Vilnius, July 11 (ELTA) – A day after Russian-made Gerbera drone crashed in Lithuania near the Belarusian border, the Armed Forces stated that in the time of peace flying objects that violate the airspace are not normally destroyed.

According to the Armed Forces, in the time of peace civilised countries do not target flying objects that enter the airspace and do not pose a threat.

The military added that air targets would be observed and identified, but destroyed only if they posed a threat to national security or critical infrastructure.

However, it added that NATO Allied Air Command (AIRCOM) may decide on taking down the intruding object if a mission is carried out by NATO jets conducting the air policing mission.

As reported, a drone had entered the Lithuanian airspace from Belarus at around 11:30 a.m. 10 July. It was flying 100 metres above the ground at around 50-60 km/h before crashing 1 kilometre from the border with Belarus. It was later identified as Russian-made decoy drone Gerbera.

Vilnius, July 11 (ELTA) – Deputy Minister of National Defence Orijana Mašalė, in charge of support to stationing of the German Brigade of Lithuania, substituted for Minister of National Defence Dovilė Šakalienė at the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation in Berlin, also attended by Chief of Defence of Lithuania General Raimundas Vaikšnoras. Germany’s contribution in strengthening the principles of collective defence and responsibility for the security of the whole Alliance was highlighted at the commemoration as well, reports the Ministry of National Defence.

The deputy minister noted that Germany’s anniversary as a member of NATO was an opportunity to look back at historical decisions and also to assess the modern security challenges and the Allied resolve to face them. According to Mašalė, Germany’s decision to station a brigade in Lithuania is the most outstanding example of Allies building actual deterrence and collective defence capabilities. 

“Stationing of the German Brigade in Lithuania is a historical milestone in our bilateral relations and one of the most important steps strengthening the NATO deterrence and defence on the eastern flank. It is not just a technical or temporary solution, it is a strategic choice which clearly demonstrates Germany’s commitment to the defence of our region. This decision build a new quality in our partnership strengthening the coordination between our armed forces, facilitating long-term investment in infrastructure and other military capabilities, the economy as well, and most importantly, sending a strong message to our societies and potential aggressors: Lithuania is not alone. Our mutual security is being built here and now, together,” says Deputy Minister Mašalė.

Germany is one of Lithuania’s key security partners. Since 2017, Germany has been the Framework Nation of the NATO Multinational Battlegroup building a strong basis for further bilateral defence cooperation which has now culminated in Germany’s decision to station the 45th Armor Brigade in Lithuania. The historical decision taken in 2023 is a reflection of the NATO commitment to collective defence and is a part of the Alliance’s regional defence plans. This is the first brigade of the German Armed Forces to ever be stationed outside Germany’s borders, a significant step towards a stronger security and stability in the region.

The 45th German Armour Brigade with its three manoeuvre battalions and all organic combat support and logistical units is being moved to Lithuania gradually. There are currently approx. 500 Brigade personnel already in Lithuania, while the Full Operational Capability of the Brigade with its volume of 5,000 German troops and civilians is scheduled for 2027.

Germany is also an active contributor to the NATO Air Policing Mission in the Baltic states, multinational military exercises and training events.  This year, Lithuania took the decision to respond to the request of the German Ministry of Defence to increase national contingent in the NATO-led multinational KFOR. The Lithuanian platoon contributed to the operation will be attached to the German Company.

Vilnius, July 11 (ELTA) – The Ministry of the Interior and Vilnius City Municipality next week will sign an interinstitutional agreement on creation of mobile fire teams striving to enhance the security of critical infrastructure in the Lithuanian capital.

“I am pleased that our voice was heard when the municipality raised the idea of establishing mobile fire teams together with the Interior Ministry, which would protect civilian infrastructure. Much remains to be done but I believe that together with the ministry we are proceeding in the right direction,” Vilnius Mayor Valdas Benkunskas said in a statement.

In turn, Interior Minister Vladislav Kondratovič stated that the municipality’s idea to expand civil defence capabilities in Vilnius is closely related to the current security situation.

