LITHUANIA DAILY NEWS BULLETIN
IN THIS ISSUE:
- Upcoming events in Lithuania for Friday, June 13, 2025
- Lithuania records no illegal border crossings from Belarus
- Lithuanian minister says he won't seek EU funding for Rail Baltica link to Vilnius
- Lithuanian citizens urged not to travel to Israel, leave Iran as soon as possible – FM
- Baltic countries agree to develop joint mass evacuation plans, share data
- Extending EPPO powers would make EU sanctions more effective – Lithuanian justmin
- Mandatory military service should remain limited to men – Lithuanian PM
- Iranian retaliatory strikes against Israel likely, but Lithuania urges restraint – FM
- Lithuania gears up for evacuation of several hundred citizens from Israel
- LTOU: upcoming flight from Vilnius to Tel Aviv cancelled
- Lithuania's presidential office: Iran's efforts to build nuclear weapons must be thwarted
- Lithuania calls rising number of Schengen visas for Russian citizens 'serious threat'
Upcoming events in Lithuania for Friday, June 13, 2025
VILNIUS, Jun 13, BNS – The following events are scheduled in Lithuania for Friday, June 13, 2025:
INTERIOR MINISTER Vladislav Kondratovic to attend a meeting of EU justice and home affairs ministers in Luxembourg.
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Lithuania records no illegal border crossings from Belarus
VILNIUS, Jun 13, BNS – Lithuanian border guards have recorded no attempts to cross into the country from Belarus illegally in the past 24 hours, the State Border Guard Service (SBGS) said on Friday morning.
Latvia reported 38 illegal border crossing attempts on Thursday. Poland denied entry to 233 irregular migrants on Wednesday, according to the latest available information.
Lithuania has barred a total of 857 irregular migrants from entering from Belarus at non-designated places so far this year, after turning away 1,002 in 2024
The influx of irregular migrants into the EU's eastern member states from Belarus began in 2021 and is blamed by the West on the Minsk regime.
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Lithuanian minister says he won't seek EU funding for Rail Baltica link to Vilnius
VILNIUS, Jun 13, BNS – Lithuanian Transport Minister Eugenijus Sabutis has said he will not seek European Union funding for the Rail Baltica railway link to Vilnius, as the EU is not prepared to finance this part of the project.
Sabutis told TV3 News on Thursday that the national budget does not have the funds needed to build the European standard-gauge railway between Kaunas and Vilnius.
"If we were to do it on a larger scale, the cost could reach nearly four billion euros. That's an enormous amount of money, and right now, neither we nor the EU are ready to commit that kind of funding to this particular project," the minister said.
"The initiative for funding has to come from us. At the moment, I don't want to take that initiative, because the main focus remains on the connection from Tallinn to Warsaw," he added.
According to Sabutis, the existing railway line between Kaunas and Vilnius is working well and is suitable for transport needs.
"It will definitely need to be converted to European gauge sooner or later, but probably later rather than sooner. (...) The answer for now is: later," he said.
In his comment to TV3 News, Vilnius Mayor Valdas Benkunskas called the decision "a major betrayal and a turning away from Vilnius."
In late May, the Lithuanian, Latvian and Estonian transport ministers signed a joint statement saying that the Baltic countries would jointly negotiate long-term EU funding and seek additional financing sources to speed up the construction of Rail Baltica.
Sabutis has previously said that borrowing is being considered for the project, with a guarantee that the loan would be repaid from future EU funding.
In February, Arenijus Jackus, CEO of Rail Baltica Statyba (Rail Baltica Construction), a subsidiary of Lietuvos Gelezinkeliai (Lithuanian Railways, LTG), told BNS that the European-gauge section from Kaunas to Vilnius would not be built by 2030, when Lithuania plans to complete the main line.
Jackus said that this part of the project could be finished sooner if a partnership with the private sector were secured and that a temporary variable-gauge mechanism could also be installed.
In a joint report released last June, Baltic auditors warned that completing the planned works across the three countries could require an additional 10-19 billion euros, with 8.7 billion euros needed in Lithuania alone.
Lithuanian Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas has said that the entire Rail Baltica project is currently facing a funding gap of about 11 billion euros.
According to LTG Infra, the infrastructure arm of the state-owned railway group, Lithuania has so far secured 1.6 billion euros in funding for the Rail Baltica project, of which 289.6 million euros have already been used, including 250.5 million euros for construction works.
