LITHUANIA DAILY NEWS BULLETIN

IN THIS ISSUE:

1. Upcoming events in Lithuania for Friday, October 28, 2022
2. MPs to turn to Constitutional Court over non-Lithuanian name spelling
3. Lithuania signs contract on acquisition of Spanish mortars
4. COVID-19 testing facilities closed at Lithuanian airports
5. Lithuanian border guards prevent 17 migrants from crossing in from Belarus
6. US backs Baltic synchronization, BRELL disconnection – Lithuanian energmin
7. Lithuania reports 383 new COVID-19 cases, three deaths
8. Lithuania to increase active reserve faster, assign reservists to military units
9. New education advisor to join Lithuanian president's team  
10. Lithuanian speaker sees aid to Ukraine, bolstering NATO east flank as 2 sides of coin
11. Lithuania may spend EUR 550 mln less on energy price subsidies next year – c. bank  
12. Putin's nuclear threats remind me of North Korea – Lithuanian PM
13. Lithuania's c.banker criticizes govt over tax reforms
14. Finnish president to visit Lithuania next week
15. Two Lithuanian films to vie for Oscar awards
16. Greek PM to visit Vilnius Monday
17. Upcoming events in Lithuania for Monday, October 31, 2022

Upcoming events in Lithuania for Friday, October 28, 2022

VILNIUS, Oct 28, BNS – The following events are scheduled in Lithuania for Friday, October 28, 2022:

PRESIDENT Gitanas Nauseda to meet with former and current judges of the Constitutional Court at 10 a.m.; to meet with students of the Medardas Cobotas University of the Third Age at 1 p.m. 

SPEAKER OF THE SEIMAS Viktorija Cmilyte-Nielsen, on a visit to Latvia, to take part in a meeting of the Presidium of the Baltic Assembly and the speakers of the national parliaments of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia at 9 a.m.; to participate in the opening of the 41st session of the Baltic Assembly at 10 a.m.; to meet with her Estonian and Latvian counterparts, Juri Ratas and Inara Murniece, at 11:15 a.m. 

PRIME MINISTER Ingrida Simonyte, on a visit to Japan, to meet with Hirofumi Nakasone, chairman of Japan-Lithuania Parliamentary Friendship League, and a group of parliamentarians at 6:30 a.m. (Vilnius time); to take part in a press conference at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan at 8:30 a.m.; to meet with Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Yasutoshi Nishimura at 10 a.m. 

The Lithuanian Cabinet to hold a meeting at 10 a.m.  

JUSTICE MINISTER Ewelina Dobrowolska to meet with Marco M. Aleman, assistant director general at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), at 10 a.m. 

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MPs to turn to Constitutional Court over non-Lithuanian name spelling

VILNIUS, Oct 28, BNS – A group of Lithuanian lawmakers have collected signatures and will turn to the country's Constitutional Court over a law adopted earlier this year and allowing the use of the letters "w", "q" and "x" in personal documents.

Speaking with BNS, Eugenijus Jovaisa, one of the initiators of the move, representing the opposition Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union in the Seimas, says the motion has so far been supported by a total of 30 MPs, including not only those representing the LFGU and Democrats "For Lithuania", but also some representatives of the ruling conservative Homeland Union – Lithuanian Christian Democrats.

A motion to turn to the Constitutional Court requires at least 29 MP signatures.

"Yes, we have collected the signatures, we are already registering them. I think that once the Seimas speaker, who is now in Latvia, signs it, it will be immediately forwarded to the Constitutional Court," Jovaisa said.

The lawmakers are questioning the constitutionality of the new law on the spelling of names and surnames in documents, which came into force in May. It states that a Lithuanian citizen's name and surname may be written using the Latin alphabet without diacritical marks in personal documents in certain cases, i.e. the use of non-Lithuanian letters "w", "q", "x" is allowed in personal names.

This spelling is possible if a Lithuanian citizen chooses a non-Lithuanian surname of their spouse, as well as if the surname of their parents or one of the parents is written in a non-Lithuanian manner in the source document.

Some MPs also have a problem with the Identity Card and Passport Law related to the new legislation.

The law adopted in January also stipulates that members of ethnic minorities are required to officially declare their nationality in order to change their surname.

As a result of the amendments, some Poles, including Justice Minister Ewelina Dobrowolska, changed the spelling of their names.

Other local Poles say they are not satisfied with the current norm as it still does not allow them to spell their names in their original form using diacritical marks.

By Ignas Jačauskas

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Lithuania signs contract on acquisition of Spanish mortars

VILNIUS, Oct 28, BNS - Lithuania has signed a contract on the acquisition of Spanish mortars, Lithuania's Ministry of National Defense said on Friday.

The contract on the acquisition of towed 120-mm EXPAL 120-MX2-SM mortars was signed with Spain's EXPAL Systems, S.A. for 9.8 million euros, including mortars and their parts.

The company was chosen because it offered the best price.

The weapons are to be delivered within two years, the ministry said, adding that the Lithuanian army is expected to get half of the mortars by the end of next year.

"The acquisition of this modern and high quality weaponry will significantly strengthen the Lithuanian Armed Forces' indirect fire support capability," National Defense Minister Arvydas Anusauskas says. 

The ministry points out that the mortar system is "reliable and in line with NATO weapon standards".

