LITHUANIA DAILY NEWS BULLETIN, October 4, 2023

LITHUANIA DAILY NEWS BULLETIN

IN THIS ISSUE:

Upcoming events in Lithuania for Wednesday, October 4, 2023
Twenty irregular migrants turned away on Lithuania's border with Belarus
Lithuanian intermin's visit to Iceland to focus on combating drug use, distribution
Lithuania reports 291 new COVID-19 cases, no deaths
ForMin experts suggest assessing Bajarunas' suitability to lead London embassy (media)
Lithuania signs another contract for warning siren control equipment installation
Intermin asks Lithuanian MEPs' assistance regarding migrant instrumentalization in EU law
Lithuanian PM will seek presidential nomination from HU-LCD
Lithuanian PM will seek presidential nomination from HU-LCD
Lithuania's London ambassador says he's become instrument of political fight
Lithuanian PM will seek presidential nomination from HU-LCD (expands)
Consultations will be held on London Ambassador Bajarunas' fate – Lithuanian formin
Lithuanian Riflemen's Union given premises in Kaunas for training center
Lithuania offers humanitarian aid to Armenia amid refugee crisis
Intermin asks Lithuanian MEPs' assistance regarding migrant instrumentalization in EU law (expands)
Lithuanian defmin briefs German counterpart on brigade preparations
Lithuania offers humanitarian aid to Armenia amid refugee crisis (updates)
Lithuanian formin urges president to apply same standards to Rupsys as to other officials
Budget deficit to rise in 2024 but in line with EU rules – Lithuanian PM
Lithuanian intermin discusses Russian, Belarusian border protection during Iceland visit
Lithuanian PM named HU-LCD's presidential candidate
Upcoming events in Lithuania for Thursday, October 5, 2023
Lithuanian PM named HU-LCD's presidential candidate (expands)

Upcoming events in Lithuania for Wednesday, October 4, 2023

VILNIUS, Oct 04, BNS – The following events are scheduled in Lithuania for Wednesday, October 4, 2023:

SPEAKER OF THE SEIMAS Viktorija Cmilyte-Nielsen to meet with Danish Ambassador Grete Sillasen at 11 a.m.; to attend a reception on the occasion of the German Unity Day at 6 p.m.

PRIME MINISTER Ingrida Simonyte to meet with Hendrik Wüst, minister-president of the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia at 9.30 a.m.

FOREIGN MINISTER Gabrielius Landsbergis to meet with Danish Ambassador Grete Sillasen; to attend a commemoration of the German Unity Day.

INTERIOR MINISTER Agne Bilotaite to pay a working visit to Iceland.

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Twenty irregular migrants turned away on Lithuania's border with Belarus

VILNIUS, Oct 04, BNS – Lithuanian border guards have in the past 24 hours turned away 20 migrants attempting to cross into the country from Belarus illegally, the State Border Guard Service (SBGS) said on Wednesday morning.

Latvia reported 146 attempts at illegal border crossings on Tuesday, and 24 irregular migrants were not allowed into Poland on Monday, according to the latest available information.

A total of 1,800 irregular migrants have been barred from entering Lithuania from Belarus at non-designated places so far this year. Some 11,200 irregular migrants were turned away in 2022.

Since the start of the migration crisis caused by Belarus, Lithuanian border guards have prevented a total of over 21,000 people from illegally entering the country.

The SBGS says that illegal migration to Lithuania and the EU is being facilitated by Belarusian officials.

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.

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Lithuanian intermin's visit to Iceland to focus on combating drug use, distribution

VILNIUS, Oct 04, BNS – Lithuanian Interior Minister Agne Bilotaite on Wednesday is starting a two-day working visit to Iceland, with a focus on the country's experience in combating drug use and distribution, especially among minors.

"The problem of drug use has become a painful everyday reality in Lithuania. We need urgent and effective measures," Bilotaite said in a press release on Tuesday.

"We know that Iceland has been very successful in reducing drug use, although it also faced a huge challenge. We want to hear first-hand what the key to success is and how law enforcement and soft measures work," she added.

Bilotaite is to meet with Iceland's Justice Minister Gudrun Hafsteinsdottir, the National Police Commissioner and the District Prosecutor to discuss effective ways to tackle drug-related problems, the Lithuanian Interior Ministry said in a press release.

Lithuania has registered 2,730 criminal offenses related to drugs and drug smuggling so far this year, an increase of 26 percent from last year, it said.

Minors are increasingly involved in such criminal activities. The police registered 150 minors suspected of drug-related crimes last year and another 75 so far this year. The number of drug users is also on the rise, especially in the 15-34 age group, according to the press release.

Bilotaite is also scheduled to visit the Icelandic Coast Guard and observe Northern Challenge 2023, a multinational explosive ordnance disposal exercise.

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Lithuania reports 291 new COVID-19 cases, no deaths

VILNIUS, Oct 04, BNS – Lithuania has recorded 291 new coronavirus infections and no deaths from COVID-19 over the past 24 hours, official statistics showed on Wednesday morning.

The 14-day primary infection rate has edged down to 131.2 cases per 100,000 people, with the seven-day percentage of positive tests at 22.1 percent.

The number of new coronavirus cases hit the peak in Lithuania in early February 2022 when more than 14,000 new infections were recorded daily. Around 1.19 million people in Lithuania have tested positive for COVID-19 at least once.

COVID-19 incidence in Lithuania increased slightly in mid-September after having stayed at a low level since May.

Some 68.5 percent of people in the country have received at least one coronavirus vaccine jab so far, according to the statistics.

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ForMin experts suggest assessing Bajarunas' suitability to lead London embassy (media)

VILNIUS, Oct 04, BNS - Experts from Lithuania's Foreign Ministry have looked into the situation at the country's embassy in London and recommend evaluating Ambassador Eitvydas Bajarunas' conduct and suitability to head the embassy after finding faults, the delfi.lt news website reports on Wednesday.

The inspectors have found that Bajarunas lacks necessary managerial competence, abuses his powers and fails to properly communicate with the embassy's staff, according to the website.

It says that the ministry's inspectors visited the embassy on September 18-21 September, assessed the situation and interviewed 13 employees, including diplomats, special attachés, civil servants, and employees working under employment contracts.

The inspectors found that Bajarunas had been rude and impolite to employees, many of whom had been subjected to public insults, bullying, humiliating criticism and verbal aggression. Staff members pointed out to the ambassador's inability to separate his private and public interests, adding that he may be abusing his official position.

During official and community meetings, Bajarunas allegedly often stresses that embassy staff must respect not only him but also his spouse Giedre Zickyte who delegates tasks of a personal nature to embassy staff and uses the embassy's economic inventory for her personal needs.

Delfi reported earlier that investigations had been launched over the conduct of two Lithuanian diplomats. The second one is Lithuania's Ambassador to NATO Deividas Matulionis who allegedly failed to comply with the mandate given by state institutions and may have weakened Lithuania's negotiating position during the negotiations on the documents of the NATO summit in Vilnius.

In early September, President Gitanas Nauseda said he had trust in both diplomats.

In Lithuania, ambassadors are appointed and dismissed by the president on the recommendation of the government and with the approval of the parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs.

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Lithuania signs another contract for warning siren control equipment installation

VILNIUS, Oct 04, BNS – Lithuania's Fire and Rescue Department has signed another contract for the installation of warning siren management equipment.

"The installation of sirens and control equipment will allow alerting at least 75 percent of the population living in areas within the Belarusian nuclear power plant's (...) impact zone of up to 100 kilometers," the department said in a press release on Wednesday.

A modern warning siren system is being installed in 17 Lithuanian municipalities.

The installation of sirens and their control equipment is planned to take place in 2023 and 2024.

As part of the project, Lithuania is purchasing sirens that will partially modernize its public warning system and pave the way for its further expansion and integration with other systems.

This will also expand the existing siren network and substantially increase the number of people alerted to disasters, and enable centralized management of part of the siren warning system, according to the press release.

The department last year signed a contract with suppliers for the installation of 197 sirens.

