LITHUANIA DAILY NEWS BULLETIN, September 4, 2024

LITHUANIA DAILY NEWS BULLETIN

IN THIS ISSUE:

Upcoming events in Lithuania for Wednesday, September 4, 2024
Lithuanian PM, Orlen' reps to discuss company's operations, investments in Lithuania
Lithuania turns away 26 irregular migrants on border with Belarus
Lithuanian president to discuss defense cooperation with Polish leader, visit Lublin
Lithuanian formin calls for 'cordon sanitaire' to block radicals from power
American Jewish Committee urges Lithuanian parties to reject coalition with Zemaitaitis
Poland's Orlen mulls investing in offshore wind farm, hydrogen production in Lithuania
Lithuanian prosecutor to ask EP to strip Grazulis of immunity in LGBTIQ contempt case
Orlen CEO in Vilnius: we mull partaking in 2nd Lithuanian offshore wind farm tender
Lithuania, Germany to sign brigade rights agreement on September 13 (expands)
Lithuania develops wartime cultural heritage protection plan, to test it in September
'More than one' Lithuanian citizen is fighting on Russian side in Ukraine – minister
Lithuania formally nominates Kubilius for European commissioner
Lithuanian formin urges Western support for new Ukrainian ministers amid govt shake-up
Achema will eventually have to suspend operations after hydrogen project U-turn – ministry
Inspired by Poland, Lithuania aims to boost defense budget to over 3 pct of GDP – Nauseda
Rail Baltica issues must be tackled at EU level amid rising costs, delays – Nauseda
Lithuanian president calls for NATO decision on downing missiles over Ukraine
Lithuania summons Russian Embassy rep to voice protest over attacks on Ukraine
Upcoming events in Lithuania for Thursday, September 5, 2024

Upcoming events in Lithuania for Wednesday, September 4, 2024

VILNIUS, Sep 04, BNS – The following events are scheduled in Lithuania for Wednesday, September 4.

PRESIDENT Gitanas Nauseda to travel to Poland.

SPEAKER OF THE SEIMAS Viktorija Cmilyte-Nielsen to meet with the Latvian and Ukrainian ambassador at 11 a.m.

PRIME MINISTER Ingrida Simonyte to meet with the executives of Poland's oil group Orlen at 10 a.m.

JUSTICE MINISTER Ewelina Dobrowolska to meet with Moldova Justice Minister Veronica Mihailov-Moraru ay 10 a.m.; to meet with UK Secretary of State for Justice Shabana Mahmood at 3 p.m.; to meet with Marija Pejcinovic Buric, secretary general of the Council of Europe, at 4 p.m.; to attend a gala dinner for the Council of Europe's conference of justice ministers at 7 p.m.

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Lithuanian PM, Orlen' reps to discuss company's operations, investments in Lithuania

VILNIUS, Sep 04, BNS – Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte is on Wednesday meeting with the executives of Poland's oil group Orlen and Orlen Lietuva, the group's oil import and refining company in Lithuania.

"We will discuss Orlen's activities in Lithuania and potential investments in the energy sector," Orlen Lietuva's spokesman Tomas Digaitis told BNS.

The Lithuanian government's press service told BNS the meeting would be attended by Orlen CEO Ireneusz Fafara, Orlen Lietuva CEO Marek Pawel Golebiewski and Lithuanian Energy Minister Dainius Kreivys.

The Mazeikiai-based Orlen Lietuva refinery is currently undergoing upgrading estimated to cots 970 million euros. The project involves the installation of a deep crude conversion unit and is scheduled to be completed by September 2025. The UK's Petrofac International is the project's general contractor.

In August, Fafara told the Polish media that Orlen's board was looking into the investment plans until 2030, approved as part of the group's strategy, and wanted to make the 320 billion zloty (74.76 billion euros) expenditure in the strategy more realistic.

Orlen Neptun, also part of the Orlen group, took part in Lithuania's first tender for a 700 MW offshore wind farm in the Baltic Sea last year, but only offered a minimum fee of 5 million euros and was not awarded the project.

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Lithuania turns away 26 irregular migrants on border with Belarus

VILNIUS, Sep 04, BNS – Lithuanian border guards have in the past 24 hours turned away 26 migrants attempting to cross into the country from Belarus illegally, the State Border Guard Service (SBGS) said on Wednesday morning.

Latvia reported six attempts at illegal border crossings on Tuesday, and 65 irregular migrants were not allowed into Poland on Monday, according to the latest available information.

A total of 492 irregular migrants have been barred from entering Lithuania from Belarus at non-designated places so far this year, a much lower number than in previous years.

The influx of irregular migrants to the EU's eastern member states from Belarus began in 2021 and is blamed by the West on the Minsk regime.

Almost 4,200 irregular migrants crossed into Lithuania from Belarus illegally in 2021. However, the vast majority of them fled Lithuania once they were allowed to move freely.

Lithuanian border guards have prevented a total of more than 22,300 people from crossing in from Belarus since August 3, 2021, when they were given the right to turn away irregular migrants. The number includes repeated attempts by the same people to cross the border.

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Lithuanian president to discuss defense cooperation with Polish leader, visit Lublin

VILNIUS, Sep 04, BNS – Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda is visiting Poland on Wednesday to discuss defense cooperation with President Andrzej Duda and to mark the 455th anniversary of the Union of Lublin.

"We have a lot to discuss, and, of course, the focus is on security and defense. We will talk about how we will continue to cooperate in the defense sector, what we will do together, how we will strengthen the Suwalki Corridor, and what we will produce together in the defense industry," Asta Skaisgiryte, Nauseda's chief foreign policy advisor, told BNS.

The two presidents will attend a bilateral defense industry forum in Warsaw, which is expected to bring together over 70 defense companies from Lithuania and Poland.

Among other things, four Memoranda of Cooperation will be signed during the meeting: between the Lithuanian Defense and Security Association and the Polish Defense Industry Association, the National Defense Industry Association and the Polish Defense Industry Association, the Lithuanian DigiTech Sector Association Infobalt and Poland's Defence24, and between Kaunas University of Technology and Bialystok University of Technology.

Nauseda said during a meeting with Duda in April that Vilnius was interested in partnering with Warsaw to set up a regional logistics center for High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) ammunition.

Skaisgiryte said the two leaders will discuss the issue at their upcoming meeting.

Later on Wednesday, Nauseda and Duda will head to Lublin.

"This visit takes place as we mark several highly symbolic dates. The first date is the 455th anniversary of the Union of Lublin. On that occasion, the president will visit Lublin, where he and President Duda will sign a declaration outlining the directions for further cooperation between our countries," the advisor said.

"They will also visit the Lublin Castle and the Lithuanian Square in Lublin. The city hosts the headquarters of the Lithuanian-Polish-Ukrainian brigade. Both presidents will visit the headquarters and will be briefed on the brigade’s activities," she added.

The Union of Lublin was concluded on July 1, 1569, uniting the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the Kingdom of Poland into the Commonwealth of the Two Nations.

Skaisgiryte noted that the trip to Poland marks Nauseda's first bilateral visit since his re-election.

The Lithuanian president is also scheduled to meet with Szymon Holownia, marshal of the Sejm, Poland's lower house of parliament, and lay flowers at the Unknown Soldier's Tomb and at the monuments to the victims of the Smolensk tragedy and to Lech Kaczynski.

First Lady Diana Nausediene and Polish First Lady Agata Kornhauser-Duda will visit a school complex for children with special needs in Warsaw and the Little Prince children's hospice in Lublin.

Nausediene will also visit the Przedczasem foundation for parents of premature babies in Lublin, accompanied by representatives from Neisnesiotukas, a Lithuanian association for premature newborns.

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Lithuanian formin calls for 'cordon sanitaire' to block radicals from power

VILNIUS, Sep 04, BNS – Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis, leader of the ruling conservative Homeland Union – Lithuanian Christian Democrats, has called on the country's President Gitanas Nauseda to set up "cordon sanitaire" to prevent radicals from getting into power after the upcoming Seimas election.

According to the foreign minister, European history shows that pandering to such political forces leads to tragic events. He cited Hitler's rise to power and the Second World War and the Holocaust that he brought about as examples.

"I understand that the example is radical, but it is an extremely strong symbol," Landsbergis told the Ziniu Radijas news radio on Wednesday. "But now, isn't our president taking the same position, shouldn't he show leadership by saying: look, a cordon sanitaire must be formed to keep radical forces out of the government."

