LITHUANIA DAILY NEWS BULLETIN
IN THIS ISSUE:
- Upcoming events in Lithuania for Wednesday, September 4, 2024
- Lithuanian PM, Orlen' reps to discuss company's operations, investments in Lithuania
- Lithuania turns away 26 irregular migrants on border with Belarus
- Lithuanian president to discuss defense cooperation with Polish leader, visit Lublin
- Lithuanian formin calls for 'cordon sanitaire' to block radicals from power
- American Jewish Committee urges Lithuanian parties to reject coalition with Zemaitaitis
- Poland's Orlen mulls investing in offshore wind farm, hydrogen production in Lithuania
- Lithuanian prosecutor to ask EP to strip Grazulis of immunity in LGBTIQ contempt case
- Orlen CEO in Vilnius: we mull partaking in 2nd Lithuanian offshore wind farm tender
- Lithuania, Germany to sign brigade rights agreement on September 13 (expands)
- Lithuania develops wartime cultural heritage protection plan, to test it in September
- 'More than one' Lithuanian citizen is fighting on Russian side in Ukraine – minister
- Lithuania formally nominates Kubilius for European commissioner
- Lithuanian formin urges Western support for new Ukrainian ministers amid govt shake-up
- Achema will eventually have to suspend operations after hydrogen project U-turn – ministry
- Inspired by Poland, Lithuania aims to boost defense budget to over 3 pct of GDP – Nauseda
- Rail Baltica issues must be tackled at EU level amid rising costs, delays – Nauseda
- Lithuanian president calls for NATO decision on downing missiles over Ukraine
- Lithuania summons Russian Embassy rep to voice protest over attacks on Ukraine
- Upcoming events in Lithuania for Thursday, September 5, 2024
Upcoming events in Lithuania for Wednesday, September 4, 2024
VILNIUS, Sep 04, BNS – The following events are scheduled in Lithuania for Wednesday, September 4.
PRESIDENT Gitanas Nauseda to travel to Poland.
SPEAKER OF THE SEIMAS Viktorija Cmilyte-Nielsen to meet with the Latvian and Ukrainian ambassador at 11 a.m.
PRIME MINISTER Ingrida Simonyte to meet with the executives of Poland's oil group Orlen at 10 a.m.
JUSTICE MINISTER Ewelina Dobrowolska to meet with Moldova Justice Minister Veronica Mihailov-Moraru ay 10 a.m.; to meet with UK Secretary of State for Justice Shabana Mahmood at 3 p.m.; to meet with Marija Pejcinovic Buric, secretary general of the Council of Europe, at 4 p.m.; to attend a gala dinner for the Council of Europe's conference of justice ministers at 7 p.m.
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Lithuanian PM, Orlen' reps to discuss company's operations, investments in Lithuania
VILNIUS, Sep 04, BNS – Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte is on Wednesday meeting with the executives of Poland's oil group Orlen and Orlen Lietuva, the group's oil import and refining company in Lithuania.
"We will discuss Orlen's activities in Lithuania and potential investments in the energy sector," Orlen Lietuva's spokesman Tomas Digaitis told BNS.
The Lithuanian government's press service told BNS the meeting would be attended by Orlen CEO Ireneusz Fafara, Orlen Lietuva CEO Marek Pawel Golebiewski and Lithuanian Energy Minister Dainius Kreivys.
The Mazeikiai-based Orlen Lietuva refinery is currently undergoing upgrading estimated to cots 970 million euros. The project involves the installation of a deep crude conversion unit and is scheduled to be completed by September 2025. The UK's Petrofac International is the project's general contractor.
In August, Fafara told the Polish media that Orlen's board was looking into the investment plans until 2030, approved as part of the group's strategy, and wanted to make the 320 billion zloty (74.76 billion euros) expenditure in the strategy more realistic.
Orlen Neptun, also part of the Orlen group, took part in Lithuania's first tender for a 700 MW offshore wind farm in the Baltic Sea last year, but only offered a minimum fee of 5 million euros and was not awarded the project.
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Lithuania turns away 26 irregular migrants on border with Belarus
VILNIUS, Sep 04, BNS – Lithuanian border guards have in the past 24 hours turned away 26 migrants attempting to cross into the country from Belarus illegally, the State Border Guard Service (SBGS) said on Wednesday morning.
Latvia reported six attempts at illegal border crossings on Tuesday, and 65 irregular migrants were not allowed into Poland on Monday, according to the latest available information.
A total of 492 irregular migrants have been barred from entering Lithuania from Belarus at non-designated places so far this year, a much lower number than in previous years.
The influx of irregular migrants to the EU's eastern member states from Belarus began in 2021 and is blamed by the West on the Minsk regime.
