Lithuania: New law to mandate Lithuanian in customer service

The Lithuanian parliament, the Seimas, has approved in first reading a bill that would oblige foreign workers to serve customers in Lithuanian, BNS reports. Altogether 100 MPs voted in favour, 5 against, and 14 abstained. Under the amendments, the language requirement would only apply to employees who have direct contact with clients. Also, manufacturers, sellers, and service providers would have to provide consumers with key information about their goods and services in Lithuanian. Justice Minister Ewelina Dobrowolska opposes the bill, arguing that it would needlessly penalise foreigners in simple service professions. Rytis Jokubauskas, vice-president of the Lithuanian Consumers Alliance (LVA), noted not many consumer complained about miscommunication due to language issues. If the proposed bill passes a second vote in parliament, the new rules will come into effect in January 2026.