Lithuania has violated the requirements of the EU budget deficit.

The budget deficit of Lithuania on the basis of 2008 amounted to 3.2 percent, AFP reported, citing the statement of the Government. Thus, the country has violated the requirements Maastrihtstkih agreements. This document specifies the requirements for the states - members of the EU. In particular, the budget deficit should not exceed three percent of GDP.
According to rules set by the Maastricht Treaty, if the state violates some of the requirements, the European Commission can impose on its penalties. Nevertheless, most likely against Lithuania that will not be done. According promulgated in November 2008, a pan-European plan to stimulate the economy, the sanctions to the country - violators of the Maastricht Treaty would not apply.
According to preliminary forecasts of the Lithuanian Government, to reduce the budget deficit in 2009 will most likely not succeed. Nevertheless, the authorities have already taken several measures to reduce public spending.
The economy of Lithuania, among other European countries suffered from the global crisis. If in 2007 the GDP grew by 8.9 State per cent, on the basis of 2008 this figure increased by only 3 per cent. According to the Government, in 2009 Lithuania's economy to shrink by 10.5 percent.