About: Lithuania
Lithuanian MEP apologises in homophobia row
A Lithuanian MEP accused of homophobia apologised on Wednesday (13 January) after fellow lawmakers threatened to expel him from the liberal Renew grouping in the European Parliament.
Lithuania to support ‘those fighting for freedom’ in Taiwan
Lithuania's new ruling coalition agreed on Monday (9 November) to commit their incoming government to support "those fighting for freedom" in Taiwan, threatening to hurt the small EU member's relations with China, a potential investor in its main port.
How Baltics tried and failed to end war in Nagorno-Karabakh
When the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh, a region disputed by Azerbaijan and Armenia, began in the late 1980s, Lithuania and the Baltic states helped bring the warring sides to the negotiating table in Riga. Despite sharing tea, jokes, and reaching an early breakthrough – the deal ultimately failed.
In Baltics, Macron defends French dialogue with Russia
French President Emmanuel Macron insisted on Monday (28 September) that Europe should cooperate with Russia to build peace in Europe, despite calls among European Union peers to review his stance towards Moscow after the poisoning of a Russian opposition leader.
Lukashenko closes borders with Poland and Lithuania, says he doesn’t want ‘war’
Belarus will close its borders with EU neighbours Poland and Lithuania and step up security measures at the Ukrainian frontier, President Alexander Lukashenko announced on Thursday (17 September).
Lithuania says EU’s inaction over Belarus undermines foreign policy credibility
The EU's lack of action over Belarus is undermining the credibility of its foreign policy, Lithuanian foreign affairs minister Linas Linkevicius told the Financial Times newspaper in an interview published on Sunday (6 September).
Baltic states ban Lukashenko amid crackdown on opposition
The Baltic states on Monday (31 August) banned embattled Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko as he cracked down further on the opposition movement following another huge rally at the weekend.
Tens of thousands in Lithuania form human chain for Belarus
Tens of thousands of Lithuanians linked arms on Sunday (23 August) in solidarity with the people of neighbouring Belarus who have been holding mass protests against authoritarian leader Alexander Lukashenko since a disputed presidential election two weeks ago.
Belarus leader says Putin offers help as pressure builds
Vladimir Putin has offered to help ensure Belarus's security, according to its president Alexander Lukashenko, as pressure builds on the strongman leader and opposition protesters prepare for a show of force Sunday (16 August).
Belarusian opposition leader Tikhanovskaya taken to Lithuania
Belarusian opposition politician Svetlana Tikhanovskaya has travelled to Lithuania from Belarus amid the protests and is safe, Lithuania’s Foreign Minister Linas Linkevicius said in a Twitter post on Tuesday (11 August). Tikhanovskaya emerged as Alexander Lukashenko’s main rival at Sunday’s...
Eastern Partnership teleconference sets priorities for summit in spring
EU and Eastern Partnership (EaP) heads of state and governments as well as European institution leaders met on Thursday (18 June) to discuss the COVID-19 crisis as well as reaffirm the strategic partnership and discuss its future. However, the talks...
EU code of practice on disinformation ‘insufficient and unsuitable,’ member states say
A coalition of EU member states have hit out at the bloc's efforts to stem the spread of disinformation, calling the self-regulatory framework currently in place "insufficient and unsuitable."
Baltics open Europe’s first pandemic ‘travel bubble’ as curbs ease
Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia opened their borders to each other at the stroke of midnight, creating the first "travel bubble" within the European Union in a bid to jump-start economies broken down by the coronavirus pandemic.
Six EU countries join call for 100% renewable energy scenario
Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Lithuania, Luxembourg and Spain have sent a joint letter to the European Commission calling for the inclusion of a 100% renewable energy scenario in long-term climate projections.
Eastern Europeans want more EU funds for military mobility
The EU should provide more funds to enable faster movement of military forces across Europe, defence ministers from four eastern European member states said on Tuesday (10 March), two weeks before the bloc starts a new round of divisive talks over the next seven-year budget.
EU’s creeping clean energy efforts risk missing 2020 goal
Renewable energy made up 18% of the EU’s power consumption in 2018, according to statistics compiler Eurostat. But the slow pace of development may leave the bloc short of its 2020 target.
US to help secure Baltic energy grid against cyber-attacks
The United States and Baltic states on Sunday (6 October) agreed to beef up cooperation to protect the Baltic energy grid from cyber-attacks as they disconnect from the Russian electricity grid.
Lithuania wants EU to bar east Ukraine’s Russian passports
Lithuania is working with the European Union to establish a common policy not to recognise Russian passports issued in east Ukraine, currently controlled by Moscow-backed separatists, Vilnius said Tuesday (6 August).
EU bans cod fishing in Baltic Sea
The EU announced Tuesday (23 July) an immediate ban on fishing cod, the staple of Britain's fish and chips, in most of the Baltic Sea in response to an impending stock collapse.
Baltic power games in the ascendancy
Europe’s power politics are playing out more and more in the Baltic Sea, as the energy potential of the sea basin shifts more into the limelight.
Lithuanian FM: Russian threats are real and should be taken seriously
Although there are no direct Russian threats to Lithuania, there are insecurities in the region and militaristic arguments used in political debates, which must be taken seriously, Lithuania's foreign minister told EURACTIV Croatia in an interview.
Lithuania’s Nauseda wins presidential election
Former central banker Gitanas Nauseda won Lithuania's presidential election on Sunday (26 May) after opponent Ingrida Simonyte conceded.
Political novice tipped as next Lithuanian President
Lithuanians choose a new president on Sunday (26 May) in a tight runoff between two centre-right rivals, an ex-finance minister and a political newcomer, in a race dominated by concerns over economic inequality in the Baltic eurozone state.