LRT English Newsletter – July 19, 2024.
The issue is being shelved until the next parliamentary session – there will be no vote on the same-sex partnership bill, again. After repeated attempts to legalise same-sex marriage, the proposal was watered down to include partnerships only. This looks poorly on the Freedom Party, which attracted youth votes by promising to break the decades-long deadlock. Aušrinė Armonaitė, head of the party and the economy minister, said “cynical political games” were at play before the autumn parliamentary elections. Others criticised the nominally centre-left Social Democrats (LSDP), the party likely to be the most popular at the ballot boxes later this year, who said they would not support the bill. The civil union bill legally recognising gender-neutral partnerships passed its second reading in the parliament by a narrow margin last year. However, the issue subsequently stalled after failing to garner enough support to be adopted.
TORNADO!
An actual, real, devastating tornado ripped through northern Lithuania last weekend, leaving several households homeless. Pictures have emerged showing the cone-shaped tornado moving along the flatlands of northern Lithuania. Due to climate change, tornadoes may become a common sight in the country, according to meteorologists.
DEFENCE UPDATE
Lithuania is leaving the cluster munitions convention, meaning it will acquire weapons that can quickly saturate an area with explosives. This has been used to a deadly effect in Ukraine by both Moscow and Kyiv. Critics say the decision can endanger civilians, as left-behind cluster munitions are often picked up or stepped on, leading to detonations and lost lives and limbs. However, the Defence Ministry ensured that the military would still “continue to respect the recognised principles of international humanitarian law”.
NO TO BELARUS CARS
The Baltic states have now enforced a ban on Belarusian cars entering Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. The cars already in Lithuania will need to be registered locally or leave EU territory by January 18 next year. Exceptions apply to Belarusians holding visas and residence permits.
LEAVING RUSSIAN GRID
So, it’s finally happening – the electricity grid operators of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have informed Moscow and Minsk that they would be leaving the BRELL grid. This will soon mark the end of one of the last dependencies on Russia – the circular electricity network is controlled from Moscow and also includes Belarus. Lithuania was especially keen to unplug after Minsk let Moscow build a nuclear plant some 50 kilometres from Vilnius, which Lithuania says is unsafe. Once decoupled from Russia, the Baltic states will plug into the continental European grid. The final switcheroo is due to take place in February next year.
TRUMP AND BALTICS
Should the Baltic states worry about Donald Trump being back in the White House? According to Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis, “we are entering a territory of uncertainty” after Trump picked a controversial running mate who seems to care little about Ukraine or Europe in general. Some officials and politicians have been brushing up their talking points while prepping for Trump’s return. “First, say you have a border wall. Second, say you spend the right percentage [of GDP] on defence. Third, ask if he wants a third Afghanistan in Europe,” said MP Žygimantas Pavilionis.
EDITOR’S PICKS:
– What happened to Rail Baltica?
– What can we expect from Gitanas Nausėda’s second term as president?
– No more free university studies for Ukrainian refugees.
– More Lithuanians are moving back from abroad. Why?
– Night buses are back.
– And so are bears.
Written by Benas Gerdžiūnas
Edited by Ieva Žvinakytė
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