“In the face of Russia’s continuing military aggression in Ukraine, we must explore new solutions and join efforts for the protection of critical infrastructure facilities,” said Kondratovič.

According to the Ministry of the Interior, the agreement will stipulate that the municipality carries out procurement of vehicles, computer and lighting equipment, while the ministry provides weaponry. Mobile fire groups would be established and operate within the structure of the Interior Ministry.

Vilnius, July 11 (ELTA) – On 10 July, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Kęstutis Budrys participated in the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025 in Rome. During the conference, Budrys signed agreements with Ukraine in the fields of education, rehabilitation services for people affected by the war, and the inclusion of young professionals in the public sector, reports the Foreign Ministry.

In the strategic agreement on education between Lithuania and Ukraine, signed by Minister Budrys, Lithuania commits to allocating 21 million euros for the restoration of Ukraine's education system. This support includes an investment of 17 million euros in a multifunctional school centre in Zhytomyr, adapted to both wartime and peacetime conditions, 3 million euros for the installation of solar energy systems in 14 educational institutions across Ukraine, and 1 million euros of joint Lithuanian-Taiwanese funds for the Catch-up and STEAM programme in the Odesa region.

“Lithuania’s support for Ukraine is not a one-time gesture – it is a long-term commitment based on solidarity and shared values. By restoring education, we are restore hope, dignity, and the foundation of a democratic future,” the minister said.

During the conference, an agreement was also signed with mayor of Lviv, Andriy Sadovyi, on Lithuania's involvement in the development of rehabilitation services for war victims. The project involves renovating the administrative building to transform it into a modern facility dedicated to mental health rehabilitation services. The centre will provide comprehensive medical and psychological rehabilitation services to Ukrainian defenders and civilians affected by the war. The uniqueness of the project lies in its funding from funds collected by Lithuania for violations of the European Union sanctions introduced against Russia in response to its aggression against Ukraine. Currently, around 167,000 euros collected for sanctions violations have already been allocated.

“It is symbolic and just that fines paid for violations of sanctions against Russia will be used to restore the health of Ukrainian defenders. Lithuania supports Ukraine not only with words, but also with real, meaningful actions,” stressed Budrys.

During the conference, Lithuania's head of diplomacy also signed a tripartite memorandum of cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine, and the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine on the development of the “Create for Ukraine” programme.

Modelled after Lithuania’s successful “Create for Lithuania” programme, this initiative aims to educate the next generation of Ukraine's public sector leaders. The programme enables young Ukrainians living abroad, with international education or professional experience, to return to Ukraine for a traineeship in the country's key institutions. Participants will contribute to strategic reforms, receive assistance for professional development, and have a mentorship support.

“Ukraine needs talented people today more than ever. This programme provides a targeted path for young professionals living abroad to return, contribute to the civil service, and build Ukraine's future in Europe. It is an honour for Lithuania to be close to them not only as a supporter, but also as a partner for change", said the minister.

At the Ukraine Reconstruction Conference, Budrys also signed an agreement on Lithuania’s accession to the EU4Reconstruction initiative aimed at the coordinated strengthening of institutions involved in the reconstruction of Ukraine and the improvement of construction standards.

Vilnius, July 14 (ELTA) – On Friday in Dublin, President Gitanas Nausėda, together with First Lady Diana Nausėdienė, met with members of the Lithuanian community in Ireland, said the presidency.

The meeting focused on current political developments in Lithuania, the issue of preserving Lithuanian citizenship and the importance of strengthening community ties.

The president expressed his appreciation for the efforts of Lithuanians in Ireland to preserve their national identity, maintain the Lithuanian language, and build active, engaged communities. In today’s geopolitical context, he noted, unity among Lithuanians worldwide is of vital importance.

“I would like you to think more often about Lithuania as a country where you could build your life. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, maybe not even in two years – but still, think about it, dream about it,” the president said.