Almost 4,200 irregular migrants crossed into Lithuania from Belarus illegally in 2021. However, the vast majority of them fled Lithuania once they were allowed to move freely.
Lithuanian border guards have prevented a total of more than 22,300 people from crossing in from Belarus since August 3, 2021, when they were given the right to turn away irregular migrants. The number includes repeated attempts by the same people to cross the border.
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Lithuanian president to discuss defense cooperation with Polish leader, visit Lublin
VILNIUS, Sep 04, BNS – Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda is visiting Poland on Wednesday to discuss defense cooperation with President Andrzej Duda and to mark the 455th anniversary of the Union of Lublin.
"We have a lot to discuss, and, of course, the focus is on security and defense. We will talk about how we will continue to cooperate in the defense sector, what we will do together, how we will strengthen the Suwalki Corridor, and what we will produce together in the defense industry," Asta Skaisgiryte, Nauseda's chief foreign policy advisor, told BNS.
The two presidents will attend a bilateral defense industry forum in Warsaw, which is expected to bring together over 70 defense companies from Lithuania and Poland.
Among other things, four Memoranda of Cooperation will be signed during the meeting: between the Lithuanian Defense and Security Association and the Polish Defense Industry Association, the National Defense Industry Association and the Polish Defense Industry Association, the Lithuanian DigiTech Sector Association Infobalt and Poland's Defence24, and between Kaunas University of Technology and Bialystok University of Technology.
Nauseda said during a meeting with Duda in April that Vilnius was interested in partnering with Warsaw to set up a regional logistics center for High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) ammunition.
Skaisgiryte said the two leaders will discuss the issue at their upcoming meeting.
Later on Wednesday, Nauseda and Duda will head to Lublin.
"This visit takes place as we mark several highly symbolic dates. The first date is the 455th anniversary of the Union of Lublin. On that occasion, the president will visit Lublin, where he and President Duda will sign a declaration outlining the directions for further cooperation between our countries," the advisor said.
"They will also visit the Lublin Castle and the Lithuanian Square in Lublin. The city hosts the headquarters of the Lithuanian-Polish-Ukrainian brigade. Both presidents will visit the headquarters and will be briefed on the brigade’s activities," she added.
The Union of Lublin was concluded on July 1, 1569, uniting the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the Kingdom of Poland into the Commonwealth of the Two Nations.
Skaisgiryte noted that the trip to Poland marks Nauseda's first bilateral visit since his re-election.
The Lithuanian president is also scheduled to meet with Szymon Holownia, marshal of the Sejm, Poland's lower house of parliament, and lay flowers at the Unknown Soldier's Tomb and at the monuments to the victims of the Smolensk tragedy and to Lech Kaczynski.
First Lady Diana Nausediene and Polish First Lady Agata Kornhauser-Duda will visit a school complex for children with special needs in Warsaw and the Little Prince children's hospice in Lublin.
Nausediene will also visit the Przedczasem foundation for parents of premature babies in Lublin, accompanied by representatives from Neisnesiotukas, a Lithuanian association for premature newborns.
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Lithuanian formin calls for 'cordon sanitaire' to block radicals from power
VILNIUS, Sep 04, BNS – Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis, leader of the ruling conservative Homeland Union – Lithuanian Christian Democrats, has called on the country's President Gitanas Nauseda to set up "cordon sanitaire" to prevent radicals from getting into power after the upcoming Seimas election.
According to the foreign minister, European history shows that pandering to such political forces leads to tragic events. He cited Hitler's rise to power and the Second World War and the Holocaust that he brought about as examples.
"I understand that the example is radical, but it is an extremely strong symbol," Landsbergis told the Ziniu Radijas news radio on Wednesday. "But now, isn't our president taking the same position, shouldn't he show leadership by saying: look, a cordon sanitaire must be formed to keep radical forces out of the government."
Landsbergis' comment came in response to the president's recent statements that a coalition with the conservative HU-LCD would be a red line for the Social Democrats, who are now leading in public opinion polls.
The HU-LCD have been urging the Social Democrats for some time now to talk about a possible post-election coalition to block radicals from power, having in mind Remigijus Zemaitaitis and his Dawn of the Nemunas (Nemuno Ausra) party.
Vilija Blinkeviciute, leader of the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party, has hinted that she would not rule out forming a ruling coalition with the Dawn of the Nemunas.
For his part, the president said last week Zemaitaitis' statements about Jews would have to be taken into account when forming a ruling coalition as one of Lithuania's key partners, Germany, is sensitive about this issue.
Earlier this year, Lithuania's Constitutional Court ruled that Zemaitaitis broke his oath as an MP and violated the Constitution by making anti-Semitic statements. He avoided impeachment by resigning from the Seimas in April.
