Vilnius, September 11 (ELTA) – Homanit Lietuva, a German capital wood fibre production company operating in Pagiriai, Vilnius District, has informed the Employment Service about the planned layoffs of 228 employees.

Workers will be dismissed between 4 October and 31 December 2026. This mostly affects woodworking machinery operators (54), packers (37), and cargo platform and forklift operators (35).

The company also plans to lay off chemical and other physical science technicians, industrial and agricultural machinery mechanics and repairers, accounting specialists, technology and production engineers, electromechanics, electrical fitters, management and organisation analysts, as well as other employees.

The news agency ELTA has learned from Employment Service that the stated reasons for the layoffs are a decline in sales due to falling demand for the furniture industry on global markets, as well as sharply increased energy, chemical material and transport costs.

As reported, Homann Holzwerkstoffe GmbH, the parent company of Homanit Lietuva, announced in August that the wood fibre plant would suspend production in Lithuania for 12–21 months starting 2027.

Homanit factory in Pagiriai, south of Vilnius, started operating in 2024 with the company’s investments amounting to EUR 200 million.

The company has faced criticism of pollution with local residents staging protests.

Vilnius, September 11 (ELTA) – AB Ignitis grupė on Friday announced that the members of the Board of its subsidiary Energijos skirstymo operatorius (ESO), having assessed the need for changes at the Board level, have announced their resignation as of 30 September 2026. The term of office of the current ESO Board was due to end on 13 February 2027, Ignitis Group said in a statement.

“The members of ESO’s Board made personal decisions to step down in order to accelerate the company’s ability, with a new Board, to attract more competencies focused on grid resilience and business continuity, and to reduce the current tension surrounding the company. Addressing the root causes of the grid’s vulnerability requires the full alignment of all stakeholders, with priority given to resilience and business continuity rather than solely to the price of the service or the protection of trees in power line clearings,” says Chair of the ESO Board Nerijus Datkūnas.

Although the ESO Board will temporarily not operate, ESO’s business continuity and smooth decision-making will be ensured: ESO will operate through the interim CEO and the General Meeting of Shareholders, whose functions are performed by the sole shareholder, Ignitis Group.

In addition, to substantially review the competencies of ESO’s collegial management body, Ignitis Group will immediately prepare an updated competency profile and initiate the selection of the new ESO Board.

Ignitis Group notes that at the extraordinary meeting convened on 10 September, the ESO Board accepted the resignation of ESO CEO Renaldas Radvila, with 30 September 2026 considering his last day in office. To ensure the smooth organisation of ESO’s activities and handover of responsibilities, Audrius Ruseckas, Head of ESO’s Finance and Administration Service, has been appointed interim CEO of ESO as of 1 October 2026. The ESO Board has decided to immediately initiate the selection process for a new CEO of ESO.

Vilnius, September 11 (ELTA) – President of the European Investment Bank (EIB) Nadia Calviño together with the EIB Group Board members, representatives of the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of National Defence of the Republic of Lithuania and Federal Ministry of Defence of Germany, during her visit to Rūdininkai military campus, assessed the progress of the project and Lithuania’s ambitious plan to complete the project by the end of 2027, reports the Ministry of Finance.

“A few years ago, we talked about the German Brigade in Lithuania as an ambition. Today in Rūdninkai we already see where the Brigade will live, train and prepare for Lithuania's defence. The most important thing now is to keep up the momentum and do what we promised – to complete the campus by the end of 2027. The Rūdninkai military campus project is an excellent example of what can be achieved when national institutions and international partners consistently work together to achieve a common goal,” Minister of Finance Taurimas Valys said in Rūdininkai.

According to the minister, the Rūdninkai project goes beyond the borders of Lithuania. This military campus, which will host around 5,000 German Brigade troops and civilian personnel, will strengthen resilience in the eastern flank of NATO, increase military mobility and directly contribute to collective defence of the whole Europe.

“This is an investment in a safer Lithuania, a stronger NATO and a more resilient Europe,” Minister of Finance emphasised.