It is estimated that up to 70,000 Lithuanians live in Ireland, making it the third-largest Lithuanian diaspora community in the world, after the United States and the United Kingdom.

Since 2021, Lithuanian has been taught as an optional foreign language in Irish schools, and since 2022, students have had the opportunity to take the national Lithuanian language exam at either the basic or advanced level.

Vilnius, July 14 (ELTA) – On Friday in Dublin, First Lady Diana Nausėdienė met with Lithuanian language teachers working in lituanistic schools as well as in Irish secondary schools, reports the Office of the President.

The first lady expressed her delight that the Lithuanian community in Ireland has succeeded in establishing the largest currently operating lituanistic school abroad. She also praised the community’s active participation in events such as the Song Festival and the World Lithuanian Sports Games.

“You can truly be called builders of Lithuania in the world. Our nation – leaving a mark through language, culture, science, and business across the globe – has brought recognition and strength to the Lithuanian state. We are visible, recognized and actively engaged in the world‘s most important political, economic and cultural processes. Lithuania is being built by all of us – those living in the country and those in the diaspora,” Mrs Nausėdienė said.

She noted that the development of lituanistic schools abroad is very encouraging, with long-awaited changes finally taking place: funding is being allocated, teaching materials are being provided, professional development opportunities for teachers are expanding, student numbers are increasing, activities are growing, and more families are getting involved.

“I sincerely thank you for this work, for responding to the call to unite, grow and become stronger. In today’s globalised world, this is not a choice but a necessity. Our ethnic identity, linguistic uniqueness and cultural distinctiveness are treasures of global significance that we have no right to lose or diminish. After all, no one else will care as deeply about the heritage nurtured over millennia as we do,” she said.

Mrs Nausėdienė emphasised that one of the key goals is to help all people of Lithuanian descent and those with roots in Lithuania to turn towards our country as a centre of cultural identity and to help them rebuild their connection to the land of their parents and ancestors. Stronger ties can be developed through economic and cultural cooperation, civic engagement, and Lithuanian heritage education.

“Let us join forces, grow and strengthen. The goal set at lituanistic education forums – which has become a guiding principle of state policy and an objective of the executive branch – that by 2030, twenty percent of children of Lithuanian descent abroad will attend lituanistic schools – must become a reality. We are looking for and will continue to seek shared solutions to support your vital work in lituanistic education,” she stated.

The first lady concluded that lituanistic schools abroad represent an extension of the Lithuanian state and are a vital component of our country’s growth. These schools not only foster stronger ties between emigrants and the state but also contribute to the policy of encouraging return migration to Lithuania.

According to the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport, 11 lituanistic schools currently operate in Ireland, educating more than 700 children and youth with the help of over 100 teachers.

In Irish general education schools, Lithuanian has the same status as other optional foreign languages such as French, German, Spanish, or Italian. Lithuanian language classes are available not only to students of Lithuanian descent but also to anyone interested. Since 2022, students have had the opportunity to take the state-level Lithuanian language exam at either the basic or advanced level.

The first lady of Lithuania is the patron of lituanistic education within global Lithuanian communities.

Vilnius, July 14 (ELTA) – On working visit to Ireland on Friday, President Gitanas Nausėda met with the country’s Deputy Prime Minister (Tánaiste), Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Minister for Defence, Simon Harris. The meeting focused on support for Ukraine and issues on the European Union agenda, the presidency reported.

The president expressed his satisfaction with the excellent bilateral relations between Lithuania and Ireland, highlighting the growing potential for cooperation at both political and economic levels, as well as the positive momentum in mutual investment.

Gitanas Nausėda and the Irish deputy prime minister discussed the situation in Ukraine. The president welcomed Ireland’s participation in the programme funded by the European Commission and Lithuania, which aims to build bomb shelters in Ukrainian schools. He emphasised that Lithuania remains committed to being a reliable partner in implementing humanitarian projects in Ukraine and urged Ireland to increase its direct financial support for such initiatives.

