Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius took part in the informal meeting of the Prime Ministers of the Baltic Council of Ministers (BCM) in Mezotne Castle (Republic of Latvia, Bauska County). During the BCM meeting of the Prime Ministers, the following major topics were dealt with: opportunities for the Baltic-Nordic strategic cooperation development, economic stabilisation and strengthening of the Baltic competitiveness, and security of the Baltic States, with the focus on security in energy and environmental protection. NATO’s new strategic concept was also presented.

The recent Government sitting approved the commemorative events plan relating to the 20th anniversary of the restitution of Lithuania‘s independence. Besides the commemorative events of the day, i.e. the solemn sittings and ceremonies of the Seimas, the Government and other authorities, a concerto is planned to be held at the Cathedral Square (Vilnius) on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the restitution of Lithuania’s Independence; furthermore, folk art fairs will take place in the capital and other venues throughout Lithuania.

The Cabinet resolved that in accordance with the provisions of the Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council, a general population and housing census shall be carried out in Lithuania in 2011. Censuses are going to be conducted in all the EU member states in 2011. The population census is going to be carried out in March-May 2011. Statistical data with regard to residents, their families, households and housing is going to be gathered.

Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius has accepted an official invitation by President of Germany to participate in a gala dinner and, together with his wife Rasa, departs for Berlin for 19-20 January. German President Horst Köhler hosts dinner in honour of his compatriot outgoing Vice-President of the European Commission, Commissioner for Enterprise and Industry Günter Verheugen. On this occasion, top EU leaders and politicians, friends and colleagues of Günter Verheugen have been invited to Berlin.

Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius says that, with the aim of seeking more guided work and clearer activity results, the working style of the Government is going to change by clarifying year-to-year priorities and presenting major works to be done to the President and the public at large in the beginning of every year.

The Government has drafted legislation that would allow other Latin-alphabet-based characters to spell foreign surnames in documents. A given name and surname, originally spelled in Latin (but not Lithuanian) characters, should be taken down literally in Latin characters, while those spelled in other than Latin characters, should be spelled in Lithuanian characters according to pronunciation rules.

At the close of the year 2009, Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius decreed a set up of an inter-service working group to steer Lithuania’s preparations for the Chairmanship and to coordinate the actual Chairmanship (over the OSCE) in 2011. The working group will be headed by Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Evaldas Ignatavičius and it will include representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Transport and Communications, Ministry of Social Security and Labour, Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Energy and other public institutions.