“We see in Rūdninkai a very concrete result of what European solidarity looks like in terms of security. The infrastructure being built here will be critical to Lithuania’s and our allies’ ability to deter potential aggressor and, if necessary, defend the eastern flank of NATO. Therefore, the EIB’s decision to finance this project is important not only for the investment itself. This is a clear signal that investment in European security is becoming a common European priority – and that we can mobilise not only political will, but also financial instruments,” Deputy Minister of National Defence Karolis Aleksa said.

The minister thanked the EIB not only for financial support for the project which may amount up to EUR 540 million, but also for the consultancy and technical assistance to the Lithuanian institutions. According to the Minister, just having money is not enough for a project of this size.

“It is necessary to agree with international partners, to structure the funding model and to attain that the financiers compete for the project. The greater the competition, the better the conditions for Lithuania. This is what we aimed to achieve working together with the EIB – not just get funding, but to get it on the best possible terms,” Mr Valys said.

The minister of finance recalled Lithuania’s commitment to continue investing in its security, resilience and preparedness.

“5.38% of GDP for defence is a huge amount for Lithuania, so every euro must work with maximum efficiency. Our goal is not just to spend more on defence. The aim is for that money to get more security. The Rūdninkai project demonstrates how, by adding funding from reliable international partners to national funds, it is possible to speed up the implementation of projects that are important not only for Lithuania,” Mr Valys underlined.

The minister thanked the EIB, international partners, specialists from national institutions whose dedication, experience and hard work contribute to the successful implementation of a project important for the security of Europe as a whole.

In a bilateral meeting with EIB President Nadia Calviño, the minister of finance discussed possibilities for further cooperation, priorities of the upcoming Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the EU and continuity of support to Ukraine.

The Rūdninkai project covers an area of 170 hectares and the construction and modernisation of more than 150 infrastructure facilities, including residential, administrative, training and logistics facilities. The project is in line with EU and national policies and contributes to the implementation of the EU Security and Defence Strategy, a White Paper on the future of European defence and the Lithuanian National Defence System and the implementation of its development programme (of 2024). It also contributes to the EU’s strategic autonomy, strengthening NATO’s interoperability and regional stability, while generating indirect social benefits, improving local infrastructure such as electricity, water, sewage systems and road networks.

The EIB contributes to stage II of the project, which will include the installation of a helicopter pad, construction of barracks, canteen, medical buildings and other infrastructure. The total value of stage II contracts is EUR 1.33 billion, including VAT. This amount will be paid by the State to companies within 12.5 years – settlements will start after completion of the construction and transfer of the military campus to the Lithuanian Armed Forces.

Vilnius, September 11 (ELTA) – On Thursday, former minister of foreign affairs of Lithuania, Gabrielius Landsbergis, was awarded a French state honour – the insignia of a Knight of the Legion of Honour.

Landsbergis was recognised for his contribution to fostering democracy and the European project, promoting dialogue among countries and strengthening relations between France and Lithuania.

The Knight of the Legion of Honour award was presented by Ambassador of France to Lithuania Lucie Stepanyan.

Accepting the award, Landsbergis thanked France for its support to Lithuania and Ukraine, stressing that Lithuania’s assistance to countries fighting for freedom arises not only from geopolitical interests but also from Lithuania’s history.

“We regained our independence not so long ago and, therefore, we easily recognise the desire to be free when we see it in others. In many cases, Lithuania’s support for people fighting for freedom in Ukraine, Georgia, Belarus, and even Hong Kong or Taiwan has stemmed not from simple geopolitical calculation, but from an instinctive recognition of ourselves in others,” he said.

In addition, Landsbergis emphasised the importance of partnerships for Lithuania due to the threat posed by Russia.

The award ceremony, attended by the former foreign minister’s relatives, colleagues and other guests, was held on 10 September at the residence of the French ambassador in Vilnius.

Landsbergis served as Lithuania’s minister of foreign affairs in 2020–2024.

Vilnius, September 11 (ELTA) – Lieutenant General (ret.) Juergen‑Joachim von Sandrart of the German Armed Forces has become Lithuanian Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius’ adviser on defence and military transformation.

Until 2024, Lieutenant General von Sandrart commanded NATO’s Multinational Corps Northeast. This corps is one of the key NATO command elements on the Alliance’s north‑eastern flank, responsible for planning and coordinating land forces operations and carrying out collective defence tasks in the region covering Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.