The president stressed the importance of continuing military support for Ukraine in a consistent, comprehensive, long-term, and expanding manner. Only such a strategy, he said, can ensure Ukraine’s victory and long-term security in Europe. Lithuania called on Ireland to actively support efforts to confiscate Russia’s frozen assets and direct them towards Ukraine’s reconstruction and compensation for war-related damages.

He also expressed hope that the EU’s 18th sanctions package against Russia would be adopted soon to maintain pressure on the aggressor. Lithuania supports the swift start of EU accession negotiations with Ukraine, aiming for Ukraine to become a member state by 2030.

The meeting also addressed the situation in the Middle East, the need to strengthen the EU’s competitiveness and economic resilience, negotiations on an ambitious multiannual financial framework for 2028–2034, and the upcoming EU Council Presidencies of both countries.

Vilnius, July 11 (ELTA) – Litgrid, the Lithuanian electricity transmission system operator, welcomes a new participant in the electricity balancing market. Meiluškiai solar park, developed by European Energy, submitted its first bids in the market. This is the first solar park in the country to contribute to ensuring the balance between electricity consumption and generation in the Lithuanian electricity system, Litgrid reports.

“Following the successful synchronisation with Continental Europe, the development of a competitive and efficient balancing market is one of the most important goals. As Lithuania seeks to generate all the electricity it needs from renewable sources, the demand for balancing services is growing. The joining of the first solar park to this market is a significant step towards ensuring a balance between electricity generation and consumption in Lithuania. We encourage renewable energy developers to participate more actively in the balancing market, as this undoubtedly represents a win–win situation: it offers additional revenue opportunities for renewable energy projects and helps stabilise balancing costs for consumers,” says Minister of Energy Žygimantas Vaičiūnas.

“We are continuing to develop the energy balancing market and are working to attract new participants. The growing technical capabilities of balancing services allow for the integration of larger amounts of renewable energy resources and a reduction in balancing costs. All wind and solar power plants connected to the transmission network have the technical capacity to provide balancing services. It requires connecting the power plant control systems to the balancing market information systems. We are delighted to welcome the first solar park to the balancing market and invite other producers to join too,” said Donatas Matelionis, Head of Power System Operations Department at Litgrid.

Meiluškiai solar park is developed by European Energy, and balancing services are provided by Centrica Energy. The solar park has successfully completed pre-qualification tests and is already providing manual frequency restoration reserve (mFRR) balancing services by reducing electricity generation. Service capacity is 34 MW.

“Although European Energy operates solar and wind farms in twelve countries, this solar park is the first in our portfolio to start providing system frequency services. This is a significant step not only for us but for the entire market. It is also important to mention the contribution of Litgrid, whose proactive approach to implementing the MARI platform has significantly contributed to this achievement. Since this is a common Baltic market, it is particularly gratifying to see Lithuania leading the way in terms of the system services provided,” said Karolis Tuinyla, Asset Manager at European Energy Lithuania.

“We’re proud to support Lithuania’s first solar park in delivering balancing services to the grid, and it’s a testament to how renewables and advanced optimisation can work hand in hand. This project reflects our broader commitment to accelerating the energy transition by unlocking the full potential of renewables through real-time balancing and optimisation, and by enabling solar assets like Meiluškiai to actively support grid stability, we’re not just integrating clean energy, we’re reshaping how flexible, decentralised systems can operate across Europe as key to building a resilient energy system.” Says Kristian Gjerløv-Juel, VP of Renewable Energy Trading & Optimisation at Centrica.

Litgrid currently has balancing service contracts with 21 market participants. Some of them are already providing balancing services, while others are in the preparatory stages.

Balancing services can be provided using various technologies, including energy storage batteries, solar and wind power plants, and flexible consumption. Participants in the balancing energy market must be able

to offer immediate reduction or increase of their generation or consumption capacity so that electricity transmission system operators can ensure a constant balance between generation and consumption.