The full Rail Baltica project, which will connect the Baltic states to the rest of Europe, is scheduled for completion in 2030, with the Lithuanian and Polish railway tracks expected to be linked in 2028.
The line is planned to run through Tallinn, Parnu, Riga, Panevezys, Kaunas, Vilnius and Warsaw, with the Lithuanian section stretching 392 kilometers.
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Lithuanian citizens urged not to travel to Israel, leave Iran as soon as possible – FM
VILNIUS, Jun 13, BNS - Lithuanian citizens have been urged not to travel to Israel and leave Iran immediately amid the heightened tensions in the Middle East, the Foreign Ministry said on Friday.
"We are watching the situation closely and urge all sides to show restraint and take urgent measures to stabilize the situation. We remain in close contact with our closest allies," the ministry said in a statement today.
The ministry is also urging people who are in Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Palestine and other countries in the Middle East region to be extra vigilant, follow the news and announcements of Lithuanian diplomatic missions, and to comply with the local authorities' instructions on security.
Meanwhile, Lietuvos Oro Uostai (Lithuanian Airports, LTOU), the airport operator in Lithuania, told BNS that they have not received any information about possible flight cancellations.
Israel struck Iran's nuclear and military facilities before dawn on Friday and vows to continue military action. Several Iranian sites were hit, with reports of explosions in the capital Tehran and at a major uranium enrichment facility.
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Baltic countries agree to develop joint mass evacuation plans, share data
VILNIUS, Jun 13, BNS – The Baltic interior ministers have signed a memorandum aimed at promoting regional cooperation in cross-border evacuation planning, developing joint mass evacuation plans and ensuring timely exchange of information.
Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have pledged to cooperate in the event of a mass evacuation on a Baltic-wide scale, share data on evacuation capacities, potential evacuation corridors and border crossings, Lithuania's Interior Ministry said Friday.
The goal is also to further develop the necessary tools and resources, in particular to provide assistance to vulnerable groups.
"It is important for the Baltic states to take a united approach and coordinate actions in the event of threats to ensure the safety of our people. Especially if large-scale evacuations are needed," Interior Minister Vladislav Kondratovic said.
"It is important to have clear algorithms, a rapid exchange of information to ensure the effective implementation of preventive, preparedness and mitigation measures, and a coordinated provision of information to the public to avoid impulsive behavior, both in the run-up to and during a crisis," he added.
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Extending EPPO powers would make EU sanctions more effective – Lithuanian justmin
VILNIUS, Jun 13, BNS - Giving the European Public Prosecutor's Office broader powers would make EU sanctions more effective, Lithuanian Justice Minister Rimantas Mockus says.
One of the possible ways to use the EPPO's potential and make it more efficient is to give it the power to investigate violations of EU sanctions, the minister was quoted as saying in a statement released by his ministry on Friday.
"This mandate would make EU sanctions an even more powerful instrument as part of the EU's security policy," the statement said.
Mockus made the remarks during a visit to Luxembourg to meet with Laura Codruta Kovesi, chief prosecutor of the European Public Prosecutor's Office.
According to the ministry, the meeting also discussed ways to strengthen the bloc's fight against financial crime. It was also tentatively agreed on Codruta Kovesi's visit to Lithuania in September.
So far, 24 EU member states have joined the European Public Prosecutor's Office and are participating in its activities.
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Mandatory military service should remain limited to men – Lithuanian PM
VILNIUS, Jun 13, BNS – As Defense Minister Dovile Sakaliene says that Lithuania will need to increase the role of women in national defense if it wants to expand its military over the next decade, Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas believes that mandatory service should remain limited to men.
"Women are absolutely capable of anything. And if they want to, they must be given the opportunity to serve in the Lithuanian Armed Forces. But the obligation to be conscripted and serve should fall first and foremost on men," Paluckas told reporters in Telsiai on Friday.
According to the prime minister, women must be provided with every opportunity to serve in the military, but how many of them actually contribute to national defense should depend on their own willingness.
"What proportion we end up with will depend on how many women want to serve. And there are such women, and their number is growing. We are really glad they are serving in the Lithuanian Armed Forces and contributing to the country’s defense," he added.