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Intermin asks Lithuanian MEPs' assistance regarding migrant instrumentalization in EU law

VILNIUS, Pct 04, BNS – Lithuanian Interior Minister Agne Bilotaite has appealed to the country's representatives in the European Parliament to support Lithuania's position on the instrumentalization of migration in EU law, the Interior Ministry said on Wednesday.

The minister made the appeal a EP committee decided to remove the provisions Lithuania wants to be added to the Schengen Borders Code.

"This is a political issue of particular importance not only for Lithuania, but for all EU member states in the region. Our goal is to be resilient to future irregular migration crises. We have made great efforts to ensure that the relevant amendments appear in EU legislative proposals. At present, there is a risk that the phenomenon of instrumentalization and measures needed to combat it will continue to remain non-addressed and non-enshrined in EU law," the interior minister said.

In late 2021, the European Commission presented a proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and the Council to amend the Schengen Borders Code. This legislative proposal also included proposals made by Lithuania and a group of EU member states supporting it.

According to the ministry, the negotiating mandate approved by the EU Council is favorable to Lithuania as it defines the concept of instrumentalization of migration, refers to all types of fixed and mobile border surveillance infrastructure, common minimum standards for border surveillance, and provides for the possibility for member states facing instrumentalization of migration to take the relevant national measures.

However, in September, the EP Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs voted in favor of a proposal to remove all provisions related to the instrumentalization of migration from the proposal.

According to the Lithuanian interior minister, this will lead to difficult negotiations in the EU's future legislative process where the Council, the European Parliament and the European Commission will work in trilogues to find a compromise that meets everyone's interests.

"Lithuania's position on this issue remains consistent as EU law needs instruments to enable member states to defend themselves against hybrid attacks by the Russian and Belarusian regimes, including the organization of illegal migration flows," the statement reads.

Almost 4,200 migrants entered Lithuania illegally from Belarus in 2021, but most of them have since left the country after the movement restrictions ended. More than 21,000 migrants have been turned back at the border since August 3, 2021 when Lithuanian border guards were given the right to turn irregular migrants away.

Lithuanian officials blame Belarus for the migration crisis and claim that Belarusian officials are actively contributing to illegal migration to Lithuania and the European Union.

Rights organizations have criticized the decision by Lithuania and neighboring countries to turn migrants away at the border, but Lithuanian authorities argue that the practice is necessary to defend against what they say is the instrumentalization of migrants.

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Lithuanian PM will seek presidential nomination from HU-LCD

papildysime

VILNIUS, Oct 04, BNS – Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte has announced her decision to seek her nomination as a presidential candidate representing the ruling conservative Homeland Union – Lithuanian Christian Democrats.

"(...) Yes, I will take part in the HU-LCD primaries. Why? Well, the nomination of 60+ chapters obliges me to do so," the prime minister posted on Facebook on Wednesday.

By Jūratė Skėrytė

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Lithuanian PM will seek presidential nomination from HU-LCD

(Updated version: updates throughout)

"(...) Yes, I will take part in the HU-LCD primaries. Why? Well, the nomination of 60+ chapters obliges me to do so," the prime minister posted on Facebook on Wednesday.

"I have many different motives, but to put it all together, I want the moderate, pro-European right-wing citizens of Lithuania to have someone to vote for," she said.

Contenders for the HU-LCD's presidential nomination will be approved by the party's presidium on Wednesday.

HU-LCD chapters have so far mostly proposed Simonyte, the party's leader Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis, and the party's deputy chairman and Social Security and Labor Minister Monika Navickiene to run for president.

More than half of the party's chapters have also nominated Laurynas Kasciunas, chairman of the parliamentary Committee on National Security and Defense, Defense Minister Arvydas Anusauskas, as well as Deputy Speaker of the Seimas Paulius Saudargas to run president.

Landsbergis has already announced his decision not to seek the party's presidential nomination.

The party's data shows that Simonyte has been proposed as a candidate 66 times, followed by Landsbergis (64 times), Kasciunas (54 times), Anusauskas (42 times) and Saudargas (41 times).

The HU-LCD will hold a primary election of its candidates for the upcoming presidential election on November 11-12, and will also rate candidates for the forthcoming EP election. All party member and supporters will be able to cast their vote.

Lithuania will elect a new president in May. Opinion polls show incumbent President Gitanas Nauseda is the clear leader, and the TOP-are also includes lawyer Ignas Vegele and Simonyte.

Nauseda and Vegele say they will announce their decisions on whether they will run for president later this year.

The Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union has nominated Aurelija Veryga, an MP and former health minister, for president, and Kazlu Ruda Mayor Mantas Varaska, backed by Lithuanian Regions Party, has recently also announced his decision to stand for election.

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Lithuania's London ambassador says he's become instrument of political fight

VILNIUS, Oct 04, BNS – Lithuania's UK Ambassador Eitvydas Bajarunas says he has become an instrument of political fight after inspectors from the Foreign Ministry looked into the situation at the country's embassy in London and recommended evaluating his conduct and suitability to head the embassy.

"I think you understand why I have remained silent so far. I care about the state's interests and its prestige, and the situation is damaging both the state's prestige and the embassy. This is an inadequate situation, and this is the first time an ambassador is being used in political fight," the diplomat told a press conference in Vilnius on Wednesday.

Bajarunas says he has so far not commented on the allegedly leaked information about possible mobbing and financial irregularities published in the media as he had not seen any information related to the accusations until Monday.

Bajarunas did not name whose political fight he has found himself in.

"I am a Lithuanian diplomat, a statutory official, so I am expressing what I have understood. This is the first time that non-statutory methods have been used against me," the diplomat said.

The delfi.lt news website reported in August that the Foreign Ministry had received complaints from employees about Bajarunas' alleged mobbing and abuse of office, adding that an investigation was underway.

In response to the mobbing allegations, Bajarunas stated on Wednesday that he's a demanding and active manager, working both weekdays and weekends, and someone might not like his principles of work. He also said no financial irregularities had been detected regarding the use of representation funds at the embassy.

"In the UK, I need to meet Lithuanians even on weekends (...) and, naturally, my activity and demanding nature goes beyond the standard limits," the ambassador said.

Regarding the accusations that his wife, film director Giedre Zickyte, was allegedly using the embassy's vehicles and giving orders to staff, the ambassador stated that his wife is a person representing the country in an official capacity, with an official salary as the ambassador's wife, and she needs to carry out certain functions.

"The state expects (...) her to perform those functions. My wife has sometimes asked for transport or staff assistance to perform those functions. And this has been done within the scope of her capacity and there has been no abuse of power," Bajarunas said.

Delfi reported earlier in the day that the inspectors had found that Bajarunas lacks necessary managerial competence, abuses his powers and fails to properly communicate with the embassy's staff.

In early September, President Gitanas Nauseda said he had trust in both diplomats.

In Lithuania, ambassadors are appointed and dismissed by the president on the recommendation of the government and with the approval of the parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs.

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Lithuanian PM will seek presidential nomination from HU-LCD (expands)

(Updated version: adds paras 4 and 8)

"(...) Yes, I will take part in the HU-LCD primaries. Why? Well, the nomination of 60+ chapters obliges me to do so," the prime minister posted on Facebook on Wednesday.

"I have many different motives, but to put it all together, I want the moderate, pro-European right-wing citizens of Lithuania to have someone to vote for," she said.

The prime minister also said she would not stand for election to the European Commission, "despite the heated debate".

Contenders for the HU-LCD's presidential nomination will be approved by the party's presidium on Wednesday.

Landsbergis, Navickiene and Anusauskas have already announced their decision not to seek the party's presidential nomination.

The party's data shows that Simonyte has been proposed as a candidate 66 times, followed by Landsbergis (64 times), Kasciunas (54 times), Anusauskas (42 times) and Saudargas (41 times).

Lithuania will elect a new president in May. Opinion polls show incumbent President Gitanas Nauseda is the clear leader, and the TOP-are also includes lawyer Ignas Vegele and Simonyte.

Nauseda and Vegele say they will announce their decisions on whether they will run for president later this year.