In recent years, the Baltic transmission system operators Litgrid, Augstsprieguma tīkls, and Elering have joined the common European balancing exchange platforms. In October 2024, they joined the manual frequency restoration reserve service platform MARI, and in March-April 2025, they joined the automatic frequency restoration reserve service platform PICASSO. Participation in the European balancing market has opened new opportunities for electricity producers and large consumers in the Baltic countries to provide balancing services.

Vilnius, July 11 (ELTA) – In the first half of 2025 year-on-year, the number of real estate transactions in Lithuania increased by 23.4%. In January-June 2025, 62,900 real estate transactions were registered with the Centre of Registers, whereas in the identical period of 2024 the figure stood at 50,900.

In June 2025 alone, 10,400 real estate properties were sold, by 8.7% more than in June 2024 (9,600), but by 14.2% fewer than in May 2025 (12,100).

In the first half of 2025, 17,700 flats were sold in Lithuania, an increase of 29.2% compared with January-June 2024, when 13,700 flats were sold. 2,800 flats were sold in June 2025 alone, up by 16.1% compared with June 2024, but down by 15.3% compared with May 2025.

In January-June 2025, 6,400 flats were sold in Vilnius (+41.4% year-on-year), 2,500 in Kaunas (+21.9%) and 1,500 in Klaipėda (+26.1%).

In the first half of this year, 5,900 private homes were sold in Lithuania, by 22.3% more than in the first half of 2024 (4,800). In June 2025 alone, 1,100 private homes were sold, up by 13% compared with June 2024, but down by 5.4% compared with May 2025.

As regards land plots, 29,300 of them were sold in Lithuania in the first half of 2025, a 21.4% increase compared with the identical period of 2024 (24,200). 4,900 land plots were sold in June 2025 alone, by 1.4% more than in June 2024, but by 15.1% fewer than in May 2025.

Vilnius, July 11 (ELTA) – Lithuanian Airports (LTOU), in partnership with key stakeholders, is enhancing air connectivity with Israel. In response to growing demand, charter flights from Israel to Vilnius will increase in frequency starting 11 July – operating twice weekly. These flights will supplement the existing charter route from Tel Aviv to Kaunas. Meanwhile, legacy airlines also plan to support positive forecasts with scheduled flight frequency, setting the stage for a record number of Israeli tourists visiting Lithuania this year, Lithuanian Airports said in a press release.

“It’s crucial for us that, through the joint efforts with the Travel Lithuania team, Israeli tour operators, and local tourism service providers, we are successfully expanding this important inbound tourism segment and increasing the frequency of charter flights. More broadly, we see that this move, combined with the plans of legacy carriers such as Israir Airlines, significantly boosts travel opportunities between Lithuania and Israel in 2025,” says Simonas Bartkus, CEO of Lithuanian Airports.

Olga Gončarova, head of the national tourism promotion agency Travel Lithuania, emphasises that increasing capacity of flights from Israel has been one of the organisation’s top priorities in developing inbound tourism from this market.

“One of the biggest barriers to attract more Israeli visitors has been the limited number of direct flights – especially critical for the organised group tourism. We’re excited that the Israeli tour operator Overseas, which operates the charter flight company FLYYO, this spring launched charter flights to Vilnius, in addition to the existing Tel Aviv–Kaunas route. Due to rising demand, the Vilnius route will now operate twice a week starting 11 July,” says Gončarova.

Thanks to a reliable Israeli partner and an exceptionally convenient flight schedule, Lithuania is well-positioned to welcome a record influx of Israeli tourists this year.

“In recent months, we’ve seen a surge in interest – Israelis are discovering Lithuania as a beautiful, welcoming, safe, and attractive country, perfect for the group travelers, families, friends, or couples alike,” say overseas representatives Pini Krainer and Vered Shwartz.

Israel is among the fastest-growing inbound tourism markets for Lithuania. Following the pandemic, the market has rebounded rapidly: in 2023, 27,800 Israeli tourists visited Lithuania – approaching the pre-pandemic peak of 30,200 in 2019.