In his Facebook posts in June 2023, Zemaitaitis expressed anger over Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte's visit to Israel and accused Jews of deporting and killing Lithuanians. Commenting on the news of Israel's demolition of a Palestinian school, he likened Israel to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is waging war in Ukraine, and quoted an anti-Semitic folk counting-out rhyme.
The court stated that by using such descriptions, quotes and statements that incite intolerance between ethnic minorities and deny the Holocaust, the politician demonstrated hatred toward an ethnically distinct group.
A Spinter Tyrimai poll showed in early August that the party came in second as 10.2 percent said they would vote for the party in the general election.
Also, Zemaitaitis ran for president in May and came in fourth with 9.21 percent of the vote
The Seimas election in Lithuania will take place on October 13.
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American Jewish Committee urges Lithuanian parties to reject coalition with Zemaitaitis
VILNIUS, Sep 04, BNS – The American Jewish Committee (AJC) has called on Lithuania's mainstream political parties not to cooperate with Remigijus Zemaitaitis and his Dawn of the Nemunas (Nemuno Ausra) party, which the New York-based advocacy group describes as "explicitly anti-Semitic".
"In Lithuania, a new, explicitly anti-Semitic political party led by former MP Remigijus Zemaitaitis, is polling in third place in the October parliamentary elections," AJC posted on the X social platform on Wednesday.
"Even more troubling, the Social Democratic Party says it is open to a coalition government with Zemaitaitis," the organization wrote.
"If they are faithful to fundamental democratic and European values, all mainstream parties must forswear forming a government with this extremist party," it added.
Vilija Blinkeviciute, leader of the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party, which is now leading in public opinion polls, has hinted that she would not rule out forming a ruling coalition with the Dawn of the Nemunas after the October 13 parliamentary election.
President Gitanas Nauseda has said recently that Zemaitaitis' statements about Jews will have to be taken into account when forming a ruling coalition, as Germany, one of Lithuania's key partners, is sensitive about this issue.
Earlier this year, Lithuania's Constitutional Court ruled that Zemaitaitis broke his oath as an MP and violated the Constitution by making anti-Semitic statements. He avoided impeachment by resigning from the Seimas in April.
In his Facebook posts in June 2023, Zemaitaitis expressed anger over Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte's visit to Israel and accused Jews of deporting and killing Lithuanians. Commenting on the news of Israel's demolition of a Palestinian school, he likened Israel to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is waging war in Ukraine, and quoted an anti-Semitic folk counting-out rhyme.
Zemaitaitis denied that his statements were anti-Semitic, but the Constitutional Court ruled that they "contain, among other things, degrading descriptions of people belonging to an ethnically distinct group, and quote a counting-out rhyme (...) depicting violence against Jewish people, mocking them".
In a Spinter Tyrimai opinion poll in early August, the Dawn of the Nemunas ranked second after the Social Democrats, with 10.2 percent of respondents saying they would vote for Zemaitaitis' party in the general election.
Zemaitaitis ran for president in May and came in fourth with 9.21 percent of the vote.
AJC is one of the oldest Jewish advocacy organizations in the United Sates.
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Poland's Orlen mulls investing in offshore wind farm, hydrogen production in Lithuania
VILNIUS, Sep 04, BNS - Poland's largest oil group Orlen is considering new investments in Lithuania, including the construction of a wind farm in the Baltic Sea and the production of green hydrogen.
Also, the installation of wind and solar farms within the territory of the Orlen production facility in Mazekiai is also on the table, the company said on Wednesday.
"We are looking for new growth opportunities, especially in renewable energy. This development will not only ensure stable energy sources, but will also help us move closer to de-carbonizing the group's operations," Orlen CEO Ireneusz Fafara said in a statement.
On Wednesday he met with Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte. The meeting was also attended by Orlen Lietuva CEO Marek Pawel Golebiewski and Lithuanian Energy Minister Dainius Kreivys.
The Mazeikiai-based Orlen Lietuva refinery is currently undergoing upgrading estimated to cots 970 million euros. The project involves the installation of a deep crude conversion unit and is scheduled to be completed by September 2025. The UK's Petrofac International is the project's general contractor.
"Lithuania is a strategically important market for the Orlen group. (...) The completion of the deep conversion project will increase the yield of light products by around 12 percentage points, thus increasing the energy security of the Baltic region. This project is of particular importance for me personally as I was Orlen Lithuania CEO when it was launched," Fafara said.
Orlen Neptun, also part of the Orlen group, took part in Lithuania's first tender for a 700 MW offshore wind farm in the Baltic Sea last year, but only offered a minimum fee of 5 million euros and was not awarded the project.
In August, Fafara told the Polish media that Orlen's board was looking into the investment plans until 2030, approved as part of the group's strategy, and wanted to make the 320 billion zloty (74.76 billion euros) expenditure in the strategy more realistic.
