Lithuania remains insufficiently visible in Germany and is largely viewed through the prism of regional security, Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys said.
Speaking about a study conducted late last year, Budrys said awareness of Lithuania among German residents remains limited and is shaped more by perceptions of threats than by knowledge of the country itself.
“The conclusion is that awareness is not high enough, and our image is shaped by how Germans perceive threats and security, rather than by a genuine knowledge of Lithuania or what we have to offer internally,” he said.
Budrys said Lithuania aims to raise its profile during a dedicated “Year of Lithuania” in Germany planned for 2027.
“We will ensure a very productive year, which will culminate with the arrival of the German brigade in Lithuania,” he said. “The government will contribute by organising a very active program.”
He added that the initiative will go beyond cultural events and seek to present Lithuania more broadly.
“The focus must be not only on cultural presentation but on showcasing the entire country, which is why the range of events will be broad,” Budrys said.
The government has allocated 2.2 million euros for the program, which is expected to take place across all 16 German federal states.
The Year of Lithuania in Germany is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2027, as Lithuania will hold the presidency of the Council of the European Union during the first half of the year.
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