Landsbergis' comment came in response to the president's recent statements that a coalition with the conservative HU-LCD would be a red line for the Social Democrats, who are now leading in public opinion polls.

The HU-LCD have been urging the Social Democrats for some time now to talk about a possible post-election coalition to block radicals from power, having in mind Remigijus Zemaitaitis and his Dawn of the Nemunas (Nemuno Ausra) party.

Vilija Blinkeviciute, leader of the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party, has hinted that she would not rule out forming a ruling coalition with the Dawn of the Nemunas.

For his part, the president said last week Zemaitaitis' statements about Jews would have to be taken into account when forming a ruling coalition as one of Lithuania's key partners, Germany, is sensitive about this issue.

Earlier this year, Lithuania's Constitutional Court ruled that Zemaitaitis broke his oath as an MP and violated the Constitution by making anti-Semitic statements. He avoided impeachment by resigning from the Seimas in April.

In his Facebook posts in June 2023, Zemaitaitis expressed anger over Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte's visit to Israel and accused Jews of deporting and killing Lithuanians. Commenting on the news of Israel's demolition of a Palestinian school, he likened Israel to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is waging war in Ukraine, and quoted an anti-Semitic folk counting-out rhyme.

The court stated that by using such descriptions, quotes and statements that incite intolerance between ethnic minorities and deny the Holocaust, the politician demonstrated hatred toward an ethnically distinct group.

A Spinter Tyrimai poll showed in early August that the party came in second as 10.2 percent said they would vote for the party in the general election.

Also, Zemaitaitis ran for president in May and came in fourth with 9.21 percent of the vote

The Seimas election in Lithuania will take place on October 13.

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American Jewish Committee urges Lithuanian parties to reject coalition with Zemaitaitis

VILNIUS, Sep 04, BNS – The American Jewish Committee (AJC) has called on Lithuania's mainstream political parties not to cooperate with Remigijus Zemaitaitis and his Dawn of the Nemunas (Nemuno Ausra) party, which the New York-based advocacy group describes as "explicitly anti-Semitic".

"In Lithuania, a new, explicitly anti-Semitic political party led by former MP Remigijus Zemaitaitis, is polling in third place in the October parliamentary elections," AJC posted on the X social platform on Wednesday.

"Even more troubling, the Social Democratic Party says it is open to a coalition government with Zemaitaitis," the organization wrote.

"If they are faithful to fundamental democratic and European values, all mainstream parties must forswear forming a government with this extremist party," it added.

Vilija Blinkeviciute, leader of the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party, which is now leading in public opinion polls, has hinted that she would not rule out forming a ruling coalition with the Dawn of the Nemunas after the October 13 parliamentary election.

President Gitanas Nauseda has said recently that Zemaitaitis' statements about Jews will have to be taken into account when forming a ruling coalition, as Germany, one of Lithuania's key partners, is sensitive about this issue.

Zemaitaitis denied that his statements were anti-Semitic, but the Constitutional Court ruled that they "contain, among other things, degrading descriptions of people belonging to an ethnically distinct group, and quote a counting-out rhyme (...) depicting violence against Jewish people, mocking them".

In a Spinter Tyrimai opinion poll in early August, the Dawn of the Nemunas ranked second after the Social Democrats, with 10.2 percent of respondents saying they would vote for Zemaitaitis' party in the general election.

Zemaitaitis ran for president in May and came in fourth with 9.21 percent of the vote.

AJC is one of the oldest Jewish advocacy organizations in the United Sates.

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Poland's Orlen mulls investing in offshore wind farm, hydrogen production in Lithuania

VILNIUS, Sep 04, BNS - Poland's largest oil group Orlen is considering new investments in Lithuania, including the construction of a wind farm in the Baltic Sea and the production of green hydrogen.

Also, the installation of wind and solar farms within the territory of the Orlen production facility in Mazekiai is also on the table, the company said on Wednesday.

"We are looking for new growth opportunities, especially in renewable energy. This development will not only ensure stable energy sources, but will also help us move closer to de-carbonizing the group's operations," Orlen CEO Ireneusz Fafara said in a statement.

On Wednesday he met with Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte. The meeting was also attended by Orlen Lietuva CEO Marek Pawel Golebiewski and Lithuanian Energy Minister Dainius Kreivys.

"Lithuania is a strategically important market for the Orlen group. (...) The completion of the deep conversion project will increase the yield of light products by around 12 percentage points, thus increasing the energy security of the Baltic region. This project is of particular importance for me personally as I was Orlen Lithuania CEO when it was launched," Fafara said.

The Orlen CEO said at the time that the group was looking forward to offshore and onshore projects, including small modular reactors, adding that offshore wind energy should remain one of the main areas of future development.

Orlen says it has invested almost 4.5 billion US dollars in Lithuania since 2006 when it acquired the then Mazeikiu Nafta and the Butinge oil terminal.

Orlen Lithuania also owns and is currently upgrading the Mockava railway terminal, an important transhipment station for products exported to Poland and Ukraine.

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Lithuanian prosecutor to ask EP to strip Grazulis of immunity in LGBTIQ contempt case

VILNIUS, Sep 04, BNS – The Vilnius Regional Court on Wednesday instructed the prosecutor to ask the European Parliament to strip MEP Petras Grazulis of his legal immunity in a case where he is charged with expressing contempt for members of the LGBTIQ community.

The hearing of the case was put on hold in the summer after Grazulis won a seat in the European Parliament, leading to questions about the actual start date of his immunity.

The politician became an MEP in mid-July.

Grazulis is accused of publicly ridiculing and expressing contempt for a group of persons or a person on grounds of their sexual orientation.

On May 26, 2022, after the Lithuanian parliament gave its initial backing to the civil union bill legalizing same-sex unions, Grazulis met several representatives of the LGBTIQ community as he was leaving the plenary session hall and called them degenerates spreading STDs, and said they should get treatment.

According to prosecutors, evidence collected during the investigation indicates that Grazulis acted with direct intent, knowing his statements were being recorded, broadcasted, and reported in the media.

Five individuals have been recognized as victims in this investigation.

Grazulis was impeached from the Seimas last year for voting on behalf of another MP.

The Lithuanian Supreme Court last year also upheld a conviction against the 65-year-old politician in the so-called Judex frozen food case.

By Saulius Jakučionis

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Orlen CEO in Vilnius: we mull partaking in 2nd Lithuanian offshore wind farm tender

VILNIUS, Sep 04, BNS - Poland's largest oil group Orlen is considering taking part in the tender for a second 700 MW offshore wind farm in Lithuania, its CEO Ireneusz Fafara says.

"We are considering participating in it. This is one of the reasons why I am here (in Vilnius - BNS), to discuss what is going on, what is the future of the (offshore wind park tender - BNS). Yes, we are considering it", Fafara told BNS on Wednesday after his meeting with Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte and Energy Minister Dainius Kreivys.

Fanfara refrained to comment on the Lithuanian Seimas decision that only one bidder could participate in the tender. The Seimas adopted such amendments in June after the auction for the second offshore wind farm failed for the first time.

"No comment," Fafara when asked to comment on the amended tender conditions.

By Lukas Juozapaitis

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Lithuania, Germany to sign brigade rights agreement on September 13 (expands)

Updated version: updates throughout

VILNIUS, Sep 04, BNS – Vilnius and Berlin will sign in mid-September an intergovernmental agreement on the rights of German troops stationed in Lithuania, including permission for setting up German educational and medical facilities in the country, Defense Minister Laurynas Kasciunas confirmed to BNS on Wednesday.

The agreement has been drafted as Lithuania prepares to host a German brigade of several thousand troops.

"I confirm that the agreement will be signed on September 13," Kasciunas said.

"It will cover the procedure for the use of areas designated for German troops, procedures for their arrival, departure and movement in Lithuania, measures for ensuring the security of the force, tax exemptions, and the possibility to establish German educational and medical institutions in Lithuania," he said”

The agreement provides for the establishment of military canteens and stores in Lithuania by the German army, and they will be exempted from tax.

According to the Defense Ministry, such canteens and stores will also be available to members of other NATO countries' militaries, except for Lithuania, who are participating in joint operations and exercises.

It was also agreed during the negotiations that members of the civilian component sent by Germany and members of state-owned enterprises will also be granted special tax treatment.

Taxes for economic activities in Lithuania would be paid in Lithuania, provided that they are not carried out by Germany's army or its state institutions or enterprises. Meanwhile, taxes relating to residence and property in Germany would be paid in Germany, for example, inheritance tax.