By Jūratė Skėrytė, Ignas Jačauskas

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Consultations will be held on London Ambassador Bajarunas' fate – Lithuanian formin

VILNIUS, Oct 04, BNS - The institutions responsible for foreign policy will hold consultations on whether Lithuania's Ambassador to the UK Eitvydas Bajarūnas, who has been accused of misconduct, can remain in his position, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis says.

"Since the matter of the ambassador's further work is not decided by a minister, a single minister, but it is done jointly by institutions, consultations will now take place on the best way to continue organizing the work at the embassy," the foreign minister told reporters on Wednesday.

His made the comment after experts from Lithuania's Foreign Ministry found that Bajarunas lacks necessary managerial competence, abuses his powers and fails to properly communicate with the embassy's staff.

The inspectors recommend evaluating Ambassador Eitvydas Bajarunas' conduct and suitability to head the embassy after finding faults.

Landsbergis also told reporters that one non-anonymous complaint was initially received, and then several employees at the London embassy were questioned.

"It is regrettable that this is happening in the diplomatic service. I want to welcome the fact that people do not remain silent, despite the fact that they sometimes have to tell about inappropriate actions of their immediate superior," Lithuania's top diplomat said.

Bajarunas told a press conference earlier in the day he had become an instrument of political fight. However, he did not name whose political fight he has found himself in.

The ambassador made his views known at the press conference on Wednesday, and Landsbergis called his decision "a historic day".

"I don't remember any prior cases in Lithuania's history when diplomats would hold press conferences. But there's a first time for everything," he said.

The minister believes the country would not suffer reputational damage if decisions on Bajarunas were made swiftly.

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Lithuanian Riflemen's Union given premises in Kaunas for training center

VILNIUS, Oct 04, BNS – The government on Wednesday decided to give the Lithuanian Riflemen's Union (LRU) premises in Kaunas for the paramilitary organization's planned training and non-kinetic operations center and a logistics base.

Under a ten-year contract of use, the organization will receive a barracks and a headquarters with an area of over 2,200 square meters, as well as 1,000 square meters of storage facilities, a utility building and a security checkpoint.

Linas Idzelis, the LRU commander, has told BNS earlier that the organization has been growing, leading to an increased need for a training and non-kinetic operations center.

It is planned that such a center will coordinate the basic training of LRU members, with a focus on leadership training.

The LRU also plans to use the premises for various courses, including cyber security, drone operation, diving, and information operations.

The buildings in Zeimenos Street will undergo a major renovation after they are taken over by the organization.

The LRU currently has about 14,000 members, starting from the age of 11, across Lithuania The organization would organize a resistance movement under occupation.

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Lithuania offers humanitarian aid to Armenia amid refugee crisis

VILNIUS, Oct 04, BNS – Lithuania offers hundreds of sleeping bags and folding beds, and medical supplies to Armenia which is facing a sudden influx of refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh.

The government's resolution provides for allocating 200 sleeping bags, 200 folding beds and 4,000 blankets, worth 66,500 euros in total, from the civil defense stockpile, and splints, catheters, medicines and other supplies, worth 28,600 euros in total, from the state's medical reserve.

Yerevan says that over 100,000 people, almost all of Nagorno-Karabakh's ethnic Armenians, have fled the breakaway region following Azerbaijan's lightning offensive.

By Augustas Stankevičius

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Intermin asks Lithuanian MEPs' assistance regarding migrant instrumentalization in EU law (expands)

(Updated version: adds Jukneviciene's comment in paras 9-10)

The minister made the appeal an EP committee decided to remove the provisions Lithuania wants to be added to the Schengen Borders Code.

For her part, Bilotaite's fellow party member MEP Rasa Jukneviciene took part in a discussion during the EP plenary session in Strasbourg on Wednesday on the need to urgently adopt an asylum and migration package, and stressed that one cannot ignore a new form of hybrid warfare, instrumentalized migration, where dictators use migration as a weapon.

"Why do dictators organize hybrid attacks against EU countries? Because they know all the holes in our legal system, in our external borders, and are, therefore, move to cause chaos. They use misguided people as a weapon against us. By failing to protect our borders, we are contributing to the smuggling business, helping dictators to launch attacks," Jukneviciene told fellow MEPs, urging them to bring the Commission's proposed definition of the instrumentalization of migration back into the Schengen borders act as soon as possible.

Lithuanian officials blame Belarus for the migration crisis and claim that Belarusian officials are actively contributing to illegal migration to Lithuania and the European Union.

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Lithuanian defmin briefs German counterpart on brigade preparations

VILNIUS, Oct 02, BNS – Lithuanian Defense Minister Arvydas Anusauskas on Wednesday briefed his visiting German counterpart to Nils Hilmer on Lithuania's preparations for the deployment of a German brigade.

"We appreciate Germany's leadership and commitment in our region. You are our strategic partner. The decision to permanently deploy a brigade-sized unit in Lithuania demonstrates Germany's strong commitment to security throughout the Baltic region. We hope to agree on the detailed implementation of the plan by the end of this year," Anusauskas was quoted as saying in the Defense Ministry's statement.

Anusauskas also informed the guest about the ongoing preparations in Lithuania and showed the newly built military infrastructure.

"Lithuania is in the process of major development of military infrastructure, which includes the construction of military bases, warehouses for stockpiling supplies and all other necessary infrastructure. Lithuania is investing heavily into training infrastructure to ensure proper training conditions for both allied and Lithuanian troops," Anusauskas said.

Berlin plans to deploy a brigade in Lithuania, and Vilnius is making necessary preparations in terms of putting necessary host country infrastructure in place.

On Tuesday, Anusauskas told journalists that Germany's brigade deployment plan would be made public next week, but Lithuania plans to submit its own plan within a few months.

The brigade's Forward Command Element is currently deployed in Lithuania.

Germany has been leading a multinational NATO battalion deployed in Lithuania since 2017.

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Lithuania offers humanitarian aid to Armenia amid refugee crisis (updates)

(updates lead, adds last 3 paras)

VILNIUS, Oct 04, BNS – Lithuania has approved 350,000 euros in humanitarian aid to Armenia and also offers hundreds of sleeping bags and folding beds, and medical supplies to the country faced with a sudden influx of refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh.

Yerevan says that over 100,000 people, almost all of Nagorno-Karabakh's ethnic Armenians, have fled the breakaway region following Azerbaijan's lightning offensive.

Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis says the influx of refugees is "yet another challenge for Armenia's democratic government" which is seeking to normalize relations with its neighbors, diversify its trade and security partnerships, and is facing "growing pressure from Russia and hybrid attacks".

"We firmly support Armenia's independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and the democratic development path it has chosen. We call on the EU and its member states to step up their support and deepen their ties with Armenia," he said in a press release.

Lithuania's top diplomat urged Azerbaijan and Armenia to focus on negotiating a peace agreement to achieve "the sovereignty of the countries of the South Caucasus and a long-term sustainable peace in the region".

By Augustas Stankevičius

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Lithuanian formin urges president to apply same standards to Rupsys as to other officials

VILNIUS, Oct 04, BNS – Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda should apply the same high standards to Chief of Defense Valdemaras Rupsys, who is facing criticism for using his housing allowance to lease an apartment from his son, as he has in the past applied to other officials in similar situations, Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said on Wednesday.

"The state must decide what standard it upholds" Landsbergis, leader of the ruling conservative Homeland Union-Lithuanian Christian Democrats (HU-LCD), told reporters.

"I fully understand the indignation of people who would not be able to stay in their positions if it turned out that they did so, and there are and have been such people. The president has called on some of them to step down, take responsibility and so on," the minister said.

"If we legalize double standards in the state, (...) this causes discontent among the public and undermines trust in institutions," he added.

The 15min news website reported on Tuesday that Rupsys receives a monthly housing allowance of almost 500 euros and uses the money to lease an apartment in Vilnius from his son.

Following the report, the general said that he was terminating the lease agreement with his son, even though he said he saw no conflict of interest in his actions.

Nauseda said on Tuesday that Rupsys' use of the state allowance to lease an apartment from his son was a "mistake" and called on the chief of defense to correct it and then “return to important defense issues".