The Orlen CEO said at the time that the group was looking forward to offshore and onshore projects, including small modular reactors, adding that offshore wind energy should remain one of the main areas of future development.
Orlen says it has invested almost 4.5 billion US dollars in Lithuania since 2006 when it acquired the then Mazeikiu Nafta and the Butinge oil terminal.
Orlen Lithuania also owns and is currently upgrading the Mockava railway terminal, an important transhipment station for products exported to Poland and Ukraine.
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Lithuanian prosecutor to ask EP to strip Grazulis of immunity in LGBTIQ contempt case
VILNIUS, Sep 04, BNS – The Vilnius Regional Court on Wednesday instructed the prosecutor to ask the European Parliament to strip MEP Petras Grazulis of his legal immunity in a case where he is charged with expressing contempt for members of the LGBTIQ community.
The hearing of the case was put on hold in the summer after Grazulis won a seat in the European Parliament, leading to questions about the actual start date of his immunity.
The politician became an MEP in mid-July.
Grazulis is accused of publicly ridiculing and expressing contempt for a group of persons or a person on grounds of their sexual orientation.
On May 26, 2022, after the Lithuanian parliament gave its initial backing to the civil union bill legalizing same-sex unions, Grazulis met several representatives of the LGBTIQ community as he was leaving the plenary session hall and called them degenerates spreading STDs, and said they should get treatment.
According to prosecutors, evidence collected during the investigation indicates that Grazulis acted with direct intent, knowing his statements were being recorded, broadcasted, and reported in the media.
Five individuals have been recognized as victims in this investigation.
Grazulis was impeached from the Seimas last year for voting on behalf of another MP.
The Lithuanian Supreme Court last year also upheld a conviction against the 65-year-old politician in the so-called Judex frozen food case.
By Saulius Jakučionis
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Orlen CEO in Vilnius: we mull partaking in 2nd Lithuanian offshore wind farm tender
VILNIUS, Sep 04, BNS - Poland's largest oil group Orlen is considering taking part in the tender for a second 700 MW offshore wind farm in Lithuania, its CEO Ireneusz Fafara says.
"We are considering participating in it. This is one of the reasons why I am here (in Vilnius - BNS), to discuss what is going on, what is the future of the (offshore wind park tender - BNS). Yes, we are considering it", Fafara told BNS on Wednesday after his meeting with Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte and Energy Minister Dainius Kreivys.
Fanfara refrained to comment on the Lithuanian Seimas decision that only one bidder could participate in the tender. The Seimas adopted such amendments in June after the auction for the second offshore wind farm failed for the first time.
"No comment," Fafara when asked to comment on the amended tender conditions.
Orlen Neptun, also part of the Orlen group, took part in Lithuania's first tender for a 700 MW offshore wind farm in the Baltic Sea last year, but only offered a minimum fee of 5 million euros and was not awarded the project.
By Lukas Juozapaitis
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Lithuania, Germany to sign brigade rights agreement on September 13 (expands)
Updated version: updates throughout
VILNIUS, Sep 04, BNS – Vilnius and Berlin will sign in mid-September an intergovernmental agreement on the rights of German troops stationed in Lithuania, including permission for setting up German educational and medical facilities in the country, Defense Minister Laurynas Kasciunas confirmed to BNS on Wednesday.
The agreement has been drafted as Lithuania prepares to host a German brigade of several thousand troops.
"I confirm that the agreement will be signed on September 13," Kasciunas said.
"It will cover the procedure for the use of areas designated for German troops, procedures for their arrival, departure and movement in Lithuania, measures for ensuring the security of the force, tax exemptions, and the possibility to establish German educational and medical institutions in Lithuania," he said”
The agreement provides for the establishment of military canteens and stores in Lithuania by the German army, and they will be exempted from tax.
According to the Defense Ministry, such canteens and stores will also be available to members of other NATO countries' militaries, except for Lithuania, who are participating in joint operations and exercises.
It was also agreed during the negotiations that members of the civilian component sent by Germany and members of state-owned enterprises will also be granted special tax treatment.
Taxes for economic activities in Lithuania would be paid in Lithuania, provided that they are not carried out by Germany's army or its state institutions or enterprises. Meanwhile, taxes relating to residence and property in Germany would be paid in Germany, for example, inheritance tax.
The agreement also provides that the German army may purchase goods and services on their own behalf, which may be transferred for the personal use of German personnel. Such transfers will not be subject to Lithuanian commercial trade legislation. The limitations of tax benefits by the type and quantity of goods will be unilaterally determined by Lithuania.