The agreement also provides that the German army may purchase goods and services on their own behalf, which may be transferred for the personal use of German personnel. Such transfers will not be subject to Lithuanian commercial trade legislation. The limitations of tax benefits by the type and quantity of goods will be unilaterally determined by Lithuania.

The agreement also includes changes in the area of labor and employment. It has been decided to abolish the special status for the employment of Lithuanian nationals by the German army. European Union legislation and Lithuanian law would apply to such cases.

Under the agreement, the children of German brigade soldiers in Lithuania will undergo education in the German language under the German curriculum. The municipalities of Vilnius and Kaunas will provide the necessary infrastructure for German schools. They will also be responsible for the construction of any new educational facilities for German needs.

According to the cost-sharing agreements, Lithuania's share of the costs will be borne by the government, including the share needed for the construction of the schools.

The agreement also covers the arrival and departure of the German brigade, access to Lithuania's military infrastructure, the establishment of a military postal service, a radio station, driving schools and military medical facilities. Radio frequencies would be provided to the German army free of charge.

Kasciunas added that he will sign the agreement in Berlin along Deputy Foreign Minister Jonas Survila, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and a representative from the German Foreign Ministry.

The document will have to be ratified by both countries' parliaments.

The Lithuanian government is expected to authorize Kasciunas and Survila to sign the agreement on Wednesday.

Lithuania and Germany have agreed to deploy the brigade by the end of 2027, but officials are concerned that this date may be pushed back.

By Saulius Jakučionis

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Lithuania develops wartime cultural heritage protection plan, to test it in September

VILNIUS, Sep 04, BNS – Lithuania's authorities have developed a plan to protect cultural heritage in the event of war and plan to test it later this month.

The parliamentary Committee on Culture discussed the plan in a closed meeting on Wednesday.

"The plan is in place; it was presented and received approval," Vilmantas Vitkauskas, head of the National Crisis Management Center, told reporters after the meeting.

"We have a mobilization drill scheduled for September 23-26, which includes measures for the preservation of cultural heritage," he added.

Vytautas Juozapaitis, the committee's chairman, described the plan as "impressive".

"What has been presented is impressive, with all possible scenarios considered," he said. "I think the institutions, first of all, the National Crisis Management Center, are performing their functions flawlessly."

The MP noted that the plan is not public, so he could not disclose specific details.

According to Vitkauskas, cultural heritage items were inventoried over the summer, priorities were set, and actions were planned for both sudden and anticipated attacks.

Juozapaitis noted that different protection measures are planned for immovable and movable cultural assets.

"As far as movable heritage items are concerned, they are registered; there are several hundred thousand of them, of which slightly fewer than 100,000 are of special value and would be given priority," he said.

Vydas Dolinskas, director of the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, said that Lithuanian museums are learning from Ukraine's experience and helping the country to protect its heritage. They are also considering which foreign locations would be suitable for safeguarding Lithuania's treasures.

Dolinskas noted that natural disasters and fires can also cause emergencies.

"Six or seven years ago, the Museum of the Palace invited a specialist from Dresden, who had led the evacuation of a museum during the Elbe River flood, to tell us about the specific problems that arise," the director said.

"While you can theoretically prepare for anything, in practice, you do not always know the nuances that might occur," he added.

Juozapaitis emphasized that the protection of cultural heritage is a key factor in the survival of the state.

By Jūratė Skėrytė

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'More than one' Lithuanian citizen is fighting on Russian side in Ukraine – minister

VILNIUS, Sep 04, BNS – More than one Lithuanian citizen is fighting on the Russian side against Ukraine, Lithuanian Defense Minister Laurynas Kasciunas says without providing further details.

"I can say that there is definitely more than one," the minister told reporters on Wednesday.

According to the 15min news website, at least five Lithuanian citizens are fighting on the Russian side against Ukraine.

Asked how long they have been doing so, Kasciunas said that "times vary", but there is no information about the number of dead. These persons are known to Lithuania's law enforcement authorities, the minister said.

"Let's leave it to the authorities," he said when asked whether efforts would be made to bring the Lithuanian citizens fighting on the Russian side back.

The Prosecutor General's Office also refrained to comment on the situation when approached by BNS.

"We are verifying and looking into such information as part of an investigation into war crimes and crimes against humanity in Ukraine. Right now, we do not provide any detailed information," it said.

In August, prosecutors launched a probe into reports Lithuanian national Kestutis Kvietkus was fighting on the Russian side as he shared videos on Facebook of himself firing a grenade launcher and being in trenches.

By Paulius Perminas

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Lithuania formally nominates Kubilius for European commissioner

VILNIUS, Sep 04, BNS – The Lithuanian government on Wednesday formally put forward MEP Andrius Kubilius, a former prime minister, as its nominee for the European Commission.

Kubilius' candidacy was approved by the parliament on Tuesday, following an earlier endorsement by President Gitanas Nauseda.

His nomination will now be reviewed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen before requiring final approval from the European Parliament.

Kubilius has said that Lithuania should aim for portfolios related to defense, security and EU enlargement.

However, the German newspaper Die Welt reported on Tuesday that von der Leyen has already chosen Latvia's Valdis Dombrovskis, currently the EU's trade commissioner, for the EU enlargement portfolio.

The former prime minister from the Homeland Union-Lithuanian Christian Democrats was proposed as Lithuania's nominee after Nauseda rejected the candidacy of Gabrielius Landsbergis, the conservative party's leader.

Kubilius, who has served as an MEP since 2019, is a strong advocate for closer ties between the EU and Eastern Partnership countries, increased support for Ukraine, and a tougher stance toward the Kremlin.

Lithuania's candidate for the European Commission is formally proposed by the government, but the nomination requires approval from both the president and the Seimas.

The nominee also needs the endorsement of the European Commission president and the European Parliament.

The new European Commission is expected to officially take office on December 1.

By Greta Zulonaitė

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Lithuanian formin urges Western support for new Ukrainian ministers amid govt shake-up

VILNIUS, Sep 04, BNS – Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis on Wednesday called on Western nations to fulfill their promises to Ukraine and help its government "get into its stride" amid a reshuffle that saw four ministers hand in their resignations.

"It seems to me that we (Ukraine's allies) have more homework to do now. We have unfulfilled promises to help in the areas that are most affected and to help the restructured Ukrainian government get into its stride," Landsbergis told reporters.

Several Ukrainian ministers had tendered their resignations by Tuesday evening, including Minister for Strategic Industries Oleksandr Kamyshin, Justice Minister Denys Maliuska, and Environmental Protection and Natural Resources Minister Ruslan Strilets.

On Wednesday, Ruslan Stefanchuk, speaker of the Verkhovna Rada, announced that Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba was also stepping down.

The speaker said the parliament would consider his resignation request at its next plenary session.

Landsbergis said it is hard to pinpoint the exact reasons behind each minister's resignation, but added that the reshuffle could be due to Ukraine's tough energy situation, restrictions on arms supplies, and a lack of new commitments from allies.

"The most difficult thing is that, despite Russia's intensifying attacks on civilian targets, Ukraine still does not have Western approval to strike deeper into Russia," he said.

Kuleba, the face of Ukrainian diplomacy during the war, is the most important of the ministers to step down. He gave no reasons for his resignation,

"My dear friend Dmytro Kuleba set a very high benchmark not only for his successor, but for any foreign minister in any country. It was an honor to defend Ukraine and Europe with him, and I wish him every success in the future," Landsbergis posted on the X social platform.

Vitalii Koval, head of the State Property Fund, and Deputy Prime Ministers Iryna Vereshchuk and Olha Stefanishyna have also offered their resignations.

Zelensky has also dismissed Rostyslav Shurma, a deputy chief of staff and a key aide to the president, according to a presidential decree.

By Paulius Perminas

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Achema will eventually have to suspend operations after hydrogen project U-turn – ministry

VILNIUS, Sep 04, BNS – Achema, Lithuania's Jonava-based nitrogen fertilizer maker, will eventually have to suspend its operations because it will be non-competitive and will not comply with the EU's green policy requirements, the Economy and Innovation Ministry said on Wednesday after Achema U-turned on its green hydrogen production project and decided not to use the 122 million euros in allocated EU support.

"Having decided not to benefit from EU support, Achema will probably have to stop its activities in the long term as this will prevent it from remaining competitive. The company will not be in line with EC regulatory requirements and common national policies. Although we are dealing with the situation swiftly, Achema's decision not to comply with the principles of sustainability is truly disappointing," said Iveta Paludneviciute, chancellor at the Economy and Innovation Ministry, said, pointing out hat it was the first such large subsidy for a Lithuanian company.

