"The draft law provides that EU citizens, who are not citizens of the Republic of Lithuania, should not be banned from joining political parties or establishing parties. Therefore, they will have equal rights with Lithuanian citizens to fully make use of their right to take part in political activities and to be elected to the European Parliament or local municipal councils," the ministry said.
The government is scheduled to look into the proposal during its Wednesday sitting.
The amendments would come into force as of 2014.
In late April, the European Commission sent a notice of potential violations to Lithuania as only the country's citizens are allowed to establish political parties and be their members. Brussels is asking Lithuania whether such regulation does not run counter to provisions in the Community acquis, allowing EU citizens to run for the European Parliament or local councils.
The law says that only Lithuanian citizens over the age of 18 can establish political parties and be their members.