Sakaliene told a press conference earlier on Friday that if Lithuania wants to increase troop numbers in the next 5 to 10 years, women's participation in defense must rise, otherwise the country will have to "import soldiers."
By Karolina Ambrazaitytė
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Iranian retaliatory strikes against Israel likely, but Lithuania urges restraint – FM
VILNIUS, Jun 13, BNS – Iranian retaliation is likely following Israeli strikes on Iran's nuclear and military sites, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys said on Friday, calling on all sides to show restraint.
"Of course, the latest attack has further escalated the situation and increased instability in the region. Iranian retaliation strikes are likely – something Lithuania urges all parties to refrain from because the consequences could, and will, be severe for everyone," he said in a comment.
Budrys emphasized that the ministry's top priority is the safety of Lithuanian citizens.
"We are working in cooperation with the National Crisis Management Center. We have contacted our citizens in Israel and are taking preparatory steps we have taken before, because this is not the first Middle East crisis we have faced," he said.
The minister warned that Israel's actions will have global consequences by diverting the world's attention and diplomatic efforts from resolving Russia's aggression against Ukraine.
"Yes, there will be consequences, which is why the Republic of Lithuania has an important role to play in maintaining that attention, emphasizing the most important issues, those that matter for Europe's security. That is what we will do," he said.
Budrys described the situation as another phase in Iran's decades-long illegal effort to acquire a nuclear weapon and develop its nuclear program.
His comments came after Israel struck Iranian nuclear and military targets in Tehran and other locations early Friday and vowed to continue military action.
In Israel, the alert level has been raised, airspace has been closed, flights have been suspended, city shelters have been opened, and citizens have been told to stay near cover and follow further civil defense instructions.
According to the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry, the situation could last for an extended period.
Given heightened tensions in the Middle East, the ministry is calling on Lithuanian citizens to cancel any travel to Israel and to leave Iran immediately.
Those who are in Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Palestine and other countries in the Middle East region are urged to be extra vigilant, follow the news and announcements of Lithuanian diplomatic missions, and to comply with local authorities' instructions on security.
Lietuvos Oro Uostai (Lithuanian Airports, LTOU) told BNS that Saturday's Wizz Air flight from Vilnius to Tel Aviv has been canceled. There is no information yet about other possible flight cancellations.
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Lithuania gears up for evacuation of several hundred citizens from Israel
VILNIUS, Jun 13, BNS – Lithuanian authorities are gearing up for the evacuation of Lithuanian citizens from Israel in the wake of Israel's attacks on Iran, Vilmantas Vitkauskas, the head of the National Crisis Management Center, told the public radio LRT on Friday.
The NCMC told BNS that, according to preliminary data, there are 255 Lithuanians in Israel and 84 in Iran. They are being contacted and provided with the recommendations drawn up in cooperation with the Foreign Ministry.
"Our embassy in Israel is working hard to establish a more accurate number and to register those who want to leave. We are looking into the possibilities of whether flights will be organized from Israel or whether we will have to look for other options, as we have done before with military aviation," Vitkauskas said.
"For the time being, the embassy in Tel Aviv is collecting information and once we have that figure, we will be able to provide more precise information. Right now, intensive work is going on and at the moment I cannot answer how many people have registered," he said.
Lietuvos Oro Uostai (Lithuanian Airports, LTOU), Lithuania's airport operator, says the upcoming flight from Vilnius to Tel Aviv has been cancelled.
Earlier in the day, the Foreign Ministry urged Lithuanian citizens not to travel to Israel and leave Iran immediately amid the heightened tensions in the Middle East.
The ministry is also urging people who are in Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Palestine and other countries in the Middle East region to be extra vigilant, follow the news and announcements of Lithuanian diplomatic missions, and to comply with the local authorities' instructions on security.
The Foreign Ministry also urges Lithuanian citizens in Israel to register on the Travel Safely app or on the website. People are advised to provide contact details and as much information as possible describing their situation.
Israel struck Iran's nuclear and military facilities before dawn on Friday and vows to continue military action. Several Iranian sites were hit, with reports of explosions in the capital Tehran and at a major uranium enrichment facility.
A heightened state of alert has been declared In Israel, with airspace closed, flights suspended, urban shelters opened, and citizens are urged to stay close to shelters and to follow further announcements from the civil protection services. According to the Foreign Ministry, this situation may continue for an extended period of time.