Landsbergis noted on Wednesday that Jurgita Siugzdiniene, a HU-LCD member, earlier this year stepped down as education, science and sport minister amid public doubts about the transparency of the use of payouts she received while serving as a Kaunas councilor before her appointment to the ministerial post.

Finance Minister Gintare Skaiste and Culture Minister Simonas Kairys stayed in their posts despite calls to resign over the so-called "receipt" scandal.

Nauseda said at the time that it would be best for the two Cabinet members to resign.

"I believe there should be one standard," Landsbergis said on Wednesday.

Asked whether he thought the chief of defense should step down, the conservative leader said, "Let those who nominated him make the decision".

By Austėja Masiokaitė-Liubinienė

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Budget deficit to rise in 2024 but in line with EU rules – Lithuanian PM

VILNIUS, Oct 04, BNS - The government deficit in Lithuania will grow next year but will stay within the EU's 3 percent of GDP limit, Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte has said in an interview with BNS.

"The deficit, as we plan, will amount to 2.9 percent of GDP. (...) It will actually be higher than this year, but we need to understand that the deficit is lower this year than planned due to a number of circumstances that will not be repeated next year," Simonyte said on Wednesday.

The EU suspended the application of the so-called Maastricht criteria in 2020 in response to the coronavirus pandemic and the need for member states to borrow to keep their economies viable.

The criteria include a 3 percent government deficit limit and a requirement for public debt not to exceed 60 percent of a country's GDP.

When submitting this year's budget bill last year, the government projected a 4.9 percent deficit in 2023, but it will be around 2 percent, the prime minister said, adding that favorable circumstances have led to higher-than-expected budget revenue this year as businesses have been less active in making use of tax deferral. Also, expenditure has been lower as only part of the funds allocated for energy price compensation has been used.

Almost 2 billion euros in additional costs

According to the prime minister, state budget revenue is expected to increase by around 7.5 percent in 2024, mainly due to the growing economy that is expected to expand around 5 percent in nominal terms, including inflation, next year.

"We expect similar growth in (social insurance fund – BNS) SoDra revenue, (Mandatory Social Insurance Fund – BNS) PSDF revenue and personal income tax revenue, and municipal budgets should look quite good next year as well," Simonyte said.

State spending will grow by around one billion euros next year due to indexed pensions and benefits, while education funding will grow by 390 million euros, and the additional money will mainly be spent on pay rises for teachers and higher school lecturers.

Another 340 million euros will be spent on aid to Ukraine and around 100 million euros will be spent on pay increases for public sector workers.

Budget revenue will be reduced by a 20 percent increase in the non-taxable income rate and the extension of some tax exemptions.

"Perhaps we can discuss whether the 20 percent non-taxable income rate increase is really necessary. But since we gave the word and we still remain within the Maastricht criteria with these measures, (...) it does not seem to me to be very dangerous, given the expected 1.7 percent real GDP growth. However, the budget debate will clearly be quite difficult," the prime minister said.

The government will consider the 2024 budget bill on Thursday.

By Saulius Jakučionis

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Lithuanian intermin discusses Russian, Belarusian border protection during Iceland visit

VILNIUS, Oct 04, BNS – Lithuanian Interior Minister Agne Bilotaite discussed measures to strengthen the protection of Lithuania's eastern border with Russia and Belarus during her visit to Iceland on Wednesday.

The minister also shared with Icelandic border guards her experience of managing illegal migration and smuggling, as well as strengthening civil protection, the Interior Ministry reports.

"The hybrid attack by the Belarusian regime and the influx of irregular migrants, as well as Russia's war against Ukraine, have forced us to rethink the concept of border management. Over the past three years, the EU's eastern border, part of which is protected by Lithuania, has been transformed beyond recognition with the construction of a physical barrier, the introduction of border surveillance systems and anti-drone technology, the completion of a patrol track and the re-establishment of the coast guard unit. Iceland's experience, as a maritime nation, is, therefore, of great value to us," the minister said.

Bilotaite visited the Icelandic Coast Guard and observed Nordic Challenge 2023, an international demining exercise aimed at training demining personnel to neutralize homemade and military explosive devices used in real terrorist incidents.

On Thursday, Bilotaite will discuss the most effective measures to combat drug use and sale, especially among minors and youth, with the Icelandic justice minister, the country's police chief and other officers.

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Lithuanian PM named HU-LCD's presidential candidate

VILNIUS, Oct 04, BNS - With no rivals left, Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte has been named the ruling conservative Homeland Union-Lithuanian Christian Democrats' presidential candidate, the party's leader Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis says.

"The primaries have just taken place during this presidium meeting," Landsbergis told reporters after the meeting of the party's presidium on Wednesday, adding that the candidate will receive final approval from the party's council.

"The key discussion took place, and having assessed the prime minister's best chances to represent the values that are important to all party members, the candidates supported Simonyte," –LCD leader said.

The party's chapters had proposed a total of 23 politicians as potential contenders to become the party's presidential candidate. All of them, except for the prime minister, earlier withdrew from the race, and ex-President Dalia Grybauskaite was among them.

Simonyte ran for president in 2019 and got into the runoff with incumbent President Gitanas Nauseda

Lithuania will elect a new president in May.

By Jūratė Skėrytė

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Upcoming events in Lithuania for Thursday, October 5, 2023

VILNIUS, Oct 05, BNS – The following events are scheduled in Lithuania for Thursday, October 5, 2023:

PRESIDENT Gitanas Nauseda to attend a European Political Community meeting and a Euripean Council meeting in Granada, Spain.

PRIME MINISTER Ingrida Simonyte to attend the opening of the largest IFV maintenance facility in the Baltic states in Rukla at 10 a.m.; to chair a Cabinet sitting at 2 p.m.

DEFENSE MINISTER Arvydas Anusauskas attend the opening of the largest IFV maintenance facility in the Baltic states in Rukla at 10 a.m.

INTERIOR MINISTER Agne Bilotaite to continue her working visit to Iceland.

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Lithuanian PM named HU-LCD's presidential candidate (expands)

Simonyte told journalists at the Seimas on Wednesday that she sees herself as a representative of the "pro-European right that is not radical in any way".

"We will probably have a lot of radical rhetoric or more radical candidates. The left side will definitely have a lot of candidates because people somehow like to classify themselves as left-wing because they think the majority of voters are probably as well and that somehow resonates," the prime minister said. "The right must have its own candidate, a candidate who is not radical, who is a moderate and pro-European person."

The HU-LCD leadership learnt about her decision to seek the party's nomination on Wednesday, Simonyte said, adding that she herself made up her mind a bit earlier.

The prime minister doesn’t believe she will encounter any difficulties performing her existing duties and taking part in the presidential election campaign.

Simonyte ran for president in 2019 and got into the runoff with incumbent President Gitanas Nauseda.

Lithuania will elect a new president in May. Opinion polls show incumbent Nauseda is the clear favorite, followed by lawyer Ignas Vegele and Simonyte.