The agreement also includes changes in the area of labor and employment. It has been decided to abolish the special status for the employment of Lithuanian nationals by the German army. European Union legislation and Lithuanian law would apply to such cases.
Under the agreement, the children of German brigade soldiers in Lithuania will undergo education in the German language under the German curriculum. The municipalities of Vilnius and Kaunas will provide the necessary infrastructure for German schools. They will also be responsible for the construction of any new educational facilities for German needs.
According to the cost-sharing agreements, Lithuania's share of the costs will be borne by the government, including the share needed for the construction of the schools.
The agreement also covers the arrival and departure of the German brigade, access to Lithuania's military infrastructure, the establishment of a military postal service, a radio station, driving schools and military medical facilities. Radio frequencies would be provided to the German army free of charge.
Kasciunas added that he will sign the agreement in Berlin along Deputy Foreign Minister Jonas Survila, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and a representative from the German Foreign Ministry.
The document will have to be ratified by both countries' parliaments.
The Lithuanian government is expected to authorize Kasciunas and Survila to sign the agreement on Wednesday.
Lithuania and Germany have agreed to deploy the brigade by the end of 2027, but officials are concerned that this date may be pushed back.
By Saulius Jakučionis
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Lithuania develops wartime cultural heritage protection plan, to test it in September
VILNIUS, Sep 04, BNS – Lithuania's authorities have developed a plan to protect cultural heritage in the event of war and plan to test it later this month.
The parliamentary Committee on Culture discussed the plan in a closed meeting on Wednesday.
"The plan is in place; it was presented and received approval," Vilmantas Vitkauskas, head of the National Crisis Management Center, told reporters after the meeting.
"We have a mobilization drill scheduled for September 23-26, which includes measures for the preservation of cultural heritage," he added.
Vytautas Juozapaitis, the committee's chairman, described the plan as "impressive".
"What has been presented is impressive, with all possible scenarios considered," he said. "I think the institutions, first of all, the National Crisis Management Center, are performing their functions flawlessly."
The MP noted that the plan is not public, so he could not disclose specific details.
According to Vitkauskas, cultural heritage items were inventoried over the summer, priorities were set, and actions were planned for both sudden and anticipated attacks.
Juozapaitis noted that different protection measures are planned for immovable and movable cultural assets.
"As far as movable heritage items are concerned, they are registered; there are several hundred thousand of them, of which slightly fewer than 100,000 are of special value and would be given priority," he said.
Vydas Dolinskas, director of the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, said that Lithuanian museums are learning from Ukraine's experience and helping the country to protect its heritage. They are also considering which foreign locations would be suitable for safeguarding Lithuania's treasures.
Dolinskas noted that natural disasters and fires can also cause emergencies.
"Six or seven years ago, the Museum of the Palace invited a specialist from Dresden, who had led the evacuation of a museum during the Elbe River flood, to tell us about the specific problems that arise," the director said.
"While you can theoretically prepare for anything, in practice, you do not always know the nuances that might occur," he added.
Juozapaitis emphasized that the protection of cultural heritage is a key factor in the survival of the state.
By Jūratė Skėrytė
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'More than one' Lithuanian citizen is fighting on Russian side in Ukraine – minister
VILNIUS, Sep 04, BNS – More than one Lithuanian citizen is fighting on the Russian side against Ukraine, Lithuanian Defense Minister Laurynas Kasciunas says without providing further details.
"I can say that there is definitely more than one," the minister told reporters on Wednesday.
According to the 15min news website, at least five Lithuanian citizens are fighting on the Russian side against Ukraine.
Asked how long they have been doing so, Kasciunas said that "times vary", but there is no information about the number of dead. These persons are known to Lithuania's law enforcement authorities, the minister said.
"Let's leave it to the authorities," he said when asked whether efforts would be made to bring the Lithuanian citizens fighting on the Russian side back.
The Prosecutor General's Office also refrained to comment on the situation when approached by BNS.
"We are verifying and looking into such information as part of an investigation into war crimes and crimes against humanity in Ukraine. Right now, we do not provide any detailed information," it said.
In August, prosecutors launched a probe into reports Lithuanian national Kestutis Kvietkus was fighting on the Russian side as he shared videos on Facebook of himself firing a grenade launcher and being in trenches.
By Paulius Perminas
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Lithuania formally nominates Kubilius for European commissioner
VILNIUS, Sep 04, BNS – The Lithuanian government on Wednesday formally put forward MEP Andrius Kubilius, a former prime minister, as its nominee for the European Commission.
Kubilius' candidacy was approved by the parliament on Tuesday, following an earlier endorsement by President Gitanas Nauseda.
His nomination will now be reviewed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen before requiring final approval from the European Parliament.
Kubilius has said that Lithuania should aim for portfolios related to defense, security and EU enlargement.