Mobile and versatile mortar systems with increased firepower and accuracy allow infantry and artillery to respond adequately to tactical needs through indirect fire support. The mortars procured by Lithuania can reach targets of up to 8 km away.

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COVID-19 testing facilities closed at Lithuanian airports

VILNIUS, Oct 28, BNS – On-site COVID-19 testing will no longer be available at Kaunas and Palanga Airports as of Friday, and at Vilnius Airport as of November 1.

The service will no longer be provided due to the drop in demands from passengers to get tested before or after their flight, Lietuvos Oro Uostai (Lithuanian Airports), the airport operator in Lithuania, said.

This year, European countries have been rapidly lifting the restrictions imposed on travelers due to the global coronavirus pandemic as people are no longer required to have a negative test result or to provide proof of having been vaccinated or recovered from the coronavirus infection, they said.

Also, the implementation and continuation of successful vaccination campaigns in many countries have removed the need for additional testing.

Lab testing company Rezus.lt has been providing testing services to passengers since early 2021.

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Lithuanian border guards prevent 17 migrants from crossing in from Belarus

VILNIUS, Oct 28, BNS – Lithuanian border guards have in the past 24 hours turned away 17 migrants attempting to cross into the country from Belarus illegally, the State Border Guard Service (SBGS) said on Thursday morning.

Latvia recorded nine attempts to cross the border illegally on Thursday, and Polish border guards denied entry to 73 irregular migrants on Wednesday, according to the latest available information.

The daily number of migrants refused entry to Lithuania reached this year's high of 135 on September 20, nine fewer than the highest ever number recorded on November 12, 2021.

A total of 9,665 irregular migrants have been stopped from entering Lithuania since January.

Lithuanian border guards have sent around 17,700 people back to Belarus since August 3, 2021, when they were given the right to deny entry to irregular migrants. The number includes repeated attempts by the same people to cross the border.

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 last year.

Lithuania calls the unprecedented influx of migrants from Belarus, which began more than a year ago, a "hybrid attack" by the Minsk regime.

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US backs Baltic synchronization, BRELL disconnection – Lithuanian energmin

VILNIUS, Oct 28, BNS - The United States supports Lithuania's bid to accelerate the Baltic states' synchronization and their disconnection from the BRELL electricity ring, Lithuanian Energy Minister Dainius Kreivys, currently in Washington, says.

"The United States is the guarantor of our security, not only in the area of defense but also in the area energy security. The US fully supports Lithuania's ambition to accelerate the Baltic states' synchronization and their disconnection from the BRELL electricity ring as early as possible, without waiting until 2025," the minister was quoted as saying in a statement released by his ministry on Friday.

On Thursday in Washington, Kreivys briefed US Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm on the energy security situation in Lithuania.

"Russia's energy blackmail and geopolitical manipulations in the gas market are increasing the likelihood of unilateral actions against EU countries, and faster synchronization with continental Europe's electricity grids would help ensure greater energy security for the Baltic states," Kreivys said.

According to the report, the US energy secretary expressed her full support for Lithuania's intentions and expressed interest in Lithuania's preparations for the winter season.

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Lithuania reports 383 new COVID-19 cases, three deaths

VILNIUS, Oct 28, BNS – Lithuania has recorded 383 new coronavirus infections and three deaths from COVID-19 over the past 24 hours, official statistics showed on Friday morning.

Of the new cases, 301 were primary, 79 were secondary, two were tertiary, and one person contracted the virus for a fourth time.

The number of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 now stands at 122, including 13 ICU cases.

The 14-day primary infection rate has edged down to 234.7 cases per 100,000 people, with the seven-day percentage of positive tests down to 24.4 percent.

The daily number of new coronavirus cases remains well below the peak of over 14,000 reached in early February.

More than 1.2 million people in Lithuania have tested positive with COVID-19 at least once.

Some 70 percent of the Lithuanian population have received at least one coronavirus vaccine jab so far.

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Lithuania to increase active reserve faster, assign reservists to military units

VILNIUS, Oct 28, BNS – The Lithuanian Defense Ministry on Friday unveiled plans to accelerate the formation of the country's active military reserve, assign each reservist to a specific military unit and purchase weapons for the reserve brigade.

The aim is to have an active reserve of 36,000 troops and bring the prepared reserve of military personnel close to 120,000 by 2025, it said in a press release. 

By the end of this year, each member of the active reserve will be assigned to a specific unit to which they will be called up for service or to refresh their skills, according to Defense Minister Arvydas Anusauskas. 

"From next year onwards, active reserve conscripts will be called up to their unit to update their skills, and the number of conscripts called up will double in 2024 compared to 2021," the minister said in the press release. 

"Training programs are also being updated to bring them in line with the needs of the armed forces and the newly acquired modern weapons," he added. 

The active reserve is made up of conscripts who have served in the Armed Forces in the past ten years. They are trained, equipped and assigned to a military unit.

The prepared reserve of the Armed Forces consists of all Lithuanian citizens up to the age of 60 who have completed their military training and active military service. 

Additional quantities of individual weapons and equipment should reach the Armed Forces in the near future to fully equip the units assigned to the Armed Forces' wartime structure, according to Anusauskas.