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Oct 05 2023

LITHUANIA DAILY NEWS BULLETIN

IN THIS ISSUE:

Upcoming events in Lithuania for Tuesday, October 3, 2023
LRT Council to make 3rd attempt to select Lithuanian public broadcaster's CEO
In EU meeting with Zelensky, Lithuanian formin stresses hope for bloc's expansion
Lithuanian energy, foreign ministers attending Warsaw Security Forum
Twenty-one irregular migrants turned away on Lithuania's border with Belarus
Lithuania reports 450 new COVID-19 cases, no deaths
Lithuanian, Icelandic defense chiefs to discuss support to Ukraine
Lithuania's chief of defense uses housing allowance to rent apartment from his son (media)
Lithuanian PM says has no plans to run for EU commissioner
Over 620 foreigners, most of them Ukrainians, will start learning Lithuanian in Vilnius
Russia can rebuild its military capabilities faster than previously thought – advisor
Lithuanian financial crimes body's ex-chief pleads guilty to influence peddling
Interest rates will stabilize as we get closer to 2 pct inflation – ECB rep in Vilnius
Lithuanian minister says union's proposals unfeasible, talks to continue Wednesday
Lithuanian minister hails grain deal as 'great help' to Ukraine.
Lithuania's army chief terminates apartment lease with his son, sees no conflict
Germany's brigade deployment plan to be made public next week – Lithuanian minister
Lithuanian president calls army chief's apartment situation 'mistake'
Lithuania's LRU to invite IT, military experts to partake in cyber security hackathon
Lithuanian defmin says he appreciates Rupsys' apology amid possible conflict of interest
Two Lithuanian lawyers named candidates for CJEU judges, four seek to become advocates
Lithuanian agrmin calls grain deal major assistance for Ukraine
Europe needs more investments into hydrogen, heat pumps – Lithuanian energmin
Garbaciauskaite-Budriene re-elected director general of Lithuania's LRT
Upcoming events in Lithuania for Wednesday, October 4, 2023

Upcoming events in Lithuania for Tuesday, October 3, 2023

VILNIUS, Oct 03, BNS – The following events are scheduled in Lithuania for Tuesday, October 3, 2023:

PRESIDENT Gitanas Nauseda to meet with representatives of the Lithuanian Education Employee's Trade Union at 9 a.m.; to accept credentials from Czech Ambassador Ales Opata at 11 a.m.; to accept credentials from Ecuadorian Ambassador Diego Fernando Morejóno Pazmiño at 2 p.m.

SPEAKER OF THE SEIMAS Viktorija Cmilyte-Nielsen to meet with Latvian Ambassador Solveiga Silkalna at 10 a.m.

FOREIGN MINISTER Gabrielius Landsbergis attending the Warsaw Security Forum.

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LRT Council to make 3rd attempt to select Lithuanian public broadcaster's CEO

VILNIUS, Oct 03, BNS – The LRT Council on Tuesday will make its third attempt this year to select the next director general of the Lithuanian public broadcaster.

In the previous two attempts, the top two contenders, Monika Garbaciauskaite-Budriene, the incumbent who is seeking a second term in office, and Aistis Zabarauskas, a communications specialist, each garnered an equal number of votes.

This time, however, Zabarauskas decided not to apply.

Those vying for the post are Garbaciauskaite-Budriene, Mantas Martisius, an associate professor at Vilnius University, and Aldaras Stonys, an analyst with over eight years of previous experience at the public broadcaster.

On the eve of the selection, the candidates met with LRT employees and answered their questions.

At least seven members of the 12-strong LRT Council have to vote in favor of a candidate for him or her to be selected for the job.

If no candidate secures enough votes in the first round, the Council will hold a second round of voting on the same day to choose between the top two contenders.

Culture Minister Simonas Kairys has mentioned that if the Council fails for the third time to appoint the next director general, it should take responsibility and resign.

The LRT Council, the public broadcaster's highest collegial governing body, comprises 12 members prominent in social, scientific and cultural fields, who are appointed for six-year terms.

Four members are appointed at different times by the president and the parliament each, and one member by the Research Council of Lithuania, the Lithuanian Education Council, the Lithuanian Artistic Unions' Association and the Lithuanian Bishops' Conference each.

By Saulius Jakučionis

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In EU meeting with Zelensky, Lithuanian formin stresses hope for bloc's expansion

VILNIUS, Oct 03, BNS – At EU foreign ministers' meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday, Lithuania's top diplomat Gabrielius Landsbergis emphasized the bloc's commitment to continue its expansion and ensure military support for Kyiv.

"Currently, other authoritarian regimes are monitoring our response to Russia's war against Ukraine that has lasted for more than a year and a half," the Foreign Ministry quoted Landsbergis as saying at the meeting in Kyiv. "How they will project their actions depends on our muscle."

"I believe that this historic meeting of EU foreign ministers in Kyiv shows a solemn commitment to continuing the enlargement of the European Union and continued military assistance to Kyiv," he added.

EU foreign ministers are holding their informal meeting in Ukraine for the first time, a decision described by Josep Borrell, the bloc's foreign policy chief, as "historic".

In Kyiv, EU foreign ministers "discussed support for Ukraine, security commitments and how other countries' support for the Ukrainian president’s peace formula could be promoted", the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry said in the press release.

During his visit, Landsbergis also met with the Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Olha Stefanyshyna.

The six Nordic and Baltic foreign ministers met separately with their Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba.

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Lithuanian energy, foreign ministers attending Warsaw Security Forum

VILNIUS, Oct 03, BNS – Lithuanian Energy Minister Dainius Kreivys and Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis are attending the annual Warsaw Security Forum on Tuesday.

Kreivys is to speak at a panel discussion on "Europe's Energy Transition: Delivering Secure, Sustainable and Affordable Energy in CEE", the Energy Ministry has said.

Landsbergis is to speak at a ministerial panel discussion entitled "Looking East: Change of Security Strategies in Western Europe".

Held annually since 2014, the Warsaw Security Forum is one of the leading European security conferences devoted to transatlantic cooperation and security, with an emphasis on Central and Eastern Europe.

This year's 10th forum will be dedicated to all aspects of transatlantic security, including foreign policy, defense, energy, and democratic resilience.

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Twenty-one irregular migrants turned away on Lithuania's border with Belarus

VILNIUS, Oct 03, BNS – Lithuanian border guards have in the past 24 hours turned away 21 migrants attempting to cross into the country from Belarus illegally, the State Border Guard Service (SBGS) said on Tuesday morning.

Latvia reported 109 attempts at illegal border crossings on Monday, and 60 irregular migrants were not allowed into Poland on Sunday, according to the latest available information.

A total of 1,800 irregular migrants have been barred from entering Lithuania from Belarus at non-designated places so far this year. Some 11,200 irregular migrants were turned away in 2022.

Since the start of the migration crisis caused by Belarus, Lithuanian border guards have prevented a total of over 21,000 people from illegally entering the country.

The SBGS says that illegal migration to Lithuania and the EU is being facilitated by Belarusian officials.

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.

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Lithuania reports 450 new COVID-19 cases, no deaths

VILNIUS, Oct 03, BNS – Lithuania has recorded 450 new coronavirus infections and no deaths from COVID-19 over the past 24 hours, official statistics showed on Tuesday morning.

The 14-day primary infection rate has edged down to 134.9 cases per 100,000 people, with the seven-day percentage of positive tests at 22.6 percent.

COVID-19 incidence in Lithuania started to increase at a noticeable rate in mid-September after having stayed at a low level since May.

Some 68.5 percent of people in the country have received at least one coronavirus vaccine jab so far, according to the statistics.

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Lithuanian, Icelandic defense chiefs to discuss support to Ukraine

VILNIUS, Oct 03, BNS – Lithuania's Chief of Defense General Valdemaras Rupsys is meeting with his Icelandic counterpart Jonas Gunnar Allansson on Tuesday to discuss the security situation and support to Ukraine.

As part of his visit to Iceland, Rupsys is also scheduled to meet with Lithuanian troops taking part in Northern Challenge 2023, is a multinational explosive ordnance disposal exercise hosted by the Nordic country on September 21 through October 4, the Lithuanian Armed Forces said in a press release.

Allansson, director general of the Directorate for Defense of Iceland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who also performs the functions of the chief of defense, visited Lithuania last spring.

During his visit, Allansson signed a memorandum of mutual assistance with Arturas Radvilas, commander of Lithuania's Land Force, and visited the training site of the Nordic-Lithuanian Explosive Ordnance Clearance Course for Ukrainian military, to which Iceland contributes instructors and training supplies.

According to the press release, Iceland, which does not have a regular army, ensures its national security through NATO membership and bilateral cooperation with the US. Iceland joined the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) in 2021.

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Lithuania's chief of defense uses housing allowance to rent apartment from his son (media)

VILNIUS, Oct 03, BNS – Lithuania's Chief of Defense General Valdemaras Rupsys receives a monthly housing allowance of almost 500 euros he uses to rent an apartment from his son, the 15min.lt news website reports on Tuesday.

According to Rupsys' declaration of private interests, he has been renting the apartment since 2021. The general says he's paying his son half the market price for the apartment, and also says he's using the opportunity to receive a housing allowance of 445 euros just like any Lithuanian soldier who does not own real estate in the area where he is serving. Rupsys owns a property in Ignalina District.