Israeli tourists are also economically significant, with the longest average stay comparing to the other international tourists. In 2023, they spent an average of 4.9 nights in Lithuania – more than double the average of 2.1 nights across all foreign visitors. They also rank among the highest in terms of spending.

Lithuania has long been recognised by Israeli travellers for its high-quality wellness services. Resorts such as Druskininkai are especially popular: in 2023, Israeli tourists ranked third among all foreign visitors there – more guests come only from Latvia and Poland.

According to Travel Lithuania research, the top reasons Israeli tourists choose Lithuania include the desire to taste traditional Lithuanian food and drinks (83%), enjoy nature (82%), and explore local culture (81%). Furthermore, 91% rate their visits as “very good” or “good,” and 71% say they plan to return.

Vilnius, July 11 (ELTA) – In the first half of 2025, the State Border Guard Service (VSAT) seized more than 3 million packs of cigarettes smuggled to Lithuania.

This is by 4.6 times more than in the first half of 2024, when 682,000 packs of smuggled cigarettes were seized, and by 2.3 times more than in entire 2024, when 1.3 million packs were seized.

According to the VSAT, the market value of the illicit tobacco products seized so far this year stands at EUR 14.4 million. The agency has prevented EUR 12.9 million in damages to the state budget.

The VSAT stated that a sharp rise in confiscated illicit tobacco products is linked to cigarette smuggling from Latvia. Cigarettes smuggled from Latvia accounted for 62.1% of all seized cigarettes, compared with 17.8% in the first half of 2024. The remaining amount accounted for smuggling from Belarus.

In the first half of 2025, the VSAT identified 29 cases of cigarette smuggling from Latvia, with a total of 1.95 million packs intercepted. In February alone, the VSAT seized 1.08 million packs of cigarettes smuggled from Latvia, but the figure later decreased. In June, just slightly more than 9,000 packs transported illegally from Latvia were intercepted.

According to the State Border Guard Service, one of the reasons behind the sudden decrease could be that several illegal tobacco “factories” were identified and shut down in Latvia.

Furthermore, when Lithuania closed its Šumskas and Tverečius checkpoints at the border with Belarus, tobacco product smuggling through these checkpoints dropped drastically: from 1.1 million packs of cigarettes in 2023 to just 9,000 packs in 2024.

In 2024, this figure accounted for just 0.7% of all seized cigarettes, compared with 53.6% in 2023. In the first half of 2025, just 0.14% of all cigarettes that were seized had been transported through Šumskas and Tverečius.

Vilnius, July 11 (ELTA) – On 9 July in Rome, on the eve of the Ukraine Recovery Conference, the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant (INPP) and the European nuclear energy company Newcleo signed a Memorandum of Understanding, which envisages close cooperation in the analysis of the feasibility of the advanced fast reactor technology in Lithuania. This technology could be an important step towards the introduction of reliable and efficient energy solutions and the safe and sustainable management of spent nuclear fuel in the country, reports Ignalina NPP.

Minister of Energy Žygimantas Vaičiūnas, who took part in the signing of the cooperation agreement, said that the agreement will encourage the implementation of new pilot projects related to nuclear energy in Lithuania.

“The Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant has been a strategic pillar of Lithuania’s energy system for many years, together with the high level of expertise of nuclear power specialists, which is now being used only for INPP closure activities. Our aim is not only to preserve this expertise, but also to use it for the development of advanced nuclear technologies. Although the implementation of such projects is not rapid, we should not miss the opportunity to assess the potential of such technologies to further reduce the volume of spent nuclear fuel in the future, and this agreement allows us to start assessing innovative solutions now,” said Vaičiūnas.

This agreement is an important step towards finding innovative solutions to manage the nuclear legacy of Lithuania’s nuclear power plant and ensure the stability of the country’s energy independence. 