The acquisition of new modern weapons as part of the Armed Forces' modernization allows allocating existing weapons to the reserve brigade, the ministry said.

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New education advisor to join Lithuanian president's team  

VILNIUS, Oct 28, BNS – Professor Jolanta Urbanovic of Mykolas Romeris University is set to join Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda's team on November 7 as an advisor on education issues, the president's office said on Friday.   

Paulius Baltokas, until now a member of Nauseda's Education, Science and Culture Group, has been appointed as the president's representative in the Seimas and will work in the Domestic Policy Group from October 31. 

Reda Brandisauskiene, until recently Nauseda's representative in the parliament, has resigned as presidential advisor for personal reasons, according to the press release.

Urbanovic is a professor at the Institute of Public Administration of Mykolas Romeris University and the head of the Master's program in Education and Science Policy and Management.

She served as education, science and sport vice-minister in 2019-2020.

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Lithuanian speaker sees aid to Ukraine, bolstering NATO east flank as 2 sides of coin

VILNIUS, Oct 28, BNS – Assistance to Ukraine and the strengthening of NATO's eastern flank are two sides of the same coin, Viktorija Cmilyte-Nielsen, speaker of the Lithuanian parliament, said in Riga on Friday.

Cmilyte-Nielsen said at the opening of the 41st session of the Baltic Assembly that in the face of the war in Ukraine, parliamentarians play a very important role in supporting people's determination not to surrender, according to the Lithuanian parliament's public relations office.

"The Kremlin is betting that come winter, people will be scared of rising electricity prices and inflation, the war against Ukraine will become routine, and aggression will be overshadowed by other world events," she was quoted as saying in a press release.

"I am therefore calling on you to show that the Kremlin cannot be more wrong, as it has been so often in this war," she said.  

Alongside efforts to help Ukraine, it is necessary to work towards the security of the Baltic States and to bolster NATO's eastern flank, as any failure to protect at least one NATO member "would deal an irreversible blow to the Alliance itself", according to Cmilyte-Nielsen. 

"I see assistance to Ukraine and strengthening NATO's eastern flank as two sides of the same coin," she said. 

The speaker underlined the need to supply Ukraine with advanced air defense systems and to ensure that those responsible for Russian crimes in Ukraine are brought to justice.

"It is necessary to continue to exert all-out pressure on Russia without hesitation, to impose new sanctions and to properly enforce existing ones. Our immediate and long-term support for Ukraine's reconstruction is also essential," she said. 

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Lithuania may spend EUR 550 mln less on energy price subsidies next year – c. bank  

VILNIUS, Oct 28, BNS – The Lithuanian state may spend around 550 million euros less than planned to cover part of natural gas and electricity bills for households and businesses next year, meaning that inflation will not decelerate as rapidly as expected, a central bank economist said on Friday. 

Given the current electricity market prices, the Bank of Lithuania estimates that the state may need 313 million euros less than planned for subsidies for households and 177 million euros less for businesses, according to Vaidotas Tuzikas, principal economist at the central bank's Macroeconomics and Forecasting Division. 

Electricity prices on the Nord Pool power exchange averaged 200 euros per megawatt-hour in October.

"If the price of electricity on the power exchange stayed at this level throughout next year, the need for compensation would likely be lower," Tuzikas told the parliamentary Committee on Budget and Finance.  

The 2023 draft budget earmarks 812 million euros for covering part of households' natural gas and electricity bills, and another 234 million euros for price subsidies for businesses.  

The Bank of Lithuania estimates that if the planned amount were fully used, inflation would fall by about three percentage points in 2023 and by two points in 2024. 

However, the central bank forecasts that inflation next year will be driven up by planned increases in wages, the non-taxable income threshold and social benefits.  

"Measures to increase people's incomes (excluding the amount planned for electricity and gas price subsidies) will raise inflation by 0.2-0.6 percentage points in 2023 and by 0.1-0.7 percentage points in 2024," it said.  

By Sniegė Balčiūnaitė

Editor: Roma Pakėnienė

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Putin's nuclear threats remind me of North Korea – Lithuanian PM

VILNIUS, Oct 28, BNS - Russian President Vladimir Putin's threats to use nuclear weapons now resemble North Korea's similar behavior, Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte, currently in Japan, says.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Lithuanian prime minister stressed that Japan, which is situated not far from North Korea, is constantly watching how its representatives "from time to time allow themselves to go out and brandish nuclear weapons".

"Clearly, this is very similar to Putin's threats. Obviously, Japan takes this threat very seriously. It's certainly a matter of great concern and apprehension since it's one of the countries that have survived a nuclear tragedy," Simonyte said.

"Clearly, the global effort aimed at stopping the madmen who even think they can talk about using nuclear weapons, must be more focused than ever," the Lithuanian prime minister said.

Simonyte said she heard Japanese politicians and business people's support for Ukraine in its fight against the Russian invasion as they understand that "one cannot surrender to autocratic regimes, and democracies must unite to support Ukraine".

Putin has made numerous threats to use nuclear weapons ever since he started the invasion of Ukraine in late February. Most recently, he has accused Kyiv of allegedly preparing to use a "dirty bomb".

These statements have raised concern within the international community that Russia may try to use this statement as a pretext to escalate the situation.