"I have the right to receive the housing allowance, I have the right to enter into contracts, I have the right to enter into contracts with whomever that is favorable to me, including from my son," the general said.

According to the website, when asked about this situation, the army commander lost his temper and said the journalist was asking stupid questions, and added that "this is not the place to look for earthworms".

A week later, when he met the journalist, Rupsys apologized for his "lexicon" and admitted that there are loopholes in the legislation on allowances, adding that the Lithuanian Armed Forces and the Ministry of National Defense are considering changes to the legislation to avoid ambiguities and abuse.

The Chief Official Ethics Commission has told the 15min.lt that "officers' decisions to enter into lease contracts in the area of their duty are directly related to their official functions and are compensated by public funds, and it is therefore considered that renting from close relatives can only be allowed in exceptional cases and in the light of the availability of supply in the existing market".

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Lithuanian PM says has no plans to run for EU commissioner

VILNIUS, Oct 03, BNS – Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte said on Tuesday that she has no plans to run for the post of European commissioner.

"I know nothing about it, and I definitely have no such plans," Simonyte told LRT Radio when asked about speculations that she could be Lithuania's candidate for the European Commission.

The next European Commission will be appointed after the European Parliament's elections scheduled for June 2024.

Lithuania's candidate for the European Commission is nominated by the government, in consultation with the president and the parliament.

Lithuania's current European Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevicius, who was delegated by the previous government of the Farmers and Greens Union, is in charge of environment, oceans and fisheries.

Simonyte reiterated on Tuesday that she will announce on Wednesday whether she will seek the Homeland Union-Lithuanian Christian Democrats' nomination to run for Lithuanian president next year.

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Over 620 foreigners, most of them Ukrainians, will start learning Lithuanian in Vilnius

VILNIUS, Oct 03, BNS - More than 620 people, most of them Ukrainians and a small number of Belarusians, will start learning Lithuanian in Vilnius next week.

"Less than 10 percent are other minorities, mainly Belarusians. More than 90 percent are Ukrainians," Gzegoz Milosevic, the director of the House of National Communities, told BNS on Monday.

According to the House of National Communities, a total of 30 groups will be set up, and 20 of them are funded by the US Embassy in Lithuania.

Andrea Lindgren of the US Embassy in Lithuania says the US is inspired by the fact that Lithuania has welcomed 80,000 Ukrainians into its country, and she hopes that "we will continue to build bridges between Lithuanians and Ukrainians".

The remaining ten groups will be funded by the Strong Together organization, the State Commission of the Lithuanian Language and the Department of National Minorities, Milosevic said.

Funded by the US Embassy, the project will run for 18 months and new 20-people groups will be formed every six months to allow for ongoing training.

The Lithuanian language courses have been organized by the House of National Communities.

By Greta Zulonaitė

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Russia can rebuild its military capabilities faster than previously thought – advisor

VILNIUS, Oct 03, BNS - Russia's rising military spending could help it to rebuild its military capabilities faster than previously thought, Kestutis Budrys, the national security advisor to Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda, says.

"Those medium-term assessments that we had in early spring when we agreed on seven years and 2030, when Russia will be able to implement those plans, we can now say that if we see Russia's industry adapting at this pace, bypassing the sanctions, and the way they are rebuilding forces in Ukraine, that date may come earlier," Budrys told the Ziniu Radijas news radio on Tuesday.

For this reason, he said, Lithuania does not have that much time to think about strengthening its defense capabilities.

"Would the existing forces in the region be sufficient to deter and defend from the first centimeter? Of course, what e have in the region is not enough, which is why we are saying that we need permanently deployed units, and that reinforcements will have to come before Russia tries to catch us unprepared," Budrys said.

Germany plans to deploy a brigade in Lithuania, and Lithuania is making necessary preparations to have host country infrastructure in place.

Commenting on Bloomberg's recent report that Russia is increasing its defense spending from almost 4 to 6 percent of its GDP, Budrys says that in reality, this spending "will be much higher than 6 percent".

"Certain countries, definitely Russia, China is certainly following in its footsteps, are hiding defense spending to make it look as small as possible so as not to create tensions," the presidential advisor said.

Russia plans to increase its military spending amid its ongoing large-scale war in Ukraine, it invaded in February 2022.

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Lithuanian financial crimes body's ex-chief pleads guilty to influence peddling

VILNIUS, Oct 03, BNS – Kestutis Jucevicius, a former director of the Lithuania's Financial Crime Investigation Service (FCIS), has pleaded guilty to influence peddling.

"Yes, I fully admit my guilt for the crime of influence peddling," he told Vilnius City District Court as it started hearing his criminal case on Tuesday.

Jucevicius also agreed testify in court.

His lawyer is asking the court to release his client from criminal liability on bail.

According to the investigation, Jucevicius demanded and accepted a bribe of 2,000 euros, promising to influence FCIS officials to change a person's procedural status in a pre-trial investigation into suspected VAT fraud. The probe was being conducted by the service's Siauliai and Panevezys Regional Boards.

Prosecutor Jurate Karcinskiene on Tuesday read out the indictment, which states that Jucevicius accepted money from a person in a Vilnius cafe in November 2022.

In the cafe, the former FCIS director showed the person a piece of paper with the number 2,000 and the euro symbol on it.

"I told him that I could help him for 2,000 euros," Jucevicius admitted in court.

The money was handed over in January this year.

"After the money was handed over, I was detained by the Special Investigation Service's officials," said Jucevicius.

"I deeply regret this criminal act. I had to leave the Social Democratic Party. I feel ashamed in front of my former colleagues, friends and acquaintances, and I damaged the reputation of the Financial Crimes Investigation Service. I truly regret it," he told the court.

Later, during questioning in court, Jucevicius claimed that he had no intention of exerting illegal influence on officials and that he received the money for his knowledge.

Jucevicius served as the FCIS director from 2012 to 2017. After completing his term, he left public service and retired.

He turned to politics in 2018 and was a member of the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party for some time.

By Ingrida Steniulienė

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Interest rates will stabilize as we get closer to 2 pct inflation – ECB rep in Vilnius

naujos 6-7 ir paskutinės 2 pastraipos

VILNIUS, Oct 03, BNS – It is necessary to maintain the achieved inflation rate, Philip Lane, the chief economist and a member of European Central Bank's Executive Board, says, adding that interest rates will stabilize once the block gets closer to the 2 percent inflation target.

"I would also like emphasize, that we are data dependent. What we said in the September meeting is we think we've reached a level how we make a substantial contribution to bring inflation back to the target," he told reporters in Vilnius. "Key for this is to maintain this level as long as needed. (...) And then, as we get closer to returning to the target, then we start to normalize the margin policy."

The ECB representative could not say when the key interest rates could be cut. He did not rule out, however, that interest rates might need to be raised again if inflation rises again and the 2 percent target may not be reached.

"We live under uncertainty. We are clear, if the inflation gets worse, if we see increases in the medium term inflation, and that's not consistent with returning to 2 percent, we will be prepared raise rates more," Lane said.

For his part, Gediminas Simkus, board chairman of the central the Bank of Lithuania, noted that it was "critically important" to maintain a sufficient level of interest rates in order to bring inflation back to 2 percent in the medium term.

The ECB raised its key interest rates for the tenth time in mid-September by a further 25 basis points, arguing that inflation, despite falling, could remain too high for a long time.

The latest data showed last week that annual inflation in the euro area slowed to 4.3 percent in September, reaching its lowest level since October 2021. In Lithuania, annual inflation was 4.1 percent last month, according to early estimates.

By Giedrius Gaidamavičius

Editor: Roma Pakėnienė

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Lithuanian minister says union's proposals unfeasible, talks to continue Wednesday

VILNIUS, Oct 03, BNS – The Lithuanian Education Employees Trade Union's "compromise" proposals are unfeasible, Education, Science and Sport Minister Gintautas Jakstas said on Tuesday, adding that talks are set to continue on Wednesday.

