The authorities in Lithuania’s capital, Vilnius, will remove old trolleybuses from city traffic temporarily for the duration of the NATO summit on 11-12 July 2023, LRT reports. The municipal public transport company, Vilniaus Viesasis Transportas, will remove old Skoda trolleybuses from traffic and have new trolleybuses running in the city during the summit. Also, bus…
The Lithuanian parliament, the Seimas, has approved in first reading amendments proposed by parliamentary speaker, leader of the Lithuanian Liberal Movement (LLS) Viktorija Cmilyte-Nielsen, that would provide for administrative liability for insulting the honour and dignity of people who provide public services, LRT reports, citing Novaya Gazeta. Violators will face fines of EUR 50-300 for…
Three people drowned in the Baltic Sea at the same time off the Latvian coast in Carnikava on 1 July 2023, DELFI reports. The three people — two young men and a 40-year-old woman — were swept away by strong waves and underwater currents. When rescuers arrived at the scene, the three persons were already…
Exiled Russian liberal opposition leader, economist Vladimir Milov, says Russians are not welcome in Latvia and advises Russian emigrants to leave the country, LSM reports. Speaking in an interview with LSM’s Russian service, Milov noted that the pro-Russian position of many Russian-speakers in Latvia leaves an imprint on all Russians. "Even if you are the…
The EU Affairs Committee of the Estonian parliament, the Riigikogu, has approved Estonia’s position on the introduction of digital travel documents in the EU, ERR reports. The committee supports the introduction of digital passports and ID cards. Committee deputy chair Maria Jufereva-Skuratovski of the Estonian Centre Party (Keskerakond) said that digital travel documents would accelerate…
The National Defence Committee of Estonia’s parliament, the Riigikogu, has concluded its visit to Ukraine, Postimees reports. The MPs met with several representatives of the Ukrainian parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, and high-ranking officials. The committee insisted that the upcoming NATO summit in Vilnius must send a clear message to Ukraine about its NATO membership prospect….
The Lithuanian government has imposed a temporary ban on transit shipments of specific dual-use goods through Lithuania, Baltic News Network reports. The concern is that these goods could ultimately reach Russia and Belarus and be used in the war in Ukraine. The control list comprises 57 categories of goods subject to restrictions, primarily items containing…
Lithuania’s Foreign Minister, Gabrielius Landsbergis, urged Hungary not to delay the ratification of Sweden’s NATO membership until autumn 2023, Baltic News Network reports. He emphasised the importance for Hungary to fully comprehend the implications that such a delay could have on the security of the entire NATO alliance, particularly in the Baltic region. Earlier, the…
Germany will station a Patriot air defence system for the duration of the upcoming NATO summit in the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius, Baltic News Network reports. Also, additional combat capabilities will be stationed in Lithuania for the summit. The Lithuanian Armed Forces (LGP) will allocate over 3,000 troops for the event, which is to be held…