Kyiv suspects that Russia itself may use a "dirty bomb" and blame it on the Ukrainians to justify the use of conventional nuclear weapons after Moscow has recently suffered several military defeats in southern and eastern Ukraine.

Meanwhile, nuclear-armed Pyongyang is a constant source of concern for its neighbors and the international community because of its ballistic missile launches.

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Lithuania's c.banker criticizes govt over tax reforms

VILNIUS, Oct 28, BNS - Despite the existing geopolitical and economic uncertainty, the Lithuanian government should not delay tax reforms or at least decision-making, Gediminas Simkus, board chairman of the central Bank of Lithuania, says.

In his words, the country's tax system is still a thriving "cattle farm" and it is in the state's interest to put it in order.

"We believe there are gaps in our tax system as we have a very large VAT gap, we also have a "cattle farm", and our real estate tax base is also very narrow, and our country collects very little in environmental taxes. These are the many things that can and should be done better sooner than later," Simkus told reporters on Friday.

"Perhaps, we could do some changes to the tax system that would come into force after some time, with some transitional periods. But we cannot avoid these issues and not to address them. We have to put them on the table, discuss them and make decisions," the central banker said.

He says he cannot justify delaying the tax reform on the grounds of the ongoing war in Ukraine, economic slowdown and inflation.

"There is always something going on in life but we have to decide what is important for us as a country because a well-functioning tax system is the foundation of our public finances," Simkus said.

He earlier called for a debate on property and environmental taxes and he was also against the proposal to extend indefinitely existing VAT relief for hotels, which was set to expire this year.

In an interview with BNS in early October, Lithuanian Finance Minister Gintare Skaiste said her ministry had prepared a tax relief review, but she did not believe at the time it should be put forward for discussion and adoption amid the existing economic uncertainty.

Meanwhile, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development has suggested that the Lithuanian government should cut tax relief measures and introduce environmental taxes. Earlier this year, the government , however, dropped plans to introduce a car pollution tax.

By Remigijus Bielinskas

Editor: Roma Pakėnienė

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Finnish president to visit Lithuania next week

VILNIUS, Oct 28, BNS – Finnish President Sauli Niinisto is expected to pay a visit to Lithuania next week. 

He is scheduled to meet with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda on Friday, November 4. 

The two leaders "will discuss the security situation in Europe, Finland's NATO membership and bilateral cooperation, as well as cooperation in the European Union and energy issues," Nauseda's office said on Friday.

The bilateral meeting will be followed by a joint press conference, it said. 

Niinisto's visit to Lithuania was originally planned for November 2021, but was postponed due to the Finnish president's illness.

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Two Lithuanian films to vie for Oscar awards

VILNIUS, Oct 28, BNS - Two more films from Lithuania, Sergei Loznitsa's documentary Mr. Landsbergis. Destroy the Evil Empire and Limousine, Saule Bliuvaite's documentary short, have been chosen to represent Lithuania and vie for an Oscar, the Lithuanian Film Center announced on Friday.

The two films have been proposed for the awards by the US Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' commission in Lithuania. They will join the ranks of Laurynas Bareisa's Pilgrims which had already been approved by the commission.

Mr. Landsbergis. To Destroy the Evil Empireis a contender in the documentary category, while Limousine will try to get into the documentary short category.

The two films are contenders for an Oscar nomination after they won in the competition programs of A-grade festivals. Limousine was awarded the Best Documentary Short Film prize at the Warsaw International Film Festival in 2021, and Mr. Landsbergis was the winner of the Best Documentary Award at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) last year.

Loznitsa's film is also up for nomination at this year's prestigious European Film Awards.

Loznitsa film made its debut in 2021 and tells about the endless desire for freedom.

"This film is important as a reminder that courage is the most important weapon in the hands of even a small nation, capable of destroying an evil empire," the film director said.

According to the Lithuanian Film Center, Bliuvaite's Limousine looks at people from different generations who rent a limousine for one hour. In such a short time, the passengers experience moments of anger, happiness and sadness as they try to fulfill their vision of a party.

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Greek PM to visit Vilnius Monday

VILNIUS, Oct 28, BNS – Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is to pay a visit to Vilnius on Monday. 

Mitsotakis is coming to Lithuania at the invitation of Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte. 

He is also scheduled to meet with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda to discuss bilateral relations and cooperation within NATO in implementing the Madrid Summit's decisions, the president's office told BNS on Friday.   

Nauseda also plans to discuss with Mitsotakis cooperation in the EU format on energy security and further military, political and humanitarian support to Ukraine to help it counter Russia's military aggression, it said. 

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Upcoming events in Lithuania for Monday, October 31, 2022

VILNIUS, Oct 28, BNS – The following events are scheduled in Lithuania for Monday, October 31, 2022:

PRESIDENT Gitanas Nauseda to meet with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at 2:40 p.m. 

THE SEIMAS to host at 9 a.m. a discussion on "Rethinking Russia: Which lessons does the war against Ukraine teach us about Russia?"

PRIME MINISTER Ingrida Simonyte and Mitsotakis to hold a bilateral meeting at 12:05 p.m., to be followed by a meeting of the prime ministers and delegations at 12:25 p.m., and a joint press conference by the prime ministers at 12:50 p.m.   

