"I do think it is possible to conclude this," Kenny, the prime minister of the EU's current presidency Ireland, told a news conference at the Lithuanian President's Office.
Asked to elaborate on what makes him expect a successful outcome of the EP talks, he noted: "It is a mixture of hope and belief."
Lithuania's President Dalia Grybauskaitė told the news conference held after a meeting with the Irish prime minister that money would not reach member-states, if institutions failed to reach agreement on the new financial framework.
"I truly wish and hope that the European Parliament, member-states, and the Commission realize the burden of responsibility caused by failure to agree – the responsibility falls on the shoulders of all three institutions," Grybauskaitė said.
Should Ireland manage to reach the principle agreement with the EP, Lithuania will have to negotiate about 80 separate programs of the multi-annual budget.
"Our presidency will ensure the continuity of works as the priorities of Ireland and Lithuania are similar - EU's financial stability, economic growth and job creation, and openness to foreign partners. This is Ireland's seventh presidency of the EU Council, therefore we highly appreciate the support of the country with vast experience," the Lithuanian president said in a press release circulated after the meeting.
Lithuania will take over EU presidency from Ireland for six months on July 1.
