Estonia and Finland are drawing up joint plans for increased maritime defence, Major General Andrus Merilo, commander of the Estonian Defence Forces (EDF), revealed, ERR reports. Speaking in an interview with Helsingin Sanomat, Merilo said that the goal was to establish specific plans to close the Gulf of Finland to Russian ships if necessary. Earlier,…
The Lithuanian government has signed a memorandum of understanding with US defence contractor Northrop Grumman on strengthening Lithuania’s defence industry, BNS reports. The memorandum focuses on the development, production, and supply of medium-calibre ammunition. Defence Minister Laurynas Kasciunas said that the aim was to start producing ammunition in Lithuania within 18 months. Northrop Grumman plans…
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said that he would urge the foreign minister of the next government to conduct an audit at the Foreign Ministry, BNS reports. Nauseda said that he would recommend that the ministry carry out a financial and a comprehensive performance audit. He implied that there may have been improprieties in the competition…
The Lithuanian government has decided to restructure the country’s Refugee Reception Centre (PPC) into the Reception and Integration Agency (PIA) as of 2025, BNS reports. The new agency will operate under the Ministry of Social Security and Labour. The agency will ensure temporary accommodation and other assistance for foreign migrants and asylum applicants.
Lithuania is seeking continuous presence of US combat troops in the country, regardless of the outcome of the US presidential election, President Gitanas Nauseda stated, BNS reports. Speaking after visiting US troops at the Pabrade training area near Vilnius, Nauseda noted that the base would soon be able to accommodate about 1,000 US troops. At…
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda has proposed establishing a new ministry responsible for regional policy, BNS reports. Speaking at a forum of regional policymakers in Vilnius, Nauseda said that the new ministry would help increase the autonomy of local governments and coordination between different ministries. He suggested that the new ministry could take over functions from…
The world’s largest bicycle manufacturer, Dutch-based Pon.Bike, has opened a new production facility in Kedainiai in central Lithuania, BNS reports. The company invested EUR 57mn in the factory, which will produce up to 450,000 bicycles per year. The facility, located in the Kedainiai Free Economic Zone (KLEZ), will employ around 600 people. Under an agreement…
Lithuania’s state-owned airport operator, Lietuvos Oro Uostai (LTOU), has completed the construction of a new departure terminal at Vilnius International Airport (VIA), BNS reports. The airport will open the new 14,000 m2 terminal for passengers in February 2025. The airport will then be able to handle two times more passengers than at present. The general…
Lithuania’s Vilnius Regional Court has found Lithuanian lawyer Mantas Danielius guilty of spying for Belarus, ELTA reports. The court sentenced him to nine years in prison. The ruling is subject to appeal. The investigation found that Danielius had spied on the exiled Belarusian opposition in Lithuania and passed on the information to a journalist at…