Vice Minister Ieva Valeskaite says efforts had been made for years to ensure that Achema, Lithuania's most polluting company, would take advantage of EU support to retool and start producing green hydrogen.

The ministry started negotiations with the European Commission on support for Achema back in 2021, and was in active negotiations with the responsible EC unit since June 2023.

On Tuesday, Achema announced its decision to no longer implement the planned green hydrogen project following the assessment of the technological and economic challenges and risks involved.

Achema had planned to build a 213 MW green hydrogen production facility by the fall of 2027.

Speaking earlier in the day, Energy Minister Dainius Kreivys did not rule out that Achema's decision to postpone the hydrogen project may have to do with its main shareholders' plans to sell a controlling stake in Achema Group to MET Group, a Swiss energy company.

In April 2023, Achema announced plans to build a 213 MW green hydrogen production facility by the fall of 2027 for 344 million euros. It was stated that once completed, the project was expected to avoid the release of at least 5.8 million tons of CO2 over the 19 years of expected operation of the facility.

Achema said in December 2022 that it was planning to invest around 2 billion euros in green production over 10 to 15 years.

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Inspired by Poland, Lithuania aims to boost defense budget to over 3 pct of GDP – Nauseda

VILNIUS, Sep 04, BNS – Lithuania, inspired by Poland's example, aims to allocate more than 3 percent of its GDP to defense, President Gitanas Nauseda said in Warsaw on Wednesday.

Currently, Poland allocates 4 percent of its GDP to defense, while Lithuania spends 3 percent. However, Warsaw plans to increase its defense spending to 5 percent of GDP next year.

Nauseda, on his first bilateral visit to the neighboring country since his re-election, made these remarks during a joint press conference with Polish President Andrzej Duda.

"I am glad that Poland shares our view on the responsibility of funding defense," the Lithuanian leader said. "I have closely followed your initiatives, Mr. President, to encourage NATO members to spend not 2 percent but at least 3 percent of their GDP on defense."

"For us, this is not only acceptable; we welcome such an initiative. Lithuania, for its part, has already reached the 3 percent defense funding threshold, and I believe we will not stop there, as we are inspired by Poland's example," he added.

Nauseda noted that Poland also has many other areas that need funding but "understands very well where the priority lies".

"Today, the priority is security. Without security and ensuring the safety of our external borders, it is very difficult to address economic and social issues and pursue economic progress," he said.

The president also noted that the countries are ready to train Ukrainian troops at the Lithuanian-Polish-Ukrainian brigade's base, which he and Duda plan to visit on Thursday.

"Ukraine's victory is the best guarantee of peace and stability in Europe, so we must do everything we can to support Ukraine in achieving that victory and provide the necessary support to our suffering neighbor," he said.

Nauseda said he expects that it will be possible to elevate the issue of Ukraine's integration to an even higher level and "bring Ukraine closer to the Europe it deserves" when Poland takes over the rotating EU presidency next year.

"Lithuania will take over the EU presidency in 2027, and I believe that many issues will also be very important, both concerning Ukraine's membership and the 2028-203 financial framework," the Lithuanian president said.

"I hope for support from our like-minded partner Poland in achieving the goals set for our presidency," he added.

Nauseda and Duda also discussed the improvement of strategic infrastructure, energy security, and military mobility.

On Thursday, the two presidents will visit a Lithuania-Poland defense industry forum in Warsaw, which is expected to bring together over 70 defense companies from the two countries.

This year marks the 455th anniversary of the Union of Lublin and the 510th anniversary of the Battle of Orsha, in which the combined forces of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and Poland defeated Moscow's forces.

Nauseda's office has said that to mark the occasion, the president will visit the castle in Lublin, where he and Duda will sign a declaration on further cooperation between the two countries, as well as the Lithuanian Square and the Lithuanian-Polish-Ukrainian brigade's headquarters.

The Union of Lublin was concluded on July 1, 1569, uniting the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the Kingdom of Poland into the Commonwealth of the Two Nations.

By Dominykas Biržietis

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Rail Baltica issues must be tackled at EU level amid rising costs, delays – Nauseda

VILNIUS, Sep 04, BNS - Rail Baltica issues must be resolved at the EU level, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda says amid the rail project's rising costs and delays.

The Lithuanian president made the remarks at a joint press conference in Warsaw with his Polish counterpart Andrzej Duda.

"I paid particular attention to the Rail Baltica project, which is moving ahead a bit slower than we planned. As a result, the project's costs are higher than planned. I believe this is one of the issues that we could address together with the European Union," Nauseda said.

"Rail Baltica is not only a project that will allow people to travel more freely between the north and the south, will not only allow transporting products, goods and other valuables more freely. It is also a very important military mobility project as it will allow faster, more efficient movement of military equipment from one point to another," Nauseda added.

Meanwhile, the Via Baltica international motorway project is being successfully implemented, the Lithuanian leader pointed out, adding that the reconstruction of the section from Marijampole to the Polish border, scheduled to be completed by 2025, will allow "a much more comfortable and free movement between our countries (Lithuania and Poland - BNS)".

Lithuanian Transport Minister Marius Skuodis earlier blamed RB Rail, thee pan-Baltic venture set up for the rail Baltica project, for the slow and costly construction of the Rail Baltica railway.

After the Rail Baltica project appreciated 2.6 times since 2017, Transport and Communications Vice Minister Loreta Maskalioviene said the pace of the project's implementation, not the money, was its main problem. This year, almost 1.5 billion euros has been secured for the Rail Baltica project in Lithuania, of which 204 million euros had been spent by July.

The project is also not using all the state budget allocations, she said, adding that the project has become significantly more expensive since 2017 due to changes in the project's structure, technical parameters and inflation.

Meanwhile, in a joint report published in June, Baltic auditors said that an additional 10-19 billion euros could be needed to implement the planned works in the three Baltic states, including 8.7 billion euros in Lithuania alone.

According to the ministry, the entire Rail Baltica project connecting the Baltic states to Europe is scheduled to be completed by 2030, while the connection between Lithuania and Poland is expected to be completed by 2028.

Rail Baltica will connect Tallinn, Parnu, Riga, Panevezys, Kaunas, Vilnius and Warsaw, including a 392-kilometre stretch in Lithuania.

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Lithuanian president calls for NATO decision on downing missiles over Ukraine

VILNIUS, Sep 04, BNS – Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said on Wednesday that NATO is holding discussions on the downing of potentially threatening missiles flying over third countries, but these talks have yet to yield results.

"Such a discussion has started among NATO member states. Today, we cannot say that this discussion is over or that it has produced a concrete result," Nauseda told a press conference in Warsaw.

"My country, along with some other states, is making efforts for such discussions to take place and for us to decide, first of all, at the NATO level, because this is a very serious matter that can also threaten the security of our people," he said.

Nauseda noted that this issue has become even more pressing due to the recent increase in Russian attacks in Western Ukraine.

According to the president, it is important to distinguish whether a missile or drone is flying over a third country, such as Ukraine, with its trajectory directed toward Poland or another NATO member, or whether it is flying over Polish airspace.

"It seems to me that in the latter case, it is exclusively a matter of Poland's security. And undoubtedly, if necessary, such objects can be shot down," Nauseda said.

"The issue of downing flying objects that potentially pose a risk to the security of our countries and that fly over the territory of another state is somewhat more complicated," he added.

In late August, the Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces said that an unidentified object, likely a drone, entered Polish airspace during a large-scale Russian air attack on Ukraine. It disappeared from radar after flying about 25 kilometers over Poland.

Following this incident, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said that Poland must ensure the safety of its citizens and has a duty to shoot down missiles over Ukraine that are on course to hit Polish territory.

Sikorski made these comments despite concerns that such actions might directly involve NATO in Russia's war in Ukraine.

In March, Poland also reported a breach of its airspace by a Russian cruise missile and demanded an explanation from Moscow. A similar incident occurred in December 2023 when a Russian missile penetrated Polish airspace for several minutes before returning to Ukraine.

In November 2022, two people were killed when a Ukrainian air-defense missile fell on the Polish village of Przewodow, close to the Ukrainian border.

By Dominykas Biržietis

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Lithuania summons Russian Embassy rep to voice protest over attacks on Ukraine

VILNIUS, Sep 04, BNS – Lithuania's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday summoned a representative of the Russian Embassy in Lithuania to express its strong protest over the Kremlin's recently intensified shelling of civilian targets in Ukraine.