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LITHUANIA DAILY NEWS BULLETIN

IN THIS ISSUE:

1. Upcoming events in Lithuania for Monday, October 24, 2022
2. Belgian royal couple starting state visit to Lithuania  
3. Lithuanian PM congratulates Italy's new PM, calls for united support for Ukraine
4. Lithuanian parlt speaker receives Ukrainian state award
5. Lithuania reports 38 new COVID-19 cases, 2 deaths
6. Foreign minister calls on Lithuanian diplomats, diaspora leaders to strengthen ties
7. Lithuanian interior minister to discuss migration challenges in Prague
8. NATO jets scrambled 4 times last week to patrol Baltic airspace, intercept Russian planes 
9. President remains most popular politician in Lithuania, defmin 2nd
10. Lithuanian SocDems top party rankings, conservatives in 2nd place – poll 
11. Up to 1,000 people attended Lithuanian Family Movement rally in Vilnius
12. Gender Equality Index: Lithuania posts highest increase but remains in 20th place
13. War in Ukraine, climate crisis must lead to greener energy – Belgian king in Vilnius
14. Lithuanian, Georgian defmins condemn Russian aggression
15. Upcoming events in Lithuania for Tuesday, October 25, 2022

Upcoming events in Lithuania for Monday, October 24, 2022

VILNIUS, Oct 24, BNS – The following events are scheduled in Lithuania for Monday, October 24, 2022:

VISIT OF THE KING OF BELGIUM

King Philippe of Belgium and Queen Mathilde of Belgium to arrive in Vilnius at 1 p.m.; the monarchs to be officially welcomed at the Presidential Palace at 2 p.m., an official photograph will be taken and the guestbook will be signed; a meeting of the Lithuanian and Belgian delegations at the Presidential Palace at 2.50 p.m.; Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda and the King of Belgium's statements to the press at 3.40. p.m.; the King of Belgium to lay a wreath at the monument to those who died fighting for Lithuania's independence at Antakalnis Cemetery at 4 p.m.; President Gitanas Nauseda and First Lady Diana Nausedeiene to host a state dinner in honor of the visiting Belgian royal couple at 7 p.m.

PRESIDENT Gitanas Nauseda's interview for a Netflix documentary at 10.30 p.m.; to attend the official welcome ceremony for the King ad Queen of Belgium at the Presidential Palace at 2 p.m.; to receive the King of Belgium at 2.30 p.m.; a meeting of delegation of the Lithuanian and the King of Belgium at 2.50 p.m.; Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda and the King of Belgium's statements to the press at 3.40. p.m.; President Gitanas Nauseda and First Lady Diana Nausedeiene to host a state dinner in honor of the visiting Belgian royal couple at 7 p.m.

SPEAKER OF THE SEIMAS Viktorija Cmilyte-Nielsen to meet with Serhij Holovaty, president of Ukraine's Constitutional Court, at 11 a.m.; to attend a state dinner in honor of the visiting Belgian royal couple at 7 p.m.

NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTER Arvydas Anuauskas to pay an official visit to Georgia.

EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND SPORT MINISTER Jurgita Siugzdiniene to attend a meeting of the rectors of Belgian and Lithuanian universities at 3.30 p.m.

FOREIGN MINISTER Gabrielius Landsbergis and the King of Belgium to lay a wreath at the monument to those who died fighting for Lithuania's independence Antakalnis Cemetery at 4 p.m.;

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Belgian royal couple starting state visit to Lithuania  

VILNIUS, Oct 24, BNS – King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium on Monday are starting their three-day state visit to Lithuania with a meeting with President Gitanas Nauseda. 

The Belgian monarch will later go to the capital's Antakalnis Cemetery to lay a wreath at the monument to those who died in the struggle for Lithuania's Independence.

On Tuesday, King Philippe, together with Nauseda, will attend a Lithuanian-Belgian business forum before visiting the Sunrise Valley Science and Technology Park.

The royal couple and the president and his wife, Diana Nausediene, will visit the Old Town of Vilnius and meet with students at Vilnius University.

On Wednesday, King Philippe and Nauseda are scheduled to visit Belgian troops at the Pabrade training area close to Vilnius.

The royal couple and the president and his wife are also scheduled to go to Kaunas, the 2022 European Capital of Culture, to see the city's Art Deco architectural heritage and visit the M. K. Ciurlionis National Museum of Art.

Queen Mathilde will focus on culture and social issues during her visit.

On Monday, the queen and Nausediene are to visit the Vilna Gaon State Jewish Museum. 

On Wednesday, they are scheduled to meet with Ukrainian war refugees at a Ukrainian center in Vilnius, and to visit Pirmas Blynas, a restaurant in the Lithuanian capital that hires people with disabilities to help them integrate into society.

The monarchs will be presented with the Order of Vytautas the Great for their personal contribution to the development of relations between Lithuania and Belgium as well as political, economic and societal cooperation between the two countries.

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Lithuanian PM congratulates Italy's new PM, calls for united support for Ukraine

VILNIUS, Oct 24, BNS – Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte has congratulated Giorgia Meloni on becoming Italy's prime minister and called for united support for Ukraine. 

"The Lithuanian government is ready to cooperate in strengthening the close and cordial partnership between our countries," she said in her message of congratulations published on Saturday.

"I hope that Lithuania and Italy, as well as other EU member states, will continue to stand united in our support for Ukraine as it defends its freedom and the freedom of other European countries."

