The Government in its sitting has approved a draft law on introduction of the euro in Lithuania, drafted by the Ministry of Finance, and will submit it to the Seimas. The draft law establishes a procedure for preparation of the introduction of the euro, exchange of litas to the euro, and withdrawal of the national currency from circulation, and regulates other practical aspects of the euro introduction.

Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevičius extended his condolences to Head of the Israeli Government Benjamin Netanyahu over the death of former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. “People of Israel have lost a prominent leader, who dedicated his life for the sake of Israel and its people. I extend my heartfelt condolences to all people of Israel”, says the letter of the Head of the Lithuanian Government to Prime Minister Mr Netanyahu.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevičius talked on the phone with acting Prime Minister of Latvia Valdis Dombrovskis and congratulated Latvia on becoming the 18th member of the Eurozone. “I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to Latvia on the adoption of the euro. I believe that Latvia’s membership in the eurozone is an encouraging example to other countries and especially to Lithuania”, said the Head of the Lithuanian Government. He noted that Lithuania, seeking the membership in the Eurozone next year, will take into account Latvian experience in the process leading up to the adoption of the single currency.