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LTOU: upcoming flight from Vilnius to Tel Aviv cancelled
VILNIUS, Jun 13, BNS – Lietuvos Oro Uostai (Lithuanian Airports, LTOU), Lithuania's airport operator, says the upcoming flight from Vilnius to Tel Aviv has been cancelled.
"The next flight from Vilnius to Tel Aviv and from Tel Aviv to Vilnius was due to take place tomorrow, but Wizz Air has already cancelled this flight. We have not yet received any information about the cancellation of other flights," the airport operator told BNS.
Earlier in the day, the Foreign Ministry urged Lithuanian citizens not to travel to Israel and leave Iran immediately amid the heightened tensions in the Middle East.
The ministry is also urging people who are in Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Palestine and other countries in the Middle East region to be extra vigilant, follow the news and announcements of Lithuanian diplomatic missions, and to comply with the local authorities' instructions on security.
The Foreign Ministry also urges Lithuanian citizens in Israel to register on the Travel Safely app or on the website. People are advised to provide contact details and as much information as possible describing their situation.
Israel struck Iran's nuclear and military facilities before dawn on Friday and vows to continue military action. Several Iranian sites were hit, with reports of explosions in the capital Tehran and at a major uranium enrichment facility.
A heightened state of alert has been declared In Israel, with airspace closed, flights suspended, urban shelters opened, and citizens are urged to stay close to shelters and to follow further announcements from the civil protection services. According to the Foreign Ministry, this situation may continue for an extended period of time.
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Lithuania's presidential office: Iran's efforts to build nuclear weapons must be thwarted
VILNIUS, Jun 13, BNS - Tehran's efforts to build nuclear weapons must be thwarted, Lithuania's presidential office said on Friday, commenting on Israel's attack on Iran.
On the other hand, it stressed the need for all sides to show restraint.
"Lithuania has consistently taken and continues to take the position that Iran's efforts to build nuclear weapons must be prevented. Iran's cooperation with the international community has been insufficient and the threat to the fundamental security interests of Israel and the entire Middle East is very real," the presidential office said in a comment sent to BNS.
"While maintaining close ties with its closest allies, Lithuania urges all sides to show restraint and take urgent measures to stabilize the situation," it said.
Israel struck Iran's nuclear and military facilities before dawn on Friday and vows to continue military action. Several Iranian sites were hit, with reports of explosions in the capital Tehran and at a major uranium enrichment facility.
A heightened state of alert has been declared In Israel, with airspace closed, flights suspended, urban shelters opened, and citizens are urged to stay close to shelters and to follow further announcements from the civil protection services. According to the Foreign Ministry, this situation may continue for an extended period of time.
By Augustas Stankevičius
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Lithuania calls rising number of Schengen visas for Russian citizens 'serious threat'
VILNIUS, Jun 13, BNS –The growing number of Schengen visas issued to Russian citizens is a serious security threat, Lithuanian Interior Minister Vladislav Kondratovic said during a meeting of EU home affairs ministers in Luxembourg on Friday.
"The issue of the growing number of Schengen visas issued to Russian citizens was highlighted during the Council discussion on the situation in the Schengen area. According to the interior minister, the increasing number of Schengen visas issued to Russian citizens is a serious security threat," the ministry said in a statement.
Lithuania no longer recognizes non-biometric Russian passports as valid travel documents for entry into Lithuania.
"Passports without biometric data do not have modern security measures and are easier to forge, which increases the risk of their illegal use. We invite other member states to consider introducing this restriction, and we also urge them to follow the European Commission's guidelines on tightening the visa regime for Russian citizens," Kondratovic said.
Ministers also agreed on a one-year extension of the temporary protection of Ukrainian refugees, which means that Ukrainians fleeing the Russian war can remain in the bloc until March 2027.
There are around 4.3 million Ukrainians registered as refugees in the EU. Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic have taken in the largest numbers.
Ministers also expressed their support for the new EU Internal Security Strategy (ProtectEU) and discussed the strengthening of the return policy.
Currently, the EU's return rate is only 24 percent and non-cooperation from third countries is one of the main challenges. Lithuania supports the proposal for a broader and stronger application of visa policy levers towards third countries, and looks forward to significant changes in the EU's legal framework in the context of the proposal for a return regulation.
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