However, the German newspaper Die Welt reported on Tuesday that von der Leyen has already chosen Latvia's Valdis Dombrovskis, currently the EU's trade commissioner, for the EU enlargement portfolio.
The former prime minister from the Homeland Union-Lithuanian Christian Democrats was proposed as Lithuania's nominee after Nauseda rejected the candidacy of Gabrielius Landsbergis, the conservative party's leader.
Kubilius, who has served as an MEP since 2019, is a strong advocate for closer ties between the EU and Eastern Partnership countries, increased support for Ukraine, and a tougher stance toward the Kremlin.
Lithuania's candidate for the European Commission is formally proposed by the government, but the nomination requires approval from both the president and the Seimas.
The nominee also needs the endorsement of the European Commission president and the European Parliament.
The new European Commission is expected to officially take office on December 1.
By Greta Zulonaitė
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Lithuanian formin urges Western support for new Ukrainian ministers amid govt shake-up
VILNIUS, Sep 04, BNS – Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis on Wednesday called on Western nations to fulfill their promises to Ukraine and help its government "get into its stride" amid a reshuffle that saw four ministers hand in their resignations.
"It seems to me that we (Ukraine's allies) have more homework to do now. We have unfulfilled promises to help in the areas that are most affected and to help the restructured Ukrainian government get into its stride," Landsbergis told reporters.
Several Ukrainian ministers had tendered their resignations by Tuesday evening, including Minister for Strategic Industries Oleksandr Kamyshin, Justice Minister Denys Maliuska, and Environmental Protection and Natural Resources Minister Ruslan Strilets.
On Wednesday, Ruslan Stefanchuk, speaker of the Verkhovna Rada, announced that Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba was also stepping down.
The speaker said the parliament would consider his resignation request at its next plenary session.
Landsbergis said it is hard to pinpoint the exact reasons behind each minister's resignation, but added that the reshuffle could be due to Ukraine's tough energy situation, restrictions on arms supplies, and a lack of new commitments from allies.
"The most difficult thing is that, despite Russia's intensifying attacks on civilian targets, Ukraine still does not have Western approval to strike deeper into Russia," he said.
Kuleba, the face of Ukrainian diplomacy during the war, is the most important of the ministers to step down. He gave no reasons for his resignation,
"My dear friend Dmytro Kuleba set a very high benchmark not only for his successor, but for any foreign minister in any country. It was an honor to defend Ukraine and Europe with him, and I wish him every success in the future," Landsbergis posted on the X social platform.
Vitalii Koval, head of the State Property Fund, and Deputy Prime Ministers Iryna Vereshchuk and Olha Stefanishyna have also offered their resignations.
Zelensky has also dismissed Rostyslav Shurma, a deputy chief of staff and a key aide to the president, according to a presidential decree.
By Paulius Perminas
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Achema will eventually have to suspend operations after hydrogen project U-turn – ministry
VILNIUS, Sep 04, BNS – Achema, Lithuania's Jonava-based nitrogen fertilizer maker, will eventually have to suspend its operations because it will be non-competitive and will not comply with the EU's green policy requirements, the Economy and Innovation Ministry said on Wednesday after Achema U-turned on its green hydrogen production project and decided not to use the 122 million euros in allocated EU support.
"Having decided not to benefit from EU support, Achema will probably have to stop its activities in the long term as this will prevent it from remaining competitive. The company will not be in line with EC regulatory requirements and common national policies. Although we are dealing with the situation swiftly, Achema's decision not to comply with the principles of sustainability is truly disappointing," said Iveta Paludneviciute, chancellor at the Economy and Innovation Ministry, said, pointing out hat it was the first such large subsidy for a Lithuanian company.
Vice Minister Ieva Valeskaite says efforts had been made for years to ensure that Achema, Lithuania's most polluting company, would take advantage of EU support to retool and start producing green hydrogen.
The ministry started negotiations with the European Commission on support for Achema back in 2021, and was in active negotiations with the responsible EC unit since June 2023.
On Tuesday, Achema announced its decision to no longer implement the planned green hydrogen project following the assessment of the technological and economic challenges and risks involved.
Achema had planned to build a 213 MW green hydrogen production facility by the fall of 2027.
Speaking earlier in the day, Energy Minister Dainius Kreivys did not rule out that Achema's decision to postpone the hydrogen project may have to do with its main shareholders' plans to sell a controlling stake in Achema Group to MET Group, a Swiss energy company.
In April 2023, Achema announced plans to build a 213 MW green hydrogen production facility by the fall of 2027 for 344 million euros. It was stated that once completed, the project was expected to avoid the release of at least 5.8 million tons of CO2 over the 19 years of expected operation of the facility.
Achema said in December 2022 that it was planning to invest around 2 billion euros in green production over 10 to 15 years.