According to Simonyte, the EU's consistent stance in tightening sanctions against Russia and Belarus is important to show that "Europe will not give in to the blackmail of the aggressor". 

The Lithuanian prime minister also thanked Italy for its contribution to NATO's air policing mission and the Alliance's enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group in the Baltic states.
Far-right leader Giorgia Meloni on Sunday took office as Italy's first woman prime minister,

By Milena Andrukaitytė

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Lithuanian parlt speaker receives Ukrainian state award

VILNIUS, Oct 24, BNS – Viktorija Cmilyte-Nielsen, the speaker of the Lithuanian parliament, has been awarded the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise of the second degree by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. 

"I see this award as an incentive to do even more for Ukraine's victory," Cmilyte-Nielsen said in a press release on Saturday. 

The speaker of the Seimas received the award for her personal contribution to strengthening cooperation between the states, supporting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Ukrainian state and promoting Ukraine in the world, according to the Lithuanian parliament's public relations office. 

By Milena Andrukaitytė

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Lithuania reports 38 new COVID-19 cases, 2 deaths

VILNIUS, Oct 24, BNS – Lithuania has recorded 38 new coronavirus infections and two deaths from COVID-19 over the past 24 hours, official statistics showed on Monday morning.

Of the new cases, 32 were primary, five were secondary, and one was tertiary.

The number of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 now stands at 123, including seven ICU cases.

The 14-day primary infection rate has edged down to 286.1 cases per 100,000 people, with the seven-day percentage of positive tests down to 26.3 percent.

The daily number of new coronavirus cases remains well below the peak of over 14,000 reached in early February.

More than 1.2 million people in Lithuania have tested positive with COVID-19 at least once.

Some 70 percent of the Lithuanian population have received at least one coronavirus vaccine jab so far.

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Foreign minister calls on Lithuanian diplomats, diaspora leaders to strengthen ties

VILNIUS, Oct 24, BNS – Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis called for strengthening "the bonds of identity" that bind together Lithuanians around the world as he welcomed participants of last weekend's meeting of Lithuanian diplomats and diaspora leaders in Germany.  

"We, Lithuanians, understand better than anyone else the tragic nature of the events in Ukraine, because our own history has also been full of treacherous twists and turns," Landsbergis said in his welcoming message. 

"Today, when we have to defend and strengthen Lithuania's statehood in the face of nuclear and energy blackmail, it is important to remember that the strength of our nation lies in unity. Therefore, it is necessary to bolster the bonds of identity that bind us all together," he said. 

According to the Foreign Ministry, the meeting in Huettenfeld on October 21-23 brought together the heads of 23 Lithuanian diplomatic missions and consular offices and representatives of more than 20 diaspora organizations from 15 European countries. 

Among other things, Landsbergis thanked the Lithuanian diaspora for their active support to Ukraine in the fight against Russian aggression. 

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Lithuanian interior minister to discuss migration challenges in Prague

VILNIUS, Oct 24, BNS – Lithuanian Interior Minister Agne Bilotaite is taking part in a ministerial conference on migration challenges in Prague on Monday.

Participants of the conference are expected to approve a political declaration and an action plan for 2023-2027, the Lithuanian Interior Ministry has said in a press release.  

The Prague Process is one of the four EU regional cooperation processes on migration.

According to the ministry, these processes help to focus on the common specificities of a given region, to identify common interests and consolidate efforts in response to common challenges, to strengthen cooperation on migration management, and to assist EU partners in bolstering their capacities.

The Prague Process brings together EU member states, associated Schengen countries, and countries from Southeastern and Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

Following the launch of Belarus-orchestrated hybrid attacks against Latvia, Poland and Lithuania, and later Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Prague Process countries have distanced themselves from cooperation with Russia and Belarus.

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NATO jets scrambled 4 times last week to patrol Baltic airspace, intercept Russian planes 

VILNIUS, Oct 24, BNS – NATO's fighter jets were scrambled four times last week to patrol Baltic airspace and intercept Russian military aircraft flying in international airspace over the Baltic Sea in violation of flight rules, the Lithuanian Defense Ministry said on Monday.

NATO's jets took off twice, on October 17 and 18, to patrol along the Baltic airspace border with Russia and Belarus. 

Two alert scrambles were conducted, on October 20 and 21, to intercept Russian SU-30 planes flying from Kaliningrad Region to mainland Russia and back. 

Neither of the Russian aircraft used their onboard transponders, had pre-filed flight plans or maintained radio communication with the Regional Traffic Control Center.

The NATO Baltic air policing mission is carried out from air bases in Lithuania and Estonia.

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President remains most popular politician in Lithuania, defmin 2nd

VILNIUS, Oct 24, BNS - President Gitanas Nauseda remains the most popular politician in Lithuania, followed by National Defense Minister Arvydas Anusauskas according to the latest opinion poll carried out by Vilmorus for the Lietuvos Rytas daily and published on Saturday.

Conducted on October 11-16, the survey revealed than 60.8 percent of respondents had a favorable opinion about Nauseda, up from 56 percent in September. Meanwhile, the share of negative opinions about the president remained unchanged over a month at 20.9 percent.

