LRT English Newsletter – July 25, 2025
Though perhaps not as sensational as the Epstein files, our prime minister’s name continues to be featured in embarrassing reports about his past and current business dealings, most recently involving late ‘rat case’ payments, and a murky deal with a family-linked firm.
Calling the criticism a “coordinated attack” by political rivals – who are now pushing for an emergency session to initiate impeachment proceedings – Gintautas Paluckas declared that he will pursue a confidence vote in parliament.
Apparently, the vote was the president’s idea. Despite previously expressing trust in the prime minister – who is now facing scrutiny from his own party – President Gitanas Nausėda is now demanding that the PM answer all the questions – or consider stepping down. The president’s call comes fresh off a week-long workation in Ireland (yes, we’re jealous), where he displayed a rather admirable work-life balance.
MIGRATION, LANGUAGE AND ISLANDS
As the number of non-EU workers in Lithuania gradually rises, Lithuanian politicians are becoming increasingly anxious about immigration. Interior Minister Vladislav Kondratovič has urged the EU to step up its migrant return policy, while Conservative opposition leader Laurynas Kasčiūnas announced plans to propose stricter immigration rules by introducing a language requirement for foreign nationals seeking to renew their residence permits in Lithuania.
Speaking of language, as discussions over the utility of studies in Russian continue, Lithuanian officials are weighing a plan to phase out Russian as the second foreign language in schools by 2026. Russian teachers might want to consider a career pivot to German, since we need a few to teach the children of the German brigade.
Naturally. against this backdrop of heightened migration tensions, Belarusian opposition figure Siarhei Tsikhanouski’s suggestion to create autonomous Belarusian “islands” abroad – presumably including Lithuania, which hosts the largest Belarusian opposition community abroad – has been dismissed as “absurd” by Lithuanian lawmakers.
NUCLEAR
In our quest for energy independence, Lithuania is turning its gaze toward nuclear energy, exploring the potential of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). These reactors could utilise spent nuclear fuel from the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant, helping to reduce the burden of radioactive waste – a challenge for which the EU offers to allocate €678 million in decommissioning efforts over the coming seven-year budgetary period.
Whether we actually move forward with nuclear power remains uncertain, especially as we are still discovering scars Chernobyl left on Lithuanian society and continue to grapple with safety concerns surrounding the Astravyets Nuclear Power Plant in neighbouring Belarus.
VEOLIA
Since we’re on the topic of energy, the Lithuanian Energy Minister finally found a solution, guiding us towards the end of our long-standing legal battles with the French energy giant Veolia.
Lithuania and Veolia have reached a settlement that ends most of the decade-long legal disputes over municipal heating contracts. As part of the agreement, Veolia will withdraw its claims at the ICSID and pay €35 million in damages to Lithuania. In exchange, Lithuania will drop its claims in local courts against Veolia Environnement and its subsidiaries.
According to Paluckas, the litigation process involved “significant costs” and “uncertain prospects”, so the out-of-court settlement is “a really positive outcome.”
EDITOR’S PICKS:
– Russians and Belarusians continue to seek ways to sidestep Lithuanian and European restrictions: the LRT investigative team has revealed that a Vilnius-based company is behind Russian IT service imports worth millions.
– Vilnius upgrades are about to stir up some ghosts: old foundations have been unearthed on historic Vokiečių Street, and a new purpose is in the works for the long-abandoned Sports Palace.
– Bad news for travellers: Poland is extending border checks with Germany and Lithuania beyond August 5, which means you might be stuck in a few more border traffic jams.
– Read about Lukashenko’s dance between the West and the East.
– Interested in learning a new skill? Here’s a cool way to celebrate the 150th birthday of our genius painter and composer Čiurlionis.
– Want to learn about Lithuanian aviation? This exhibit is perfect for you.
– Opinion: What does Lithuania need to excel in crypto?
Written by Agnė Toločkaitė
Edited by Justinas Šuliokas
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