"Today we expected a comprehensive discussion on all the demands, but we did not see the promised comprehensive approach from the trade union," Jakstas told reporters.

"The original proposal for the salary increase was 56 percent and now it is 46 percent. The proposal on contact hours was to reduce them from 24 to 18, and now it is from 24 to 20," he said, commenting on the union's latest proposals described by its leader as "compromise".

"As for reducing class sizes, we did not receive any compromise proposal," the minister added.

Jakstas reiterated that teachers' salaries would not be raised beyond what the government has already proposed, because financial limits have been reached.

In response, Andrius Navickas, the LEETU leader, said that the talks then have no prospect of success.

"If they don't want to negotiate and keep saying there's no money, then the negotiations will end and the strike will continue," the union leader said.

"We think there is money," he added.

According to Jakstas, the union's proposal to postpone their demands for a pay rise for a couple of months does not solve the budgetary fund shortage issue.

"A proposal has been made (...) to increase wages from November instead of September this year and to do the same in January and September next year," the minister said.

"This longer period, according to the union's proposal, would mean an additional billion for next year's budget, which is not available," he said.

Jakstas added that "six thousand teachers, and two billion euros for school construction" would also be needed additionally to meet the demands, which, he said, could only be implemented in a few years.

"This is absolutely impossible," said Jakstas.

The minister said that the negotiations will continue on Wednesday, adding that he expects that all demands will be discussed.

Meanwhile, Navickas said that the union did not receive the ministry's response regarding their proposals.

The union leader added that if an agreement on some demands were reached, the union could make concessions elsewhere.

"However, today we did not receive an answer to any of our three fundamental demands, which concern the whole education system, so we asked for a written answer," he said.

Over 2,000 Lithuanian teachers started a nationwide strike last Friday after their union and the Education, Science and Sport Ministry failed to reach a deal on the pace of pay rises in the education sector, and other issues.

The current plan is to continue the strike for about a month.

The government proposes to increase teachers' salaries in two stages next year: by 10 percent from January and by a further amount in September that would bring the average teacher's salary to 130 percent of the country's average wage.

It estimates that an additional 300 million euros will be needed to increase teachers' salaries next year.

The Navickas-led union earlier demanded a 20 percent increase in teachers' salaries from this September, followed by an additional 30 percent rise from next January. They also demanded to reduce class sizes in schools and teachers' workload, and improve their working conditions.

According to information available to BNS, in its latest package of demands, LEETU asks the government to raise teachers' salaries by 10 percent from November, 15 percent from January, and a further 15 percent from September.

"We agree to make concessions and, since September has passed, we can negotiate how much the salary would increase from November," Navickas told reporters.

Four other trade unions also held talks with the ministry on raising teachers' salaries and improving their working conditions.

The parties agreed last week to draw up by next May a plan for increasing teachers' salaries after 2024.

One of the largest of the unions, the Lithuanian Education and Science Trade Union led by Egidijus Milesinas, decided on Monday to sign an updated sectoral collective agreement and announced that it was abandoning its strike plans.

By Greta Zulonaitė, Ignas Jačauskas, Milena Andrukaitytė

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Lithuanian minister hails grain deal as 'great help' to Ukraine.

VILNIUS, Oct 03, BNS – Moving the control of Ukrainian grain exports through Poland to third countries from the Ukrainian-Polish border to the seaport of Klaipeda will facilitate border crossing procedures, Lithuanian Agriculture Minister Kestutis Navickas said on Tuesday.

"This is an important step forward and a great help to Ukraine, which especially needs efficiently functioning solidarity corridors," Navickas said in a press release, commenting on Tuesday's agreement among Vilnius, Warsaw and Kyiv on speeding up the transit of Ukrainian cereal exports.

"The port of Klaipeda is ready to take over a part of the transit traffic, so I am pleased that cross-border cooperation aimed at facilitating border crossing procedures has been successful and beneficial to Ukraine," he said.

The deal is expected to allow transporting a larger quantity of grain more efficiently, primarily by easing the administrative burden.

Navickas signed a declaration based on which the State Food and Veterinary Service will take over full state control over grain transported and imported in transit through Lithuania.

The agreement also provides that, from now on, there will be no state control of feed at the Ukraine-Poland border, and no control of food grain from October 4.

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Lithuania's army chief terminates apartment lease with his son, sees no conflict

VILNIUS, Oct 03, BNS – Lithuania's Chief of Defense General Valdemaras Rupsys says he has terminated his apartment lease agreement with his son, adding, however, that he sees no conflict of interest.

"Because of the uproar, I have decided to terminate the contract today and I have terminated the contract today, I will continue to live with him and I will not receive this allowance, and that settles the matter," Rupsys told reporters during an online press conference on Tuesday as he's on a foreign trip.

He said he did not consider the issue to be any misconduct because he was renting an apartment from a relative and used state allowance to pay for it because he paid below the market price.

"I do not see any conflict. (...) If I had overpaid or if the supply had been higher than the demand for rental housing, I would have said that I committed some kind of misconduct. I am just hostage of this situation because I have no housing, and I have never owned real estate in Vilnius, and I am forced to look for a place to live as the army commander. I can, of course, build something, I can live in a tent on the street," Rupsys said.

Rupsys has so far received a monthly housing allowance of almost 500 euros he has used to rent an apartment from his son, the 15min.lt news website reported earlier in the day.

According to Rupsys' declaration of private interests, he has been renting the apartment since 2021.

The army chief also says he has paid below the market price for his son's apartment that could have cost more than 700 euros.

Rupsys also says he sees no reason to resign.

"I am not a politician and I am not the leader of a political party or the opposition to be able to resign. I have direct superiors and there are clear procedures for appointments and other procedures that are related to the position of the chief of defense. The question (of resignation - BNS) is an interesting one and, in my personal opinion, if it is legal and it is not, as I see it, a violation of any law, I do not see any reason for it," Rupsys said.

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Germany's brigade deployment plan to be made public next week – Lithuanian minister

VILNIUS, Oct 03, BNS – Germany's plan for deploying its brigade in Lithuania "will start to be made public" next week, Defense Minister Arvydas Anusauskas said on Tuesday, adding that Vilnius intends to present its plan within another few months.

"I am meeting with Germany's representatives next week and the details will start to be made public next week," Anusauskas told reporters.

"However, it will take another couple of months for us and the German side to work out in detail an absolutely detailed plan on what regards us, not the German side which has now done its homework," he added.

Berlin is planning to deploy a brigade to Lithuania, and Vilnius is putting in place the necessary host nation infrastructure for this purpose.

Before stationing its troops, Germany has committed to draw up a deployment plan and present it to Lithuania by the fourth quarter of this year.

The brigade's Forward Command Element is currently stationed in Lithuania.

Germany has been leading NATO's multinational battalion deployed in Lithuania since 2017.

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Lithuanian president calls army chief's apartment situation 'mistake'

VILNIUS, Oct 03, BNS – Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda has called Chief of Defense General Valdemaras Rupsys' decision to use his housing allowance to rent an apartment from his son a "mistake".

"The president considers the army chief's decision to rent an apartment from his son and use the housing allowance to pay for it a mistake," the presidential office told BNS on Tuesday, adding that Rupsys has admitted his mistake and must correct it.

"Immediately afterwards, the chief of defense need to get back to important defense issues, including the development of the Lithuanian Armed Forces, its upgrading, the implementation of NATO's regional defense plans, and preparations to receive thousands of allied troops," the presidential office stated.

Rupsys has so far received a monthly housing allowance of almost 500 euros he has used to rent an apartment in Vilnius from his son, the 15min.lt news website reported earlier in the day.

After the publication, Rupsys said he had terminated the contract, adding, however, that he saw no conflict of interest.

The army chief has so far received a housing allowance of 445 euros just like any Lithuanian soldier who does not own real estate in the area of service. Rupsys owns a property in Ignalina District.

Rupsys was appointed to lead Lithuania's army in July 2019.

