Lithuania News
News
Lithuania Completes NATO-Backed "Iron Wolf" Military Drills Near Belarus Border
Over 5,000 troops from 15 NATO countries concluded the largest-ever military exercises in Lithuania, showcasing advanced defense systems amid rising tensions with Belarus and Russia. President Gitanas Nausėda reaffirmed Lithuania’s commitment to regional security.
Vilnius Old Town Celebrates 700th Anniversary with Grand Festivities
The capital launched a year-long cultural program, including medieval reenactments, light projections on Gediminas Tower, and a pan-European choir festival.
Business News
Lithuanian Fintech "Revolut" Expands to U.S. Market
The Vilnius-born neobank secured a $500M investment to launch full banking services in America, marking Europe’s biggest fintech expansion of 2025.
Tesla Chooses Kaunas for New Battery Factory
Elon Musk’s company will invest €2 billion in a gigafactory creating 3,000 jobs, cementing Lithuania as the Baltic leader in EV tech.
Economic News
Inflation Drops to 4.1%, Lowest in Baltics
Stabilizing energy prices and strong agricultural exports helped curb inflation, though housing costs remain 18% higher than in 2021.
GDP Growth Slows to 2.3% Amid German Recession
Lithuania’s export-reliant economy felt the pinch as Germany—its top trade partner—entered a technical recession.
Political News
Coalition Government Splits Over Same-Sex Partnership Law
The ruling Conservative-Liberal coalition fractured after the Homeland Union blocked civil union legislation, triggering protests in Cathedral Square.
Lithuania Expels Russian "Diplomat" Over Spy Scandal
A FSB agent operating under diplomatic cover was caught recruiting sources at Vilnius University, escalating espionage tensions.
Election News
2024 Presidential Election: Nausėda Leads Polls
With elections six months away, surveys show:
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Gitanas Nausėda (Independent): 42%
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Ingrida Šimonytė (Homeland Union): 35%
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Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen (Liberals): 15%
Referendum on Dual Citizenship Set for October
Expats could soon gain voting rights after parliament approved a historic constitutional amendment vote.
Employment News
Tech Sector Faces 15,000-Worker Shortage
Despite 5.2% unemployment, Lithuania lacks AI specialists and cybersecurity experts. A new "Blue Card+" visa offers 5-year residency for qualified foreigners.
Construction Wages Hit €2,500/Month in Vilnius
Skilled tradespeople earn 40% more than in 2024 as demand for Baltic data centers surges.
Business News
Nasdaq Vilnius Index Jumps 7%
The OMXV rallied on:
Swedbank Lithuania Launches "Green Mortgage"
Homebuyers get 0.5% lower rates for purchasing A++ energy-efficient properties.
Forecast
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Vilnius: Sunny, 23°C (73°F)
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Klaipėda: Breezy, 19°C (66°F)
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Kaunas: Scattered showers, 21°C (70°F)
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Šiauliai: Foggy mornings, 18°C (64°F)
Entertainment News
Eurovision Winner Monika Liu Returns with Jazz Symphony
The 2022 star will perform with the Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra on June 20 at Vingis Park.
Christopher Nolan Films WWII Epic in Nida
The Oscar-winning director transformed the Curonian Spit into 1945 East Prussia for "Kursk", hiring 800 local extras.
Upcoming Events (june 20-30, 2025)
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June 26: Joninės (Midsummer) Festivities (Countrywide bonfires)
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June 28: Vilnius Film Festival (Open-air cinema at Cathedral Square)
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June 20: Lithuania vs. Portugal (Euro 2026 qualifier, LFF Stadium)
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June 21: Rasos Festival (Traditional solstice celebrations)
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June 22: Baltic Pride Parade (Vilnius city center)
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June 24: St. John’s Night (Folk dances at Kernavė)
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June 26: Klaipėda Sea Festival (Tall ships and fireworks)
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June 27: Trakai Castle Medieval Fair (Jousting and crafts)
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June 28: Granatos Live Music Festival (Vingis Park)
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June 30: Startup Fair (Tech Zity Vilnius)
Key Trend: Lithuania balances NATO security commitments with economic modernization, while cultural soft power thrives.
Currency: 1 EUR ≈ 1.07 USD. Forecast data from LHMT.
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