Anusauskas comes in second with 47.5 percent of positive opinions, up from 47.1 percent in September) and 27.4 percent (26 percent in September) of negative opinions, which is the minister's best results so far, Vladas Gaidys, head of Vilmous, pointed out,

In his words, the defense ministers rating has not been affected by the recent controversy over the deployment of a German brigade, as well as the accusations from opposition politicians that the minister might have disclosed secret information to his wife.

"That's Anusauskas' highest score. In fact, the poll took place last wee when the brigade issue was already being discussed, and we had the wife situation there, but those things did not hurt him," Gaidys told BNS.

Vilija Blinkeviciute, leader of the opposition Social Democratic Party of Lithuania, comes in third in terms of public popularity with 44.4 percent of positive opinions and 27 percent of negative ones, compared to 43.5 and 25.9 percent a month earlier respectively.

42.6 percent said they had a positive opinion about Remigijus Zemaitaitis, the leader of the Freedom and Justice party, compared to 42.3 percent in September, and 21.4 percent (25.2 percent in September) had a negative opinion about him.

Ex-Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis, who now leads the opposition Democrats "For Lithuania" closed the TOP-5 with 37.3 percent of positive opinion and 36.5 percent of negative opinions, from 36.6 percent and 39.2 percent in September respectively.

By Milena Andrukaitytė

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Lithuanian SocDems top party rankings, conservatives in 2nd place – poll 

VILNIUS, Oct 24, BNS – The opposition Lithuanian Social Democratic Party (LSDP) tops the country's political party rankings, followed by the ruling Homeland Union-Lithuanian Christian Democrats in second place, according to a Vilmorus poll published by the daily Lietuvos Rytas on Saturday.

Some 14.9 percent of respondents said in mid-October that they would vote for the LSDP if general elections were held next Sunday, up from 14 percent who said so in September.

The conservative Homeland Union came in second with 11 percent, down from 11.8 percent a month ago. 

While the popularity of the opposition Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union, at number three, increased slightly to 7.7 percent, from 7.3 percent, the opposition Democratic Union "For Lithuania", in fourth position, saw voter support edge down to 7.2 percent, from 7.7 percent. 

"There are no major changes, with the Social Democrats and the Homeland Union remaining steadily in the lead," Vilmorus CEO Vladas Gaidys told BNS, commenting on the results of the poll. 

"The second group, the Farmers and Greens and the Democratic Union, also have good results," he added. 

The poll, commissioned by Lietuvos Rytas, found the Freedom and Justice Party, which has a representative in the parliament, at number five with 5.9 percent support, slightly up from 5.4 percent in September.  

Vilmorus polled 1,002 residents of Lithuania between October 11 and 16. 

By Milena Andrukaitytė

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Up to 1,000 people attended Lithuanian Family Movement rally in Vilnius

VILNIUS, Oct 24, BNS - Up to 1,000 people gathered in central Vilnius on Saturday to attend a rally organized by the controversial Lithuanian Family Movement, with a stated goal of defending the values enshrined in the country's Constitution.

"We want to ensure the Constitution is not violated as now there are violations everywhere, the Lithuanian language is being humiliated, we have introduced the letters q and w, and they want to adopt a law on families-non-families. People should vote on such a law in a referendum, and not by the Seimas gathered from some corners. LGBT people are also climbing over people's heads," Vytautas, a 68-year-old construction worker from Siauliai District, told BNS.

On Saturday, he joined other people in the Cathedral Square in central Vilnius, carrying Lithuanian national and historical flags, regional flags and posters.

The Lithuanian Family Movement's website stated that rally participants would speak out against the Law on Civil Union, which is now being debated in the Seimas, as well as the government's policies in the face of the sharp increase in energy prices.

Vitolda Rackova, a spokeswoman for the Lithuanian Family Movement, said the people who joined the rally "are doing the work the opposition in the Seimas should be doing".

"We don't have that opposition today, that's why you are here, but don't forget to demand that they do their job," she said, addressing the people from a stage.

The rally was held under the protection of a large police force, with the Seimas and the government buildings fenced off.

Renaldas Zekonis, chief of the Vilnius County Chief Police Commissariat, said no incidents were recorded during the rally.

By Giedrius Gaidamavičius, Milena Andrukaitytė

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Gender Equality Index: Lithuania posts highest increase but remains in 20th place

VILNIUS, Oct 24, BNS - Lithuania's gender equality score rose the most over a year, but the country remains in the same 20th place.

Lithuania scored 2.2 points higher than last year in the latest Gender Equality Index published by the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE), with an overall index score of 60.6.

Compared to other EU countries, Lithuania's score also increased the most. Despite this, Lithuania failed to move up in the index and lags behind the EU average of 68.6 out of a possible 100 points.

Lithuania's best score was in the area of work, where it scored 73.9 points and ranked 11th. This does not mean an improvement as the gender equality indicator in the area of work has even slightly decreased since 2019, Lithuania's Equal Opportunities ombudsman Birute Sabatauskaite said in a statement issued on Monday.

Lithuania's score in the area of knowledge went up by 1.5 points, mostly due to an improvement in the gender balance in higher and tertiary education.

Lithuania also scored higher in the area of power (up by 6.1 points), ranking 18th among EU member states. This change was driven by progress in the area political decision-making as this year, 42 percent of ministers and deputy ministers were women. At the highest level, however, equality is still very much lacking as women make 28 percent of lawmakers in Lithuanian, which is still below the EU average of 33 percent.

