It is also very important to engage the civil society in decision-making," the president was quoted as saying in a press release after her meeting with the new president of the European Economic and Social Committee Henri Malosse in Vilnius.
In Grybauskaitė's words, it is important to include the civil society in the decision-making process.
According to the press release, Lithuania turned to the EESC in the run-up to presidency for opinions on five topics: women's employment in the context of economic development, reforms of state-run companies, participation of the civil society in the implementation of the strategy for the Baltic Sea, changes of the so-called transitional society, as well as cooperation among non-governmental organizations for equal opportunities for EU member-states to participate in EU support volunteer activities.
Lithuania will take over the EU Presidency for six months starting July 1.