“We have nuclear energy expertise that we can and must use as we move into a new energy phase. This agreement opens up opportunities to assess how our existing expertise and infrastructure can be applied to innovative solutions, both in the field of power generation and spent nuclear fuel management.  Cooperating with international partners such as Newcleo, we will look for sustainable solutions to advance Lithuania’s energy sector,” said Linas Baužys, director general of INPP. 

According to Stefano Buono, CEO of Newcleo, the company aims to apply its advanced operating model to countries that have experience in nuclear operations or inherited spent fuel.

“This agreement will contribute to sustainable solutions for radioactive waste management and energy security in Europe. I am pleased that Lithuania, with its strong nuclear roots, is open to new nuclear energy perspectives,” said Buono.

Newcleo’s technology is based on an advanced lead-cooled reactor solution that allows the use of spent nuclear fuel for reactor operation, which can provide an alternative to sustainable radioactive waste management.

The direction of the development of such reactors has already been chosen by Slovakia.  Last month, state-owned nuclear operator JAVYS shared its plans to develop a four-reactor project using MOX (Mixed Oxide Fuel) fuel made from existing spent fuel from the country’s existing reactors.

As already announced, the Government of the Republic of Lithuania last week discussed feasibility for the development of nuclear power in the country.  During the meeting, the proposal to establish a special working group under the Ministry of Energy was approved, with representatives from the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant also participating in its activities. This group will analyse the application of advanced nuclear technologies and assess their potential in the Lithuanian energy system.

In April 2023, the European Commission issued a declaration supporting the development of safety and technology for small modular reactors, seeing these technologies as an alternative to coal-fired power plants and as a complement to renewable energy sources.

According to the survey conducted by Eurobarometer in 2025, 57% of Lithuanian residents have a positive view of the prospects for nuclear energy over the next 20 years.

The Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant, closed in 2010 as part of Lithuania’s commitment to join the European Union, is today actively operating not only to ensure the safe management of radioactive waste, but also to contribute to the development of advanced nuclear technologies that will strengthen Lithuania’s energy security and independence. 

The company’s mission is to create a clean environment by sustainably managing the legacy of nuclear activities, and one of its main objectives is to implement the immediate dismantling of the plant without leaving an unreasonable burden on future generations.  After dismantling, a deep geological repository is planned to be built and operated until 2080. During this period, the aim is to establish itself as a next generation advanced company and to continue its successful development of nuclear energy activities.

Vilnius, July 11 (ELTA) – Renewable energy company Green Genius has signed a EUR 36.66 million financing agreement with RGreen Invest, a French independent investment management company, with over fifteen years’ experience financing the energy transition. This financing will fund the construction of the Šeduva solar park with a planned capacity of 78 MW, one of Green Genius’s largest solar projects in Lithuania, the company stated in a press release.

The plant will span over 150 hectares and is expected to generate enough green electricity annually to avoid approximately 60,457 tons of CO₂ emissions, making a significant contribution to Lithuania’s green energy goals. The connection to Litgrid’s transmission network is planned for the spring of 2027, and the co-located BESS solution is planned to be built around the same time.

RGreen Invest, a long-term financial partner for Green Genius, has already financed several of the company’s project portfolios with a combined capacity of over 60 MW. This financing is provided through InfraBridge IV, one of RGreen Invest’s debt funds, which specialises in offering flexible, long-term financing solutions for large-scale renewable energy projects across Europe. With more than 15 years of experience in financing the energy transition, RGreen Invest has developed a strong track record in supporting the growth of green infrastructure.

“This is an important milestone for both Green Genius and Lithuania’s energy sector. This large-scale collocated power plant will supply green and independent energy to the region. Collocated BESS will ensure effective use of the generated energy and support balancing of the grid,” says Rokas Bancevičius, CFO of Green Genius.

Mathilde Ketoff, Partner & Head of Debt at RGreen Invest adds: “This financing reflects our long-term commitment to supporting projects which contribute to European energy transition and independence. This investment aligns with our strategy to support reliable and innovative partners like Green Genius, whose work in advancing green energy solutions resonates with RGreen Invest’s mission to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon and sovereign European energy model.”