The prime minister notes that Lieutenant General von Sandrart is a highly respected German officer with long‑standing experience in commanding large military formations and in NATO collective defence planning.

His knowledge and practical experience in strengthening the Alliance’s eastern flank are particularly valuable for Lithuania, notes Sinkevičius, who believes that the general’s expertise will help Lithuania make the decisions needed to accelerate the strengthening of its defence.

Mr von Sandrart will advise the prime minister on strengthening Lithuania’s defence capabilities, military transformation, cooperation with NATO allies, particularly Germany, and other strategic defence matters.

Vilnius, September 11 (ELTA) – President Gitanas Nausėda says that Lithuania must support its businesses amid rising energy and fuel prices, but a decision to reduce the excise duty on fuel should be taken only if the situation becomes critical, as this would significantly affect budgetary revenue.

“Of course. Lithuania can and must help its business. We are introducing a very important provision in the law regarding a potential electricity price credit for larger industrial companies, which today face intense competition on the international market,” Nausėda told reporters Friday.

The president proposes that the Government be granted the possibility to temporarily reduce the state-regulated electricity price for business by up to 30%, with companies would have to repay this outstanding amount by 2038.

This way, payments for the electricity consumed would be deferred for companies for five years, while the debt to the state would have to be repaid within a maximum of seven years.

According to Nausėda, the mechanism would enable electricity prices for larger industrial companies to be reduced by nearly a third.

Speaking about fuel prices, Nausėda noted that a proposal has been registered that would enable setting maximum fuel prices.

As regards reduction of the excise duty on fuel, the president suggested taking into account the effects on the state budget.

“We must make a very clear decision as reducing the fuel excise duty would result in significant losses in budget revenue. We may do it, we must do it if the situation truly becomes so critical that we see it as the only remaining step. Let us understand that all of this comes at a cost,” the head of state said.

As reported, the average diesel price of EUR 2,20 per litre was earlier mentioned as a criterion for activating mechanisms to address fuel price spikes.

According to the Lithuanian Energy Agency (LEA), if the average retail diesel price reaches or exceeds EUR 2.20 per litre and remains at that level for at least five consecutive working days, it would be justified to temporarily reduce the excise duty.

Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius said that the Government could introduce intervention measures to reduce fuel prices if the price of oil on the global market exceeds USD 100 per barrel for an extended period.

Vilnius, September 11 (ELTA) – Students in Lithuania score higher than the OECD average in mathematics and science, and close to the OECD average in reading, and are ahead of those of most other countries that participated in the survey. This was revealed through the 2025 PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) test conducted on 15-year-olds, which was published on 8 September, reports the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport.

In the PISA 2025 survey, science served as the major domain, while mathematics and reading were assessed as the two minor core domains. Lithuanian students scored significantly higher than the OECD average in the newly introduced area of computational problem-solving.

“For the first time in the history of Lithuania’s participation in the PISA tests since 2006, the scores of Lithuanian students in all assessment domains are higher than the OECD average.

Lithuania is implementing educational measures aimed at strengthening mathematics performance, application of sciences, reading, and problem-solving. The general education curricula, updated in 2022, provide a foundation for the development of students’ competencies: education is focused not only on the conveying of facts, but also on the ability to analyse, interpret, and apply information in real-life situations. National student achievement tests are also designed with this in mind. Plus, the STEAM centres operating in Lithuania give students the opportunity to learn through exploration, experimentation, and solving real-world problems. The plan for improving mathematics focuses on mathematical reasoning, statistics, and data analysis skills, as well as on strengthening the instructional skills of teachers.

This forms the grounds for a consistent growth of achievements of Lithuanian students and could further improve the country’s performance in upcoming PISA tests,” says Jonas Petkevičius, deputy minister of education, science, and sport.

The scores in science performance exceed the OECD average

Lithuania’s performance in sciences (488 points) is statistically significantly higher than the international average for OECD countries by 6 points (OECD average: 482 points). The performance of Lithuanian students is statistically significantly higher than in 62 countries, lower than in 19 countries, and do not differ significantly from 9 countries. Lithuania’s scores do not differ statistically significantly from those of the Czech Republic (490), Belgium (490), Germany (486), the Netherlands (485), Sweden (485), Slovenia (484), France (483), Italy (483), and Portugal (482).