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Inspired by Poland, Lithuania aims to boost defense budget to over 3 pct of GDP – Nauseda
VILNIUS, Sep 04, BNS – Lithuania, inspired by Poland's example, aims to allocate more than 3 percent of its GDP to defense, President Gitanas Nauseda said in Warsaw on Wednesday.
Currently, Poland allocates 4 percent of its GDP to defense, while Lithuania spends 3 percent. However, Warsaw plans to increase its defense spending to 5 percent of GDP next year.
Nauseda, on his first bilateral visit to the neighboring country since his re-election, made these remarks during a joint press conference with Polish President Andrzej Duda.
"I am glad that Poland shares our view on the responsibility of funding defense," the Lithuanian leader said. "I have closely followed your initiatives, Mr. President, to encourage NATO members to spend not 2 percent but at least 3 percent of their GDP on defense."
"For us, this is not only acceptable; we welcome such an initiative. Lithuania, for its part, has already reached the 3 percent defense funding threshold, and I believe we will not stop there, as we are inspired by Poland's example," he added.
Nauseda noted that Poland also has many other areas that need funding but "understands very well where the priority lies".
"Today, the priority is security. Without security and ensuring the safety of our external borders, it is very difficult to address economic and social issues and pursue economic progress," he said.
The president also noted that the countries are ready to train Ukrainian troops at the Lithuanian-Polish-Ukrainian brigade's base, which he and Duda plan to visit on Thursday.
"Ukraine's victory is the best guarantee of peace and stability in Europe, so we must do everything we can to support Ukraine in achieving that victory and provide the necessary support to our suffering neighbor," he said.
Nauseda said he expects that it will be possible to elevate the issue of Ukraine's integration to an even higher level and "bring Ukraine closer to the Europe it deserves" when Poland takes over the rotating EU presidency next year.
"Lithuania will take over the EU presidency in 2027, and I believe that many issues will also be very important, both concerning Ukraine's membership and the 2028-203 financial framework," the Lithuanian president said.
"I hope for support from our like-minded partner Poland in achieving the goals set for our presidency," he added.
Nauseda and Duda also discussed the improvement of strategic infrastructure, energy security, and military mobility.
On Thursday, the two presidents will visit a Lithuania-Poland defense industry forum in Warsaw, which is expected to bring together over 70 defense companies from the two countries.
This year marks the 455th anniversary of the Union of Lublin and the 510th anniversary of the Battle of Orsha, in which the combined forces of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and Poland defeated Moscow's forces.
Nauseda's office has said that to mark the occasion, the president will visit the castle in Lublin, where he and Duda will sign a declaration on further cooperation between the two countries, as well as the Lithuanian Square and the Lithuanian-Polish-Ukrainian brigade's headquarters.
The Union of Lublin was concluded on July 1, 1569, uniting the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the Kingdom of Poland into the Commonwealth of the Two Nations.
By Dominykas Biržietis
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Rail Baltica issues must be tackled at EU level amid rising costs, delays – Nauseda
VILNIUS, Sep 04, BNS - Rail Baltica issues must be resolved at the EU level, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda says amid the rail project's rising costs and delays.
The Lithuanian president made the remarks at a joint press conference in Warsaw with his Polish counterpart Andrzej Duda.
"I paid particular attention to the Rail Baltica project, which is moving ahead a bit slower than we planned. As a result, the project's costs are higher than planned. I believe this is one of the issues that we could address together with the European Union," Nauseda said.
"Rail Baltica is not only a project that will allow people to travel more freely between the north and the south, will not only allow transporting products, goods and other valuables more freely. It is also a very important military mobility project as it will allow faster, more efficient movement of military equipment from one point to another," Nauseda added.
Meanwhile, the Via Baltica international motorway project is being successfully implemented, the Lithuanian leader pointed out, adding that the reconstruction of the section from Marijampole to the Polish border, scheduled to be completed by 2025, will allow "a much more comfortable and free movement between our countries (Lithuania and Poland - BNS)".
Lithuanian Transport Minister Marius Skuodis earlier blamed RB Rail, thee pan-Baltic venture set up for the rail Baltica project, for the slow and costly construction of the Rail Baltica railway.
After the Rail Baltica project appreciated 2.6 times since 2017, Transport and Communications Vice Minister Loreta Maskalioviene said the pace of the project's implementation, not the money, was its main problem. This year, almost 1.5 billion euros has been secured for the Rail Baltica project in Lithuania, of which 204 million euros had been spent by July.
The project is also not using all the state budget allocations, she said, adding that the project has become significantly more expensive since 2017 due to changes in the project's structure, technical parameters and inflation.
