2005-11-08
European Commission an official partner of Lithuania in providing public information on the changeover to the euro
A Partnership Agreement between the Republic of Lithuania and the European Commission (EC) for the organisation of information and communication campaigns on the changeover to the euro in Lithuania was signed today in Brussels. The document was signed by Reinoldijus Sarkinas, Chairman of the Board of the Bank of Lithuania, Zigmantas Balcytis, Minister of Finance, and Commissioner Joaquín Almunia.
“Under the Agreement, the European Commission will finance some public information measures on the changeover to the euro and will provide other assistance. I believe that the experience of the Commission in providing assistance to Member States during the changeover will be very helpful,” said Mr Sarkinas.
By signing the Partnership Agreement Lithuanian institutions and the EC agreed to cooperate and mutually support each other’s information and communication activities on the euro and the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU). The aim of the Partnership is to increase public knowledge within Lithuania of the working of EMU and contribute to a smooth changeover when adopting the euro by Member States.
The European Commission will support the activities provided under Lithuania’s public information and communication strategy on the introduction of the euro. The Agreement states that the parties will coordinate their activities in carrying out public opinion polls, printing of publications, promotional materials, portable stands, conferences, seminars for journalists, exhibitions or media campaigns, i.e., such measures that could be financed or implemented by the EC. EC support will depend on available budgetary means and particular grant agreements to be concluded between the EC and the Lithuanian Government or the Bank of Lithuania.
Similar Partnership Agreements were also signed today with Estonia and Slovenia, which, like Lithuania, expect to adopt the euro on 1 January 2007.