The Russian representative was told that rockets and bombs falling on educational establishments, hospitals and civilian homes showed Russia's desperation, its complete disregard for human life and its disregard for any rules of war.

The Foreign Ministry also pointed out that not only the perpetrators of Russia's war crimes, but also those responsible for the planning and execution of Russia's military aggression against Ukraine are facing liability.

"Lithuania, together with the international community, reiterates its call on Russia to put an immediate end to its criminal and brutal aggression and underlines that it will do everything possible to further strengthen its support to Ukraine's defense," the ministry said.

Seven people, including three children, were killed in a Russian strike on the historic center of Lviv in western Ukraine on Wednesday.

Russia also hit a military institute and a nearby hospital in Poltava with two ballistic missiles on Tuesday. The strike killed 53 and injured 271 people.

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Upcoming events in Lithuania for Thursday, September 5, 2024

VILNIUS, Sep 05, BNS – The following events are scheduled in Lithuania for Thursday, September 5.

PRESIDENT Gitanas Nauseda and Polish President Andrzej Duda to attend a bilateral defense fodum in Warsawr at 10 a.m.; to lay flower at the Union of Lublin Monument at 1.20 p.m.; to visit the HQ of the Lithuanian-Polish-Ukrainian Brigade at 1.35 p.m.; to sign a declaration of bilateral relatons at 2.55 p.m.; the presidents' statements to the press at the National Museum in Lublin at 3.05 p.m.

DEFENSE MINISTER Laurynas Kasciunas and INTERIOR MINISTER Agne Bilotaite to attend a presentation of countermobility measures in Pagegiai at 11 a.m.

JUSTICE MINISTRY

The Informal Conference of the Ministers of Justice of the Council of Europe "Towards Accountability for International Crimes Committed in Ukraine" will start in Vilnius. The Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law to be signed at 9.15 a.m.; a joint press conference of Justice Minister Ewelina Dobrowolska and Marija Pejcinovic Buric, secretary general of the Council of Europe, at 11.15 a.m.

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Oct 17 2024

LITHUANIA DAILY NEWS BULLETIN

IN THIS ISSUE:

Upcoming events in Lithuania for Tuesday, September 3, 2024
Lithuania records no illegal border crossings from Belarus for 3rd straight day
Lithuanian parliament convenes to consider Kubilius for European commissioner
Lithuanian military academy to open drone competence center
EU commission's defense portfolio would be 'very good' for Lithuania – presidential aide
Lithuanian president on rising immigration: 'time to rein in the horses' (corrects)
Zemaitaitis' Jew statements must be taken into account during coalition formation -Nauseda
Zemaitaitis on talks about blocking him from power: let's wait for election results
Israeli president expected in Lithuania when Middle East tensions ease – presidential aide
I won’t shy away from any responsibilities – Lithuania's EC candidate Kubilius
Kubilius can realistically get EC defense portfolio – Landsbergis
Turkey's bid to join BRICS undermines trust in Ankara – Lithuanian foreign minister
Lithuania slams ICC member Mongolia over Putin's visit amid issued arrest warrant
AfD's success in Germay is due to pandemic, war, inflation – Lithuanian formin
Lithuania legalizes home-distilled vodka production at rural tourism homesteads
Lithuania needs state-managed 2nd pillar pension fund – c.banker
Lithuania's SSD warns about fake calls from Migration Department
Lithuanian MPs observe minute of silence to honor victims of Russian attack on Ukraine
Lithuanian parliament approves Kubilius for European commissioner
Upcoming events in Lithuania for Wednesday, September 4, 2024

Upcoming events in Lithuania for Tuesday, September 3, 2024

VILNIUS, Sep 03, BNS – The following events are scheduled in Lithuania for Tuesday, September 3.

PRESIDENT Gitanas Nauseda to travel to Poland to meet with his Polish counterpart Andrzej Duda, to attend Lithuanian-Polish defense industry, academic forums.

DEFENSE MINISTER Laurynas Kasciunas to attend the opening a drone center of excellence at 12.30 p.m.

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Lithuania records no illegal border crossings from Belarus for 3rd straight day

VILNIUS, Sep 03, BNS – Lithuanian border guards recorded no attempts to cross into the country from Belarus illegally for the third day in a row on Monday, the State Border Guard Service (SBGS) said on Tuesday morning.

Latvia reported 41 attempts at illegal border crossings on Monday, and 71 irregular migrants were not allowed into Poland on Sunday, according to the latest available information.

A total of 466 irregular migrants have been barred from entering Lithuania from Belarus at non-designated places so far this year, a much lower number than in previous years.

The influx of irregular migrants to the EU's eastern member states from Belarus began in 2021 and is blamed by the West on the Minsk regime.

Almost 4,200 irregular migrants crossed into Lithuania from Belarus illegally in 2021. However, the vast majority of them fled Lithuania once they were allowed to move freely.

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Lithuanian parliament convenes to consider Kubilius for European commissioner

VILNIUS, Sep 03, BNS – The Lithuanian parliament is holding an extraordinary session on Tuesday to consider MEP Andrius Kubilius' nomination for the country's European commissioner.

The former prime minister from the Homeland Union-Lithuanian Christian Democrats is being proposed for the post after President Gitanas Nauseda rejected the candidacy of Gabrielius Landsbergis, the conservative party's leader.

Kubilius was re-elected to the European Parliament for a second term this year.

The politician, who has served as an MEP since 2019, is a strong advocate for closer ties between the EU and the Eastern Partnership countries, increased support for Ukraine, and a tougher stance toward the Kremlin.

Lithuania's candidate for the European Commission is formally proposed by the government, but the nomination requires approval from both the president and the Seimas.

The candidate also requires the endorsement of the European Commission president and the European Parliament.

If Kubilius is appointed to the Commission, his MEP seat will go to Liudas Mazylis, the next candidate on the HU-LCD list.

During the extraordinary session, the parliament is also expected to decide whether to allow farmers to produce and sell alcoholic beverages on their rural tourism homesteads.

The agenda also includes the presentation of several other proposals related to the public broadcaster LRT, the removal of taxes on military aid, and the expansion of the Siauliai Free Economic Zone.

The parliament's regular fall session is scheduled to open on September 10.

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Lithuanian military academy to open drone competence center

VILNIUS, Sep 03, BNS – The General Jonas Zemaitis Military Academy of Lithuania is opening an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Competence Center in Vilnius on Tuesday.

A drone training classroom will also be unveiled during the event, according to the Defense Ministry.

It said earlier that the center will be open to civilians who want to learn how to operate unmanned aircraft.

The center aims to offer civilian drone operation courses to around one thousand people each year.

Lithuania has started to focus more on drones amid Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine, where both sides are using UAVs for various tasks ranging from reconnaissance to destroying enemy targets.

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EU commission's defense portfolio would be 'very good' for Lithuania – presidential aide

VILNIUS, Sep 03, BNS –The European Commission's defense portfolio would be "very good" for Lithuania, President Gitanas Nauseda's chief foreign policy advisor said on Tuesday.

"It's probably too early to say what portfolio we'll get, but the defense portfolio would be very good," Asta Skaisgiryte told the Ziniu Radijas radio station.

"Both EU enlargement and defense are areas that are very close to us," she said. "Enlargement (is very important) because we are passionate supporters of enlargement, particularly when it comes to Ukraine and Moldova."

MEP Andrius Kubilius, Lithuania's likely nominee for the Commission, also said after last Friday's meeting with Nauseda that the country could receive portfolios related to security, defense, or EU enlargement.

"The defense portfolio will be completely new in this European Commission and newly created because life dictates the need for a European commissioner who will primarily focus on and promote the development of the European defense industry," Skaisgiryte said.

The Lithuanian parliament is holding an extraordinary session on Tuesday to vote on Kubilius' candidacy for the Commission. Nauseda has already endorsed his nomination.

Kubilius, who has served as an MEP since 2019, was re-elected to the European Parliament for a second term this year.

Lithuania's candidate for the European Commission is formally proposed by the government, but the nomination requires approval from both the president and the Seimas.

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Lithuanian president on rising immigration: 'time to rein in the horses' (corrects)

(corrects the headline and the lead)

VILNIUS, Sep 03, BNS – President Gitanas Nauseda believes that the number of immigrants in Lithuania has reached a point where it is "time to rein in the horses".

"From my viewpoint, uncontrolled immigration is first and foremost a national security issue. So, (...) failure to control immigration given the demographic hole we are in now could lead to outcomes none of us want," Nauseda told the public broadcaster LRT's program Forumas on Monday evening.