Meanwhile, in a joint report published in June, Baltic auditors said that an additional 10-19 billion euros could be needed to implement the planned works in the three Baltic states, including 8.7 billion euros in Lithuania alone.
According to the ministry, the entire Rail Baltica project connecting the Baltic states to Europe is scheduled to be completed by 2030, while the connection between Lithuania and Poland is expected to be completed by 2028.
Rail Baltica will connect Tallinn, Parnu, Riga, Panevezys, Kaunas, Vilnius and Warsaw, including a 392-kilometre stretch in Lithuania.
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Lithuanian president calls for NATO decision on downing missiles over Ukraine
VILNIUS, Sep 04, BNS – Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said on Wednesday that NATO is holding discussions on the downing of potentially threatening missiles flying over third countries, but these talks have yet to yield results.
"Such a discussion has started among NATO member states. Today, we cannot say that this discussion is over or that it has produced a concrete result," Nauseda told a press conference in Warsaw.
"My country, along with some other states, is making efforts for such discussions to take place and for us to decide, first of all, at the NATO level, because this is a very serious matter that can also threaten the security of our people," he said.
Nauseda noted that this issue has become even more pressing due to the recent increase in Russian attacks in Western Ukraine.
According to the president, it is important to distinguish whether a missile or drone is flying over a third country, such as Ukraine, with its trajectory directed toward Poland or another NATO member, or whether it is flying over Polish airspace.
"It seems to me that in the latter case, it is exclusively a matter of Poland's security. And undoubtedly, if necessary, such objects can be shot down," Nauseda said.
"The issue of downing flying objects that potentially pose a risk to the security of our countries and that fly over the territory of another state is somewhat more complicated," he added.
In late August, the Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces said that an unidentified object, likely a drone, entered Polish airspace during a large-scale Russian air attack on Ukraine. It disappeared from radar after flying about 25 kilometers over Poland.
Following this incident, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said that Poland must ensure the safety of its citizens and has a duty to shoot down missiles over Ukraine that are on course to hit Polish territory.
Sikorski made these comments despite concerns that such actions might directly involve NATO in Russia's war in Ukraine.
In March, Poland also reported a breach of its airspace by a Russian cruise missile and demanded an explanation from Moscow. A similar incident occurred in December 2023 when a Russian missile penetrated Polish airspace for several minutes before returning to Ukraine.
In November 2022, two people were killed when a Ukrainian air-defense missile fell on the Polish village of Przewodow, close to the Ukrainian border.
By Dominykas Biržietis
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Lithuania summons Russian Embassy rep to voice protest over attacks on Ukraine
VILNIUS, Sep 04, BNS – Lithuania's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday summoned a representative of the Russian Embassy in Lithuania to express its strong protest over the Kremlin's recently intensified shelling of civilian targets in Ukraine.
The Russian representative was told that rockets and bombs falling on educational establishments, hospitals and civilian homes showed Russia's desperation, its complete disregard for human life and its disregard for any rules of war.
The Foreign Ministry also pointed out that not only the perpetrators of Russia's war crimes, but also those responsible for the planning and execution of Russia's military aggression against Ukraine are facing liability.
"Lithuania, together with the international community, reiterates its call on Russia to put an immediate end to its criminal and brutal aggression and underlines that it will do everything possible to further strengthen its support to Ukraine's defense," the ministry said.
Seven people, including three children, were killed in a Russian strike on the historic center of Lviv in western Ukraine on Wednesday.
Russia also hit a military institute and a nearby hospital in Poltava with two ballistic missiles on Tuesday. The strike killed 53 and injured 271 people.
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Upcoming events in Lithuania for Thursday, September 5, 2024
VILNIUS, Sep 05, BNS – The following events are scheduled in Lithuania for Thursday, September 5.
PRESIDENT Gitanas Nauseda and Polish President Andrzej Duda to attend a bilateral defense fodum in Warsawr at 10 a.m.; to lay flower at the Union of Lublin Monument at 1.20 p.m.; to visit the HQ of the Lithuanian-Polish-Ukrainian Brigade at 1.35 p.m.; to sign a declaration of bilateral relatons at 2.55 p.m.; the presidents' statements to the press at the National Museum in Lublin at 3.05 p.m.
DEFENSE MINISTER Laurynas Kasciunas and INTERIOR MINISTER Agne Bilotaite to attend a presentation of countermobility measures in Pagegiai at 11 a.m.
JUSTICE MINISTRY
The Informal Conference of the Ministers of Justice of the Council of Europe "Towards Accountability for International Crimes Committed in Ukraine" will start in Vilnius. The Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law to be signed at 9.15 a.m.; a joint press conference of Justice Minister Ewelina Dobrowolska and Marija Pejcinovic Buric, secretary general of the Council of Europe, at 11.15 a.m.
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