By Greta Zulonaitė

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Lithuania's LRU to invite IT, military experts to partake in cyber security hackathon

VILNIUS, Oct 03, BNS - Kaunas University of Technology's Santaka Valley in Lithuania's second-largest city of Kaunas will host the largest Baltic cyber defense and security innovation hackathon on October 20-22, the Lithuanian Riflemen's Union said on Tuesday.

The event is being organized in cooperation with ScaleWolf, an international investment fund that invests in companies developing innovations in the field of defense and security, as well as Tech Park Kaunas, a Kaunas-based science and technology park.

The hackathon's mentors will include more than 50 IT specialists and programmers as well as world-class warfare experts and lecturers from the prestigious SANS Institute of cyber security.

The hackathon open to individuals and teams who can propose their own solutions to cyber security challenges faced by the state.

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Lithuanian defmin says he appreciates Rupsys' apology amid possible conflict of interest

VILNIUS, Oct 03, BNS – Lithuanian Defense Minister Arvydas Anusauskas said on Tuesday that Chief of Defense Valdemaras Rupsys has drawn conclusions regarding the lease of an apartment in Vilnius from his son and that he appreciates the general's apology "for improper communication".

"In my view, there are two positives in this story. Firstly, the chief of defense himself familiarized us with his declaration of private interests, submitted it, and showed the registered lease agreement. Secondly, he himself apologized for improper communication," the minister told reporters.

"You know, the work of soldiers and officers is intense and they sometimes lack that cold tone, but first of all, I appreciate the apology," he added.

The 15min news website reported earlier on Tuesday that Rupsys receives a monthly housing allowance of almost 500 euros and uses the money to lease an apartment from his son.

According to Anusauskas, what is most important is that the lease agreement was declared and registered and that the taxes were paid.

Over 2,000 military personnel receive a housing allowance to cover their rental costs, he said.

Regarding the possible conflict of interest involving the chief of defense, the minister said that potential conflict-of-interest situations should be avoided, but added that the military should be separated from politics and political assessments.

Anusauskas did not provide his personal assessment of the situation and of the potential reputational damage.

Rupsys is entitled to a housing allowance of 445 euros, just like any Lithuanian serviceman or servicewoman who does not own real estate in the area where they are serving. The general owns a property in Ignalina District.

According to 15min, when asked about this situation, the chief of defense lost his temper and said the journalist was asking stupid questions. He later apologized to the journalist.

Later on Tuesday, the general told journalists that he was terminating the lease agreement with his son, even though he said he saw no conflict of interest.

Rupsys was appointed Lithuania's chief of defense in July 2019.

By Jūratė Skėrytė

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Two Lithuanian lawyers named candidates for CJEU judges, four seek to become advocates

VILNIUS, Oct 03, BNS - Two Lithuanian lawyers have applied to become judges of the Court of Justice of the European Union, and four lawyers want to become Advocates General, the Justice Ministry on Tuesday.

Irmantas Jarukaitis, who is already working at the court, and Mazvydas Michalauskas, a member of the Paris Bar Association, are taking part in the selection process for judges.

Also, this is the first time that a competition for Advocate Generals is taking place, and the candidates include Gintautas Bartkus, a former justice minister and now a lawyer, partner and head of Bartkus & Partners, a specialized law firm, as well as Laurynas Didziulis, Michalauskas and Rimvydas Norkus, the former president of the Supreme Court of Lithuania and now a judge at the General Court of the European Union.

The candidates will be assessed by a special working group that will produce a list of candidates who meet the requirements and score at least eight out of ten.

The list will be submitted to Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte for her to make a reasoned proposal to the government to pick one candidate for the CJEU judge and one candidate for an Advocate General.

Subject to the president's approval, the government will also have to consult the Seimas when proposing the candidates.

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Lithuanian agrmin calls grain deal major assistance for Ukraine

VILNIUS, Oct 03, BNS – The agreement to move control of Ukrainian grain in transit through Poland to third countries from the Ukrainian-Polish border to the Lithuanian port of Klaipeda will facilitate border crossings, Lithuanian Agriculture Minister Kestutis Navickas says.

"This is an important step forward and major assistance for to Ukraine, especially needs efficient solidarity corridors (...) The port of Klaipeda is ready to take over a part of the transit flow, and I am glad to see that the cross-border cooperation to facilitate border crossing procedures has been successful and beneficial to Ukraine," Navickas said in a statement on Tuesday, commenting on the Lithuanian-Polish-Ukrainian agreement on speeding up the transit of Ukrainian grain exports

The agreement is expected to allow for more efficient grain transit, in particular by easing administrative burdens.

Speaking with BNS, Algis Latakas, CEO of the Lithuanian port of Klaipeda, said there were various ways to increase grain transit from Ukraine through the Lithuanian port, adding that the agreement reached on Tuesday is only one of the solutions to the problem that makes the situation easier.

"Many things are important, including infrastructure and organizational matters, and also the price itself has to be normal for the grain to move, but also the reduction of checks and the possibility to carry them out at the final port will help to facilitate the movement of grain through the port of Klaipeda. We'll see that process move forward," Latakas said.

He said earlier that Klaipeda could receive more than 10 million tons of grain, but bringing them to the port was still the biggest problem.

Navickas has already signed a declaration under which Lithuania's State Food and Veterinary will take over full state control of grain in transit through and imported to Lithuania.

The agreement also foresees that from now on there will be no state control of animal feed at the Ukrainian-Polish border, and no control of cereals intended for food use as of 4 October.

The agreement also provides that, from now on, there will be no state control of feed at the Ukraine-Poland border, and no control of food grain from October 4.

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Europe needs more investments into hydrogen, heat pumps – Lithuanian energmin

VILNIUS, Oct 03, BNS - Europe needs more investments into hydrogen and heat pumps, Lithuanian Energy Minister Dainius Kreivys, who is attending the Warsaw Security Forum, says.

"We need to maintain European leadership in the technology areas where we already have an advantage, such as hydrogen and heat pumps. We must increase investments in these areas and take measures similar to those taken by the US with the Inflation Reduction Act," Kreivys was quoted as saying in his ministry's statement on Tuesday.

Europe also needs leadership in the areas of innovation, new energy technologies and their applications.

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Garbaciauskaite-Budriene re-elected director general of Lithuania's LRT

VILNIUS, Oct 03, BNS - Monika Garbaciauskaite-Budriene has been re-elected director general of Lithuania's public broadcaster LRT on Tuesday for a new five-year term, Eugenijus Valatka, chairman of the LRT Council, said.

She has been heading the public broadcaster since 2018 ad will start her new five-year term on October 17.

"(The Council decided - BNS) to appoint Garbaciauskaite-Budriene as director general of the Lithuanian National Radio and Television as of October 17, 2023," Valatka told reporters after the election.

Garbaciauskaite-Budriene was re-elected after the LRT had to hold a third competition for this position since the previous two attempts failed after Garbaciauskaite-Budriene and communications specialist Aistis Zabarauskas received the same amount of votes.

Zabarauskas did not take part in this selection process this time, and Garbaciauskaite-Budriene was vying against Mantas Martisius, an associate professor at Vilnius University, and Aldaras Stonys, an analyst. This time Garbaciauskaite-Budriene received seven votes, Martisius got five votes and Stonys received none.

The LRT Council, the public broadcaster's highest collegial governing body, has 12 members who are prominent figures in social, scientific and cultural fields, who are appointed for six-year terms.

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Upcoming events in Lithuania for Wednesday, October 4, 2023

VILNIUS, Oct 04, BNS – The following events are scheduled in Lithuania for Wednesday, October 4, 2023:

SPEAKER OF THE SEIMAS Viktorija Cmilyte-Nielsen to meet with Danish Ambassador Grete Sillasen at 11 a.m.; to attend a reception on the occasion of the German Unity Day at 6 p.m.

PRIME MINISTER Ingrida Simonyte to meet with Hendrik Wüst, minister-president of the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia at 9.30 a.m.

FOREIGN MINISTER Gabrielius Landsbergis to meet with Danish Ambassador Grete Sillasen; to attend a commemoration of the German Unity Day.

INTERIOR MINISTER Agne Bilotaite to pay a working visit to Iceland.

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Oct 05 2023

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