Lithuania at the Helm of the EU: Regional Cooperation on the Rise

There are expectations that Vilnius will use its six months at the helm of the EU to act as a bridge between the euro “ins” and “outs,” as well as between proponents of a growth agenda and those in the austerity camp. There are also hopes that Lithuania will propel the debate on the EMU, Eastern Partnership, Single Market and energy. Warsaw would seem to have much to gain from a Council presidency run in this manner. Yet, Poland’s northeastern neighbour is unlikely to fully meet its potential in these areas. Rather, the contribution of the Lithuanian presidency will be to highlight the growing importance of regional forums in EU affairs, something of importance to Poland and a possible new stimulus for Polish–Lithuanian cooperation.