Defence
Germany
European Union
Minister Linkevičius in Berlin: Europe needs Eastern policy based on democratic values
On 25-26 October, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Linas Linkevičius visited Berlin, where he discussed bilateral relations between Lithuania and Germany, the Eastern Partnership, and assistance to Ukraine, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. […]
Defence
Lithuania enters PZH 2000 howitzer partnership project
On October 21 at a session of the Land Combat Vehicles (LCV) Support Partnership of the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) in Luxembourg, Lithuania joined the PzH2000 self-propelled 155mm howitzer user project by a unanimous agreement of Croatia, Italy, Germany, Greece, and the Netherlands – all the countries taking part in the project. […]
Opinion
Sigmar Gabriel and Frank-Walter Steinmeier: A confident and realistic approach to refugee crisis
What are our obligations to those threatened by war and violence? What and how much can we cope with? When will we reach our uppermost limits? Each of these three questions is quite legitimate. But if the debate is restricted to the media soundbites “we can do it” and “the boat is full”, then the refugee crisis threatens to tear our society apart. We need an honest discussion about our realistic scope for action. […]
Economy
Foreign affairs
President Grybauskaitė congratulates Germany on reunification anniversary
On 3 October President Dalia Grybauskaitė extended congratulations to Federal President Joachim Gauck on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of German reunification celebrated on Unity Day, the presidential press service said. […]
Uncategorized
Defence
Lithuania signs deal on purchasing German howitzers
Lithuania’s Armed Forces on Tuesday signed a contract on procuring PzH2000 self-propelled howitzers from the German Armed Forces. […]
Defence
Foreign affairs
Lithuanian parliament speaker to go to Germany to discuss refugee situation
A delegation led by Speaker of the Lithuanian Seimas Loreta Graužinienė will go to Germany in October to discuss the refugee situation. […]
Foreign affairs
Opinion
Opinion: The refugee crisis will define Europe’s future
While the refugee and migrant crisis is an existential problem for Europe, it is also a huge opportunity. The way it is handled will critically impact not only the future direction of Europe, but also its identity – the European ethos – economics, demographics and indeed (don’t be scared!) culture. Encapsulated in the current drama is an opportunity, which only few leaders and very few countries see as they are overwhelmed by the immediate tasks. If handled right, Europe will come out stronger. […]
Global LT
Lithuanian in Germany: I almost feel guilty for not doing more for refugees
Asta Borusevičiūtė from Lithuania has been living in Hamburg, Germany, for five years and has been very emotionally involved, along with the entire country, in the ongoing refugee crisis. “I live on this subject. In my circles, everyone’s doing something for them [refugees]. I almost feel guilty for not finding time to help out,” the young woman tells DELFI, adding that she plans to volunteer at a charity processing office. […]
Defence
Seimas speaker wants Public Procurement Office to inspect AFV purchase tender
After former chief of the Lithuanian Armed Forces Valdas Tutkus expressed his doubts about the transparency of the armoured fighting vehicle (AFV) purchase tender, Seimas Speaker Loreta Graužinienė says that he should have involved relevant institutions. The politician has also asked the Public Procurement Office (VPT) to evaluate the tender. The VPT says, however, that it will not look into the purchase as it falls under an exception envisaged for military contracts. […]
European Union
Lithuanian PM calls German minister’s statements about cutting EU aid ‘unacceptable blackmail’
Lithuania’s top officials have different opinions on Germany’s recent warnings about possible cuts in EU aid for member states that disagree with mandatory refugee quotas. […]
European Union
EC will not cut support to EU nations refusing refugee quotas
The European Commission (EC) stated on Tuesday it was not considering to cut European Union (EU) structural assistance to countries that disagree with the mandatory migrant quotas. […]
Society
Interior minister: Lithuania ready to resume border controls if need be
In case of a refugee influx, Lithuania would be ready to resume temporary border controls, says Interior Minister Saulius Skvernelis. […]
European Union
Lithuania’s Linkevičius hopes German border controls won’t trigger Schengen collapse
Lithuania’s Foreign Minister Linas Linkevičius expressed hope that the border control introduced by Germany would not trigger “chain reactions” that would destroy the Schengen zone. […]
European Union
Lithuania to join opposition to mandatory migrant quotas at EU talks
Lithuania and other Central and Eastern European countries plan to resist the introduction of a permanent mandatory migrant quota system as EU interior ministers are meeting in Brussels on Monday. […]
Opinion
Opinion: Refugees, Germany and we
The current rush of refugees is arguably the greatest challenge for the European Union throughout its history. One should hope that the crisis can be solved without endangering the overall European project. […]