"While I understand in principle that employers need labor, increased productivity and business expansion, I would support a strict quota system," he added.

Nauseda noted that after Belarus' fraudulent presidential election in 2020 and the ensuing persecution of opponents, the number of immigrants in Lithuania has surged and "has reached a critically high level relative to our total population".

"Therefore, it is really time for us to rein in the horses, because (...) immigration is a pressing issue, and, as you can see from Germany's example, it can even affect election results," he said.

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which advocates a deportation program for irregular immigrants, won its first regional elections on Sunday.

Nauseda expects a new law setting a quota for third-country nationals coming to Lithuania to help tighten the country's immigration policy. The parliament passed the law in June.

"The adopted decisions – admittedly, they will come into force in 2026 and perhaps it makes sense to consider bringing the date forward – set a 1.4 percent quota, which would effectively mean about 40,000 working immigrants, even though the current number of immigrants who have jobs is around 120,000," the president said.

"I would consider this a certain tightening of immigration policy that is in line with the mentioned national security narrative I previously mentioned, but we have to apply it consistently and make no exceptions," he added.

The amendments to the law regulating the status of foreign nationals in Lithuania also stipulate that only individuals with a temporary residence permit can work legally in the country.

The new legislation also imposes an obligation on employers to provide information on foreign employees' qualifications and work experience.

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Zemaitaitis' Jew statements must be taken into account during coalition formation -Nauseda

VILNIUS, Sep 03, BNS – The statements of Remigijus Zemaitaitis, the controversial leader of the Dawn of the Nemunas (Nemuno Ausra) party, about Jews will have to be taken into account when forming a ruling coalition as one of Lithuania's key partners, Germany, is sensitive about this issue, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda says.

"(...) the person's statements about Jewish people are causing huge problems and it's causing huge problems for his acceptance into the coalition," the president told the public broadcaster LRT's Forum, when asked about the Dawn of the Nemunas' chances of joining the new ruling coalition after the upcoming general elections.

"And not only because Lithuania has always been known as a country where different nations coexist in a friendly and tolerant manner, but these signals, these statements, these seemingly innocent jokes and rhymes have gone very far. They have gone to those partners whose support is extremely important to us, I mean Germany. They have reached those partners whose support is very important for us, I mean Germany. This is a terrible stigma in Germany," Nauseda said.

If Zemaitaitis gets into power, Lithuania's partners will want "to get very clear answers as to what this party and the statements of its chairman are about".

"Those jokes were not so innocent and they will have to be taken into account when the ruling coalition will be formed," he stressed.

Vilija Blinkeviciute, leader of the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party, earlier did not rule out forming a post-election coalition with the Dawn of the Nemunas.

On Monday, the president also said that Zemaitaitis' political team's stance on Russia and Belarus was still unclear.

"First of all, it is very important for me to know what this party's stance on our eastern neighbor. It is hard to get an impression yet. If we take a look at Zemaitaitis' team, it's really uninspiring, to say the least. Zemaitaitis himself, during the presidential election campaign, was quite restrained and moderate in his approach to both issues of supporting Ukraine and Russia. So it would be impossible to draw unambiguous conclusions at this point," Nauseda said.

The president believes the political forces that will form the ruling majority will have to take the responsibility for these things.

"I cannot answer for the parties that will form the ruling coalition. But if one asks for my opinion, the situation will certainly have to be taken into account. We may have a political stalemate, and this is possible," he said.

Nauseda urged Zemaitaitis to admit his mistake regarding his anti-Semitic remarks.

"I would like, first of all, for this party to use the time left before the election to refute all the things it said before. This can be done, it is possible to admit and say that I was wrong, and this could partially correct the situation, although, as I said, things have gone quite far," the president said.

Zemaitaitis' criminal case on his anti-Semitic remarks has been referred to Vilnius Regional Court.

Founded by Zemaitaitis in November 2023, the Dawn of the Nemunas is running for parliament for the first time in October. The party has almost 3,000 members.

A Spinter Tyrimai poll showed in early August that the party came in second as 10.2 percent said they would vote for the party in the general election.

Also, Zemaitaitis ran for president in May and came in fourth with 9.21 percent of the vote

The Seimas election in Lithuania will take place on October 13.

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Zemaitaitis on talks about blocking him from power: let's wait for election results

VILNIUS, Sep 03, BNS – As some politicians in Lithuania, including President Gitanas Nauseda, are discussing Remigijus Zemaitaitis' Dawn of the Nemunas party's chances of working in the future government, the politician says one should wait for the Seimas election results.

"I am glad that the president cares about the life of Zemaitaitis, an ordinary boy who came to Vilnius from the countryside. I am very proud of that, but I find it very strange as we still have 40 days until October 13," Zemaitaitis told BNS on Tuesday.

"It is very interesting how they are putting the coalition together here and know who will be in the coalition. I wish that everybody just took a breather and waited to see what the nation and the people decide, and when the nation decides, we will talk then," Zemaitaitis said.

His comment came in response to Nauseda's statement on the LRT's Forum on Monday that the statements of Zemaitaitis, the controversial leader of the Dawn of the Nemunas (Nemuno Ausra) party, about Jews would have to be taken into account when forming a ruling coalition as one of Lithuania's key partners, Germany, is sensitive about this issue.

"I got a scare yesterday and started looking whether the Constitution of Lithuania had not been abolished, thinking when did they incorporated Lithuania into Germany. (...) I expect an official answer from the German Foreign Ministry as to whether they have given the German ambassador the power of putting pressure on the president of our country regarding Remigijus Zemaitaitis," the politician said, pointing out that the Lithuanian Constitution prohibits foreign interference in internal affairs.

On Monday, the president also recommended that Zemaitaitis admit his mistake for his anti-Semitic remarks and apologize.

"The president's advice is very good, but I have nothing to apologize for. I was talking about members of the KGB and the NKVD (the repressive structures in the Soviet Union - BNS), and if someone doesn't understand that, that's their problem and their business," Zemaitaitis told BNS.

Zemaitaitis' criminal case on his anti-Semitic remarks has been referred to Vilnius Regional Court.

Founded by Zemaitaitis in November 2023, the Dawn of the Nemunas is running for parliament for the first time in October. The party has almost 3,000 members.

A Spinter Tyrimai poll showed in early August that the party came in second as 10.2 percent said they would vote for the party in the general election.

Also, Zemaitaitis ran for president in May and came in fourth with 9.21 percent of the vote

The Seimas election in Lithuania will take place on October 13.

By Jūratė Skėrytė

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Israeli president expected in Lithuania when Middle East tensions ease – presidential aide

VILNIUS, Sep 03, BNS – Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit to Lithuania is still being planned but could take place after tensions in the Middle East subside, Asta Skaisgiryte, President Gitanas Nauseda's chief foreign policy advisor said on Tuesday.

"His visit is still on our agenda, but we want the situation in the Middle East to calm down a bit," Skaisgiryte told the Ziniu Radijas radio station.

"That would definitely provide a better backdrop for the Israeli president's visit, because it is still very tense there now," she added.

According to diplomatic sources, Herzog's visit to Lithuania was initially planned for June but was then postponed to the fall.

Skaisgiryte said that no specific date for the visit has yet been set.

According to information available to BNS, Herzog had earlier planned to visit all three Baltic states.

The last Israeli president to visit Lithuania was Shimon Peres in 2013.

In recent months, Israel has had difficulty rallying global support for its war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, with Western allies pressing the Jewish state to reach a ceasefire deal.

The international community is concerned about Israel's use of disproportionate force in the conflict, civilian casualties, and the humanitarian situation in the world's most densely populated area.

Israel, however, insists that it aims to eradicate the terrorist organization and claims that Hamas uses civilians as human shields.

According to the Health Ministry of the Hamas-run Gaza Strip, more than 40,000 people, mostly civilians, have been killed in the Palestinian territory.

Israel launched its offensive in the Gaza Strip last October after Hamas carried out a surprise attack in the southern part of the country, killing almost 1,200 people, mostly civilians.

By Saulius Jakučionis

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I won’t shy away from any responsibilities – Lithuania's EC candidate Kubilius

VILNIUS, Sep 03, BNS – Ex-Lithuanian Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius, who is being nominated as the country's candidate for a European commissioner, says he would not shy away from any responsibilities if he is appointed a member of the European Commission.

"Having served as prime minister of Lithuania twice and having earned the title of the crisis prime minister, I am not afraid of any jobs and responsibilities that may arise if I become an European commissioner," Kubilius told lawmakers on Tuesday.

