POLITICS
The future of Europe discussed at the meeting with Donald Tusk
President Dalia Grybauskaitė met with European Council President Donald Tusk on 9 September. The meeting focused on preparations for the EU-27 summit, which will be held next week in Bratislava to reflect on the future of the European Union. According to the President, Brexit lessons have to be taken into account very responsibly and the EU must respond to the expectations of its citizens. The EU’s ultimate goal is to ensure that all citizens feel safe. This can be achieved through an effective protection of external borders, reinforced EU capabilities to counter hybrid, cyber and energy security threats, as well as efficient exchange of information on terrorism. Dalia Grybauskaitė pointed out that the second priority for the EU was a growing and competitive economy. It was therefore necessary to reduce long-standing unemployment, improve business climate, remove bureaucratic constraints, develop a digit economy, eradicate poverty and social exclusion. The President stressed that the United Kingdom has been and will continue to be an important partner of the European Union. However, she said, the EU will always defend the four fundamental freedoms: the free movement of persons, capital, goods, and services. More
Linkevičius: sanctions are the only means of pressure on Russia
On 2-3 September in Bratislava, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Linas Linkevičius participated in an informal meeting of the European Union Foreign Ministers (Gymnich), where he stated that for the Minsk agreements to be implemented, it is necessary to ensure consistent application of sanctions and for Russia to recognise the obvious facts. “We have to be consistent with regard to sanctions against Russia and to avoid conflicting information related to the importance, effectiveness of sanctions as they are the only means of pressure on Russia. If the effectiveness of sanctions is insufficient, we can introduce additional sanctions. In August, we heard Russia’s statements about the possible withdrawal from the Normandy format – we cannot let that happen,” emphasized Linkevičius. According to the Minister, it is necessary to demand for Russia to stop pretending not to be part of the conflict. “We cannot expect for success of the Minsk process if Russia continues to deny the obvious facts, i.e. deployed military equipment and troops. Furthermore, recently we became aware of the fact that around 4500 troops were awarded “for distinguishing performance in the battlefield,” said Linkevičius. As regards the situation in Crimea, Linkevičius emphasized the need of firm reaction to the obvious violations of human rights, especially human rights of the minority of Crimean Tatars. More
-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;">Linkevičius: Council of Europe must and can help Turkey stabilize situation after failed coup attempt
In the meeting of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on 7 September in Strasbourg, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Linas Linkevičius stressed that Turkey needed the international community’s support to regain stability, following a failed military coup. He noted that Turkey remained a very important partner for Europe, which played a significant role in addressing the global challenges of migration, the fight against terrorism and security. L.Linkevičius reminded that during his visit to Ankara on 22 August, he was assured by the Turkish officials that Turkey’s democracy would be preserved and strengthened in accordance with the principles of the rule of law and with respect for human rights. “We have to recognise that Turkey has encountered an extraordinary situation – an attempt to stage a military coup was made. The Council of Europe should be more actively involved and support Turkey in order to ensure compliance with its international obligations in the country,” stressed the head of the Lithuanian diplomacy. More
ECONOMY
Corporate income tax relief offered to businesses investing in innovation
In an effort to ensure the competitiveness of Lithuanian business in the EU and global markets as well as to encourage investment in scientific achievements and high technology, Lithuania offers corporate income tax relief, which is available to companies investing in research and development (R&D). This tax relief can be claimed by enterprises engaged in the production of novel foods based on unique recipes, development of new technologies, implementation of new methods, etc. R&D tax relief can be claimed if a company operates in at least one of the following areas: experimental (social and cultural) development, applied research, fundamental research. More
Boutique hotel chain Design Hotels comes to Vilnius
On 29 August, boutique hotel chain, Design Hotels, confirmed it will open one of its hotels in Vilnius Old Town in early 2018. Speaking during the press conference, Vilnius Mayor Remigijus Šimašius said he feels that Design Hotels’ decision to come to Vilnius will set a new level of high-standards for the city’s hotel industry. He added that it will increase the city’s appeal to tourists and businesspersons who are not restricted by budget. Housed in the former Pac Palace, the five-star hotel will have 105 rooms with 13 suites, and five apartments. Pac Palace is a historically significant building in the Old Town and is currently undergoing renovation. Dating back to the 16th century, it was originally built for the aristocratic Pac family, and in the past has been visited by historical figures such as Adam Mickiewicz, and Napoleon I. More
SOCIETY AND CULTURE:
Commemorative coin for diplomatic recognition of reinstated Republic of Lithuania issued
Lithuania is commemorating the 25th anniversary of its international recognition, which began with the declaration of its Independence. On this anniversary the Bank of Lithuania issued a silver collector coin; it was presented to the public on 8 September at the Money Museum. The coin is colourful, its reverse highlights the flags of Lithuania and Iceland, which was the first country to recognise Lithuania’s Independence. The elements of the flag of Denmark, which was the second country to recognise Lithuania, and the flags of other nations are arranged in an arc reflecting the order that they recognised the Republic of Lithuania, when our country returned to the community of the free nations of the world. This return was symbolically crowned by Lithuania becoming a member of the United Nations; thus, the emblem of this major international organisation also adorns the new coin. More
Vilnius University among the top 500 universities in the world
Vilnius University (VU) has been ranked among the top 500 universities in the world. Following the world university ranking 2016/2017, published by QS World University Rankings, VU improved its position to 481-490 from the 551-600 position previously. More.
Vilnius unveils street signs in Polish and Russian
On 4 September, Vilnius Municipality unveiled street signs in Russian and Polish on Russian Street (Русская улица) and Warsaw Street (ulica Warszawska) respectively. The two signs are the latest in a series of foreign language street signs in the Lithuanian capital. The first to be revealed was Iceland Street earlier in 2016, to celebrate Iceland being the first country to recognise Lithuania’s independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. The second sign was Washington Square to commemorate the 76th anniversary of the signing of the Welles Declaration in June. The idea behind the signs is to celebrate the role that non-Lithuanian nations have played in Vilnius’ history. More.
SUGGESTION OF THE WEEK:
WE SUGGEST: LITHUANIAN CUISINE
Information based on BNS, Delfi, Invest Lithuania, Press Service of the President, MFA, Vilnius city municipality, the Bank of Lithuania, Vilnius University.