According to the report, EIGE data shows that Lithuania has a very pronounced gender gap in the area of money as women earned on average 11.1 percent less than men last year.

"Clearly, lower salaries also lead to lower pensions for women, which is reflected in poverty statistics. Last year, the poverty rate for women was 22.4 percent and 17.1 percent for men. Women aged 65 and over are the most deprived and make as much as 42 percent", B. Sabatauskaite said.

Last year 57 percent of Lithuanian women reported that they were taking care of their children alone or with little or no help from their partners or other persons, according to the EIGE data. The same was said by 13 percent of men.

Women were also more likely than men to provide long-term care for relatives with illnesses, disabilities or other special needs as 25 percent of women and 14 percent of men reported spending more than four hours a day doing so.

Housework was also the most common responsibility of women, with 70 percent of women and 8 percent of men stating that they did housework themselves. Sabatauskaite says the latest data shows that the pandemic further exacerbated gender inequalities that existed in the areas of housework and care.

Sweden (83.9 points), Denmark (77.8 points) and the Netherlands (77.3 points) scored the highest points in terms of gender equality, while Hungary (54.2 points), Romania (53.7 points) and Greece (53.4 points) were the bottom of the list.

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War in Ukraine, climate crisis must lead to greener energy – Belgian king in Vilnius

VILNIUS, Oct 24, BNS - The ongoing energy crisis caused by Russia's war in Ukraine and climate change must lead to greener energy, King of Belgium Philippe said in Vilnius on Monday.

"The war in Ukraine and climate emergency must encourage as to speed up the energy transition and depart from fossil fuel," he said at the Presidential Palace.

In response to the EU sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine, Russia has restricted the flow of natural gas to Europe, pushing up fossil fuel prices on the market. The West accuses Moscow of using energy as an instrument of political pressure.

In a joint statement with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda, the king stressed that Russia's war in Ukraine "has brought us into a new era, an era that reminds us of the darkest pages of our continent's history".

As a result, he said, the EU and the rest of the world are also under pressure, especially poorer countries where the cost of basic necessities has risen sharply.

The king of Belgium underlined that through their commitments, NATO countries are defending "the peace project the European Union was built on".

For his part, President Nauseda voiced his appreciation for Lithuanian-Belgian security cooperation. The two leaders plan to discuss defense in more detail on Wednesday in Pabrade where Belgian troops are serving within the NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group.

Bilateral cooperation in the areas of science, technology, trade, energy and culture are also expected to be discussed during the royal visit.

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Lithuanian, Georgian defmins condemn Russian aggression

VILNIUS, Oct 24, BNS – Lithuanian National Defense Arvydas Anusauskas met with his Georgian counterpart Juansher Burchuladze in Tbilisi on Monday and later issued a joint declaration condemning Moscow's aggression against Ukraine and Russia's occupation of part of Georgia's territory.

The ministers also discussed Russia's war against Ukraine and the need to fully support Ukraine, Lithuania's Ministry of National Defense said.

During the meeting, Anusauskas paid tribute to the 24 Georgians who fought and died fighting against Russian on Ukraine's side.

Georgia is one of the most important partners among Eastern Partnership countries and Lithuania fully supports Georgia's Euro-Atlantic integration and is ready to continue to cooperate with Georgia in the area of defense and boost its contribution to NATO programs, Anusauskas underlined.

"We support Georgia's path of Euro-Atlantic integration and fully contribute with our experience and expertise to bring Georgia's Armed Forces closer to the Euro-Atlantic standards," the Lithuanian minister was quoted as saying in the ministry's statement.

He also urged Georgia to continue its reforms.

In Tbilisi, Anusauskas also visited the NATO-Georgia Joint Training and Evaluation Center. Lithuania will strengthen its contribution to NATO program in Georgia, Anusauskas said.

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Upcoming events in Lithuania for Tuesday, October 25, 2022

VILNIUS, Oct 25, BNS – The following events are scheduled in Lithuania for Tuesday, October 25, 2022:

VISIT OF THE KING OF BELGIUM

PRESIDENT Gitanas Nauseda and the king of Belgium to welcome participants of a business forum at 9 a.m.; the king of Belgium to visit the Sunrise Valley Science and Technology Park at 10 a.m.; the presidential and royal couple's tour of Vilnius Old Town and a visit to St. Michael's Church at 1.30 p.m.; the presidential and royal couple's meeting with students of Vilnius University at 3.10 p.m.; the king and queen of Belgium to host an event at the Lithuanian National Philharmonic Society at 7 p.m.

SPEAKER OF THE SEIMAS Viktorija Cmilyte-Nielsen to attend an international conference on the country's Constitution and transnational constitutionalism at 9 a.m.; to have lunch with the king queen of Belgium at 12.15 p.m.; to attend an event hosted by the king and queen of Belgium at the Lithuanian National Philharmonic Society at 7 p.m.

PRIME MINISTER Ingrida Simonyte to pay an official visit to Japan.

NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTER Arvydas Anusauskas to continue his visit to Georgia.

INTERIOR MINISTER Agne Bilotaite to attend a ministerial conference on migrations, hosted by the Czech Republic which is now holding the rotating EU presidency.

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