In his words, both Lithuania and he personally have unique experience in security issues and EU enlargement, and he hopes that Lithuania will get the security, defense and enlargement portfolio.

Kubilius said he had discussed with President Gitanas Nauseda the possibility of seeking responsibility for these areas in the EC.

"In security and defense matters in the Eastern European area, we as a country have unique experience and in these matters and we can bring the most added value in strengthening the security of the EU as a whole and, at the same time, strengthening our own security," Kubilius said.

Europe is currently facing a new and deep geopolitical security crisis, he said, and it is time to boost its defense potential "by finally starting to build a real European defense union".

Quoting European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Kubilius said that Eu enlargement is the bloc's core interest.

"Ursula von der Leyen has very importantly and rightly stressed that the next five years and what the European Union succeeds or fails to do in security matters will determine the future of the EU and its place in the world for the next five decades," Kubilius pointed out.

For her part, Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte, who presented Kubilius as the EC candidate to the Seimas on Tuesday, spoke about his experience and competence, saying that very few counties have such highly qualified and professional EC candidates.

"I think that Andrius Kubilius is a candidate who can objectively qualify for practically any portfolio, bearing in mind that his position of a former prime minister seems to suggest that there are very few areas of life in which a prime minister does not need experience, a certain level of competence, knowledge and the ability to deal with issues in that specific area," Simonyte said.

On Tuesday, the Seimas is holding an extraordinary session on Kubilius' nomination.

The former prime minister from the conservative Homeland Union-Lithuanian Christian Democrats is being proposed for the post after President Gitanas Nauseda rejected the candidacy of Gabrielius Landsbergis, the HU-LCD leader.

Kubilius was re-elected to the European Parliament for a second term this year.

Lithuania's candidate for the European Commission is formally proposed by the government, but the nomination requires approval from both the president and the Seimas.

If Kubilius is appointed to the Commission, his MEP seat will go to Liudas Mazylis, the next candidate on the HU-LCD list.

By Jūratė Skėrytė

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Kubilius can realistically get EC defense portfolio – Landsbergis

VILNIUS, Sep 03, BNS – Ex-Lithuanian Prime Minister and now MEP Andrius Kubilius can realistically get the EU defense commissioner's portfolio if he is nominated as Lithuania's EC candidate, Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis says.

"I think it's realistic. As far as I know, Andrius Kubilius himself is actively negotiating for that position," Landsbergis told journalists at the Seimas on Tuesday, when asked about the Lithuanian candidate's chances of being put in charge of defense matters.

"I actually think this is the best situation when a person is able to stand up for themselves. When there is no one else to do it and, well, I am really optimistic," he added.

Landsbergis believes EC portfolios related to foreign policy and defense would be most in Lithuania's interests.

Asta Skaisgiryte, an advisor to President Gitanas Nauseda, also told the Ziniu Radijas news radios earlier in the day that Lithuania would be very happy with the EC defense portfolio.

Speaking later in the parliament, Kubilius also mentioned this area of responsibility.

On Tuesday, the Seimas is holding an extraordinary session on Kubilius' nomination.

The former prime minister from the conservative Homeland Union-Lithuanian Christian Democrats is being proposed for the post after President Gitanas Nauseda rejected Landsbergis as the country's candidate.

Kubilius was re-elected to the European Parliament for a second term this year.

Lithuania's candidate for the European Commission is formally proposed by the government, but the nomination requires approval from both the president and the Seimas.

By Jūratė Skėrytė, Paulius Perminas

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Turkey's bid to join BRICS undermines trust in Ankara – Lithuanian foreign minister

VILNIUS, Sep 03, BNS – Turkey's application to join the BRICS group of emerging-market nations undermines trust in Ankara, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said on Tuesday.

"(The decision) is difficult to understand. Clearly, trust in that country will certainly diminish," Landsbergis told reporters.

"Questions have already been raised about how we reconcile positions within the (NATO) Alliance between countries that support Ukraine and those that are pro-Russian. All this undermines trust," he added.

Landsbergis' comment came after Bloomberg reported on Monday, citing sources, that Turkey has formally asked to join BRICS "as it seeks to bolster its global influence and forge new ties beyond its traditional Western allies".

According to the sources, Turkey submitted its application to join BRICS "some months ago amid frustration over a lack of progress in its decades-old bid to join the European Union".

The news agency said that the group's further enlargement could be discussed during a summit in Russia in October.

Brazil, Russia, India and China are the founding members of BRICS, with South Africa joining later. Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates joined the bloc earlier this year.

Asta Skaisgiryte, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda's chief foreign policy advisor, said on Tuesday that "BRICS is not really an organization, but rather a group of countries."

According to Skaisgiryte, what unites the BRICS countries is their desire to show that they are growing future geopolitical players.

"I believe that Turkey's bid to join BRICS is aimed at showing that it wants to be a regional geopolitical player and seeks a certain level of visibility," she told the Ziniu Radijas radio station.

The group primarily focuses on economic cooperation, expanding multilateral trade, and development.

Turkey, a NATO member, has sought to maintain good relations with both Moscow and Kyiv during Russia's more than two-year war against Ukraine, positioning itself as an important mediator and potential peacemaker.

By Paulius Perminas

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Lithuania slams ICC member Mongolia over Putin's visit amid issued arrest warrant

VILNIUS, Sep 03, BNS - As Russian President Vladimir Putin continues his visit to Mongolia, a member of the International Criminal Court, on Tuesday, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis says Lithuania has criticized Ulaanbaatar over the visit.

"This is yet another example of another crack in the system based on international law," the foreign minister told reporters on Tuesday.

The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Putin last year on war crimes charges, including the illegal deportation of hundreds of Ukrainian children since Moscow launched its large-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The warrant means that Putin should be arrested in any country recognizing ICC rulings, but Ulaanbaatar is ignoring it.

"This is totally unacceptable and Lithuania has expressed its displeasure to representatives of the Mongolian government. I think this is not the last appeal," the minister stressed. "The Nordic and Baltic countries are still coordinating a joint statement within the EU."

Ukraine has reacted very negatively to Putin's trip and accused Mongolia of bearing part of the responsibility for the Russian president's war crimes because Mongolian officers failed to detain him at the airport.

Kyiv has also called on the Mongolian authorities to execute the arrest warrant, and the ICC said last week that all its member countries must detain those wanted by the court.

The Mongolian government is yet to comment on the calls for Putin's arrest.

However, a spokesman for Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh denied reports on Sunday on social media that the ICC had sent a letter requesting the warrant to be executed upon Putin's arrival.

"Pressure from the public and the international community is the only remedy," Landsbergis stressed.

Russia does not recognize the ICC's jurisdiction.

By Paulius Perminas

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AfD's success in Germay is due to pandemic, war, inflation – Lithuanian formin

VILNIUS, Sep 03, BNS - The victory of Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in regional elections was down to the pandemic, Russia's war in Ukraine, inflation and other factors, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis says.

"First of all, what we are observing now is a European trend and it is has to do with many elements," the minister told reporters on Tuesday. "It has to do with the pandemic, then there is the war, inflation, Russian disinformation, a lot of other things, and maybe sometimes a lack of strategic leadership," he noted.

In Sunday's election in Thuringia, the AfD won around 33 percent of the vote, and came in second in the neighboring Saxony.

Germany's most popular daily Bild described the results as a "political earthquake".

However, the AfD is unlikely to come to power as all other parties have ruled out forming a ruling majority with it, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has called on the main parties to keep the AfD out of power.

"There is basically a sanitary cordon for the AfD, preventing a party with anti-Semitic statements, pro-Russian, pro-Chinese statements from becoming part of the government," the minister said.

However, according to Landsbergis, there is no similar unification trend in Lithuania.

"This is why it seems to me that, looking at Lithuanian politics, we are not yet European enough to be able to say that. So that we do not have political forces - anti-Semitic, pro-Russian, anti-Ukrainian forces that are openly against our strategic direction as a country – in our government," he stressed.

"There is a good chance that Zemaitaitis will score well. Clearly, he enjoys the support of radical forces, but the question is what other political forces will do about it," Landsbergis underlined.

Vilija Blinkeviciute, leader of the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party, has hinted that she would not rule out forming a ruling coalition with the Dawn of the Nemunas (Nemuno Ausra), the party led by controversial politician Remigijus Zemaitaitis.