Lithuania stands 20th–29th among the 91 countries that participated in the survey.

The highest achievements in science were found among 15-year-oldsin four Chinese cities and provinces (Beijing, Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang) (597) and in Singapore (560). Students from Rwanda scored the fewest points (317).

The number of 15-year-olds in Lithuania who do not reach the second level of performance in science is steadily decreasing. The basic (2nd) level of performance is achieved by 71–80% of 15-year-olds in Lithuania (OECD: 65–74%).

The reading skills of Lithuanian students are above the average for OECD countries

Lithuania’s score (464) is 3 scale points higher than the OECD average (461), but the difference is not statistically significant.​ Lithuanian students’ reading proficiency scores are statistically significantly higher than those of 63 countries, lower than those of 18 countries, and do not differ significantly from those of 8 countries. ​The scores of 15-year-olds in Lithuania do not differ from those of Switzerland (470), the Czech Republic (468), Austria (467), Sweden (466), Belgium (466), Germany (465), Portugal (462), and Denmark (460).

Lithuania stands 19th–27th among 90 countries. ​

Students from Singapore performed the best (535). Students from Rwanda (301) were given the fewest number of points. Students in Estonia (499), Poland (482), and Finland (474) scored higher than Lithuanian students, while students in Latvia (430) scored lower than Lithuanian students.

There has been a noticeable decline in reading skills across all OECD countries.

Mathematics performance scores are statistically significantly higher than the average for OECD countries

The scores of 15-year-olds in Lithuania (470) are 7 scale points higher than the average for OECD countries (463), a difference that is statistically significant. The scores of Lithuanian students’ performance in mathematics are statistically significantly higher than those of 64 countries, lower than those of 19 countries, and not significantly different from those of 6 countries. Lithuania’s scores (470) do not differ statistically significantly from those of Denmark (471), Slovakia (469), Finland (469), Italy (468), Germany (464), and the United States (463).

Lithuania stands 20th–27th among 90 countries.

Students from four regions in China performed the best (612), while students from Rwanda scored the lowest (312).

Students’ performance in computational problem-solving was the best

Lithuania’s scores in computational problem-solving (512) are statistically significantly higher than the OECD average (500) and are statistically significantly higher than the average for OECD countries by 12 scale points.​ Lithuanian students’ scores in computational problem-solving are statistically significantly higher than those of 63 countries, statistically significantly lower than those of 13 countries, and do not differ statistically significantly from those of 8 countries. ​

Lithuania’s scores (512) do not differ statistically significantly from those of the Czech Republic (517), the United States (513), Ireland (511), Austria (509), Belgium (508), Poland (507), Finland (507), and the Netherlands (506).

Lithuania stands 14th–23rd among 85 countries. ​

Macau (China) performed the best (572), while students from Kenya (278) scored the fewest points.

Students from the capital and major cities were top performers in Lithuania

When compared by region, students from schools in the capital and other major cities achieved the highest average scores in mathematics, science, reading, and computational problem-solving performance. The lowest-performing students were those from small-town and rural schools. Although the scores in science performance achieved by more than half of the 15-year-olds from schools in the capital and other major cities who participated in the survey were higher than the OECD and Lithuanian averages, the largest gap in performance was found among schools in the capital.

Class attendance and study habits are linked to higher learning outcomes

Attendance and punctuality contribute to better student performance. Students who miss classes without a valid reason tend to have lower grades. Compared to 2018, class attendance in Lithuania improved, but tardiness remained the same.

Lithuanian students have lower rates of full-day school truancy and lateness compared to the OECD average. In Lithuania, the number of students who were absent from school for the entire day or arrived late is lower than the OECD average; however, the number of students who missed several classes without a valid reason is higher in Lithuania than the OECD average. In Lithuania, students who missed classes for an entire day 3–4 times, scored 82 points lower in science performance, 87 points lower in reading, 84 points lower in mathematics performance, and 66 points lower in computational problem-solving. 

Lithuanian students who spent an average of 30 minutes to 1 hour per day on their science homework have the highest scores in science performance.

