Society
Lithuanian Foreign Ministry and 22 embassies express support for Baltic Pride
Lithuania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and 16 embassies have made a joint statement, expressing support for Baltic Pride. […]
Baltic States
CORPORATE
Latvia, Estonia want to sign Rail Baltica agreement but Lithuania in no rush
While the Latvian and Estonian Prime Ministers want to move ahead and sign a tripartite agreement between the Baltic countries‘ governments on the European Rail Baltica project as soon as possible, the Lithuanian government said […]
Defence
CORPORATE
Klaipėda shipyard acquires biggest dock in the Baltics
Klaipėda-based AB Western Shipyard company group has acquired a floating dock to carry out repairs from the Montenegro company Adriatic Shipyard Bijela that will be the biggest in the Baltic States. “Acquisition of this dock […]
Uncategorized
Kremlin official urges action on behalf of “oppressed” Russians in former Soviet republics
Speaking in Russian-occupied Crimea, Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko on Friday gave the clearest sign yet that the Kremlin plans to expand its efforts to mobilize Russians and Russian speakers in the former Soviet republics and Baltic states, people she says are loyal to their new countries but remain Russian compatriots. […]
Economy
Lithuania climbs to 41st in global prosperity index
Lithuania was ranked the 41st most prosperous country in the world, lagging behind Poland and the other Baltic States. […]
Defence
Czech Republic to station company of troops in Baltic States
The Czech Republic plans to send a company-sized military unit to the Baltic States in 2017. […]
Economy
Retail market dominated by few big retailers in Lithuania, Latvia – new study
The retail sector in the Baltic States is highly concentrated with a small number of chains controlling large market shares, particularly in Lithuania and Latvia, according to a new survey. […]
Uncategorized
Inside Latvia’s new defence strategy – Riga declares its military ambitions
Latvia’s new State Defense Strategy, approved by its Cabinet of Ministers on May 24 is an ambitious declaration for a stronger defense buildup. At the same time, it represents a kind of “wish list” just ahead of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s approaching July summit in Warsaw, during which Alliance members are expected to discard their policy of “trust,” in favor of a policy of “deterrence”. […]
Economy
Lithuania likes fast food most of Baltic States
Lithuanians are the most frequent visitors to fast food restaurants in the Baltic States, with Hesburger sales in Lithuania reaching €14 million and McDonald’s sales here hitting €18 million. […]
Global LT
European Union
Renewing EU sanctions against Russia may be difficult – German Foreign Minister
Germany‘s Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier has said that the European Union will find it more difficult to renew sanctions against Russia in the coming months amid “increased resistance” within the 28-member bloc. […]
Economy
Finance vice-minister explains economic challenges facing Lithuania
At a meeting with the European Business Network, Vice-Minister of Finance Algimantas Rimkūnas provided a comprehensive overview of many of the economic successes and challenges facing Lithuania. […]
Defence
Nord Stream 2 could be Russian cover to militarize Gotland – political scientist
The Nord Stream 2 project must be considered not just for its economic and energy significance, but for its military security aspect. Political scientist Margarita Šešelgytė believes that the pipeline would give the Russian military a reason to militarise the Swedish island of Gotland, which is significant when it comes to NATO forces and access to the Baltics. […]
Foreign affairs
‘We in the US think that migrants are a source of strength, not a threat’
Refugees fleeing conflicts in the Middle East is not a problem just for Europe to solve, says US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Benjamin G. Ziff. […]
Energy
Baltic States aim to create single gas market
The Baltic States are considering creating a single gas market that would facilitate gas trading among the three countries and may include Finland. […]
CORPORATE
Low life expectancy rate ‘a huge problem for Lithuania’
Lithuanian population productivity, compared to Western European countries remains very low and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) think this problem could be best solved by extending the life expectancy rate in Lithuania. “Life expectancy is […]
CORPORATE
Poland ‘the only country that could help Lithuania in a crisis’
Without the permanent presence of NATO forces in the Baltic region and with the United States focused on the Pacific Ocean, only Poland could help Lithuania in case of a military threat, according to Casimir […]
Defence
CORPORATE
Lithuania needs to tackle skills shortages – IMF
The IMF has said Lithuania needs to tackle skills shortages and mismatches between training and education and the demands of the market to drive economic growth and development. “Skills’ mismatch and skills’ shortages in Lithuania […]