The Constitutional Court earlier this year ruled that Zemaitaitis broke his oath as an MP and violated the Constitution by making anti-Semitic statements. He avoided impeachment by resigning from the Seimas in April.

By Paulius Perminas

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Lithuania legalizes home-distilled vodka production at rural tourism homesteads

VILNIUS, Sep 03, BNS – The Lithuanian parliament on Tuesday approved legislation allowing farmers providing rural tourism services to produce traditional home-distilled vodka.

The amendments to the Law on Alcohol Control were passed with 63 votes in favor, 15 against, and 22 abstentions.

The amended law defines a traditional alcoholic beverage made by a farmer as one with up to 65 percent alcohol by volume. It must be recognized as a national heritage product and produced by a farmer offering rural tourism services.

The legislation allows farmers to produce up to 100 liters of such a beverage per year, but it can only be used for personal or family needs or for on-site tasting. The drink cannot be sold or transported, and the equipment used must be marked with an identification number.

MP Vilius Semeska of the ruling conservative Homeland Union-Lithuanian Christian Democrats said that the amendments finally legalize the production of traditional alcoholic beverages in Lithuania, which are currently only available illegally at regional festivals.

"Producers have to hide; they can be penalized. While the regulation is quite strict, it is beneficial for the regions and rural areas," he told the parliament.

Agne Sirinskiene, a non-attached MP, criticized the amendments as contradicting the objectives of the Law on Alcohol Control.

"It is pathetic that the conservatives measure the level of civilization in a state by whether or not you can make strong alcohol at home," she said.

Meanwhile, MP Eugenijus Gentvilas of the Liberal Movement described the amendments as the "legalization of cultural and gastronomic heritage."

The parliamentary Committee on Economics said in early July that the European Commission did not object to the proposal to legalize the production of home-distilled vodka at rural tourism homesteads, as it did not provide any comments or a detailed opinion.

Editor: Roma Pakėnienė

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Lithuania needs state-managed 2nd pillar pension fund – c.banker

VILNIUS, Sep 03, BNS – Lithuania needs a state-managed second-pillar pension fund to compete against private pension funds, Gediminas Simkus, board chairman of the central Bank of Lithuania, says.

Moreover, he says, the state should not make its own contribution to such a fund as this should be done by employers.

For his part, Social Security and Labor Minister Vytautas Silinskas believes the existing pension system should be reformed to achieve this, adding that the issue is worth discussing.

Simkus says people could be automatically enrolled in the state fund, which would increase market competition.

"We need a state capital fund in one form or another. If we are talking about automatic enrollment, it should involve the state fund, not the private business. And private businesses should compete by offering better, cheaper, more efficient, more profitable services, if the state can do it. And if it can't, then they can't," Simkus said during a discussion on pension saving at the Seimas on Tuesday, adding that employers should also contribute to pension saving.

"The state should not spend its own funds to support the second pillar. In principle, we are ready to say that. It should be a matter of both employees and employers' participation in the second pillar. This still rapid wage growth leaves us with a relatively painless way to implement this option," the central banker said.

According to Simkus, employers' contribution could be mandatory and replace the state incentive within 3-5 years. Currently, the state transfers around 300 million euros annually to these pension funds, which makes Lithuanian stand out in comparison with other countries.

Silinskas, for his part, believes that employers' contribution to employees' pension could be considered, after Latvia introduced such a system. But, he added, this would require a reform of the pension system.

"This would be a major reform, and we need to discuss it with employers whether they would agree. (...) We cannot introduce such a tax for employers in a short period of time, but in the long term, it's certainly worth discussing," Silinskas said.

Simkus believes that Lithuania should urgently adjust its pension system due to the country's demographic problems as, he pointed out, almost three employees now pay for one pension, but the number is projected to drop to fewer than two working people over the next couple of decades.

The Social Security and Labor Ministry has proposed to decide during the parliament's fall session whether to give more opportunities to second pillar participants to temporarily stop accumulating for their pension.

According to the ministry, these funds currently 8.2 billion euros, of which 2.4 billion euros, or almost 30 percent, is earned.

Editor: Roma Pakėnienė

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Lithuania's SSD warns about fake calls from Migration Department

VILNIUS, Sep 03, BNS – Lithuania's State Security Department has warned people about fake calls allegedly made by Migration Department employees and urging people to go to the SSD to fill in questionnaires.

Callers not only urge people to go to the SSD but also ask questions about the activities of the Belarusian democratic opposition, the department said on Tuesday.

A number of Belarusian citizens in Lithuania have received such calls recently.

The SSD urges people to be vigilant, ignore suspicious calls and report such cases to the SSD by phone or email.

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Lithuanian MPs observe minute of silence to honor victims of Russian attack on Ukraine

VILNIUS, Sep 03, BNS – Lithuanian lawmakers observed a minute of silence at the end of the parliament's extraordinary session on Tuesday to honor the memory of the victims of the recent Russian attack on Ukraine.

"We have all read the reports about the brutal fact of Russian aggression when a ballistic missile killed 41 people in Poltava, and the death toll might even be higher. Ukraine has declared a three-day mourning period and I invite you to observe a minute of silence in memory of the victims," Jurgis Razma, the 1st deputy speaker of the Lithuanian Seimas, said at the end of the sitting.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Tuesday that a military training facility was targeted during the Russian attack on the central Ukrainian city of Poltava and several dozen people were killed in the attack.

Two ballistic missiles hit the grounds of the training institution and a nearby hospital, he said.

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Lithuanian parliament approves Kubilius for European commissioner

VILNIUS, Sep 03, BNS – The Lithuanian parliament on Tuesday approved MEP Andrius Kubilius' nomination for the post of the country's European commissioner.

The motion was passed with 70 votes in favor, 24 against, and 15 abstaining.

"Andrius has not only managed to unite Brussels but also to politically unite the parliaments of all European countries in support of Ukraine," Zygimantas Pavilionis, chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, told the parliament.

"Key decisions – Ukraine's candidate status and, finally, the negotiations – became a reality because this person was able to bring everyone together thanks to his strategic wisdom and patience," he said.

"Many accomplishments can be attributed to Andrius Kubilius: the creation of the Statute of the Seimas Statute, the establishment of the Committee on European Affairs, and the development of the strategy to contain Russia, among many other things," said Eugenijus Gentvilas, head of the Liberal Movement's political group in the parliament.

Ausrine Armonaite, leader of the Freedom Party, joked that, out of all the women proposed by her party for the European Commission, Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte chose Kubilius.

"And yet, we think that this is an excellent candidate," she added.

Opposition MPs were skeptical of the candidacy before the vote and urged the parliament against supporting it.

"Even though he is a veteran, we all know who Andrius Kubilius is. We know he wants the defense commissioner's position, but his personal and professional qualities are very weak," Dainius Gaizauskas of the Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union said.

"Perhaps he has aged or developed fears... But that's the reality. That's why he can't be a European commissioner. Now, when people in Lithuania hear Kubilius' name, they cross themselves, and soon, all of Europe might do the same," he said.

Non-attached MP Arturas Skardzius criticized decisions made during Kubilius' time as prime minister, including the purchase of the liquefied natural gas terminal and the sale of the Mažeikiu Nafta crude refinery.

In his speech before the parliament, Kubilius stressed that Europe is facing a new, deep geopolitical security crisis, making security and defense top priorities for the European Commission in the near future.

The politician said that Lithuania should aim for portfolios related to defense, security and EU enlargement.

The former prime minister from the Homeland Union-Lithuanian Christian Democrats was proposed for the post of Lithuania's European commissioner after President Gitanas Nauseda rejected the candidacy of Gabrielius Landsbergis, the conservative party's leader.

Kubilius, who has served as an MEP since 2019, is a strong advocate for closer ties between the EU and the Eastern Partnership countries, increased support for Ukraine, and a tougher stance toward the Kremlin.

Lithuania's candidate for the European Commission is formally proposed by the government, but the nomination requires approval from both the president and the Seimas.

The candidate also requires the endorsement of the European Commission president and the European Parliament.

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Upcoming events in Lithuania for Wednesday, September 4, 2024

VILNIUS, Sep 04, BNS – The following events are scheduled in Lithuania for Wednesday, September 4.

PRESIDENT Gitanas Nauseda to travel to Poland.

SPEAKER OF THE SEIMAS Viktorija Cmilyte-Nielsen to meet with the Latvian and Ukrainian ambassador at 11 a.m.

PRIME MINISTER Ingrida Simonyte to meet with the executives of Poland's oil group Orlen at 10 a.m.

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Oct 17 2024

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