Students who are curious and persistent in their studies achieve higher results because they put in more effort. Likewise, those who believe that school was not a waste of time and that they learned things that will be useful in their careers performed the best.

Early childhood education contributes to subsequent learning

Students who attended preschool also performed better: Lithuanian students who attended these institutions scored 27 points higher on the science test (OECD: 39) than those who did not attend them at all.

More than 90% of Lithuanian students feel safe at school

Lithuanian students who reported feeling safe scored higher on science performance tests. More than 90% of Lithuanian students feel safe at school. Students feel the least safe in areas of the school such as hallways, the cafeteria, and the restroom.​ In 2025, 45.3% of students in Lithuania experienced some form of bullying; the OECD average is 47.5%.

About the survey

PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) is an international survey of 15-year-olds designed to assess students’ knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for successful participation in society, and to apply them in unfamiliar situations both inside and outside of school. The survey is aimed at determining how education systems prepare students for real-life challenges and successful participation in society; it examines the ability of students to solve complex problems, think critically, and communicate effectively. The study covers three main domains (reading literacy, mathematics literacy and science literacy), an innovative domain (the innovative domain for 2025 is computational problem-solving), and optional additional domains.

Lithuania has been participating in the PISA survey since 2006. Starting in 2025, the PISA survey will be conducted every four years.

A total of 91 countries and regions participated in the OECD’s PISA 2025 survey (38 OECD countries (or parts thereof) and 53 partner countries), with more than 760,000 of 15-year-olds undergoing the assessment. In Lithuania, 7,700 students from 295 schools with Lithuanian, Polish, and Russian as languages of instruction participated in the PISA survey.

In Lithuania, all data met the quality standards set by PISA and were considered fit for reporting.

Vilnius, September 11 (ELTA) – In August, due to a decrease in solar power generation, the average wholesale electricity price in Lithuania rose by 6% to EUR 80 per megawatt hour (MWh), reports the energy company Elektrum Lietuva.

According to the company, electricity prices also increased in other Baltic States in August. In Latvia, the price went up by 7% to EUR 79.94/MWh, while Estonia recorded the largest rise of 34% to EUR 59/MWh.

“In August, lower solar generation reduced the supply of cheaper electricity on the market and contributed to price growth. Meanwhile, wind power generation in the Baltic States remained stable, and higher electricity imports from the Nordic countries partly limited the price increase,” notes Elektrum Lietuva CEO Neringa Petrauskienė.

Solar power generation in the Baltic States decreased by 7% over the month to 712 GWh, while wind power generation remained at the previous month’s level, totalling 508 GWh.

In August, compared with July, electricity imports into the Baltic States increased by 9%. According to the company, the largest growth was recorded in flows from Sweden – electricity imported into Lithuania via the NordBalt power interconnection rose by 45% to 310 GWh. Meanwhile, due to higher electricity prices in Poland, flows into Lithuania via the LitPol Link decreased by 22% to 27 GWh.

According to the company, electricity demand in Lithuania in August 2026 reached 975 GWh and was by 13% greater than in August 2025. Electricity generation in Lithuania decreased by 5% over the month to 867 GWh, but was 34% higher than a year earlier.

In Latvia, electricity consumption in August increased by 5% to 574 GWh, while electricity generation decreased by 13% to 340 GWh. In Estonia, electricity consumption rose by 3% to 555 GWh and electricity generation increased by 14% to 370 GWh.

According to Elektrum Lietuva, in August the amount of electricity generated in Lithuania accounted for 89% of the country’s electricity consumption. In Latvia, the generation‑to‑consumption ratio stood at 59% and in Estonia at 67%.

In August, compared with July, overall electricity consumption in the Baltic States increased by 2%, reaching 2,104 GWh, while total electricity generation decreased by 3% to 1,577 GWh. In total, the Baltic States generated 75% of the electricity they required in August.

Luxembourg, September 11 (ELTA) – In the second quarter of 2026, the employment rate of people aged 20-64 in the EU stood at 76.4%, up from 76.3% in the first quarter of 2026, reports Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union (EU).

Labour market slack – all persons with an unmet need for employment, including unemployed persons – stood at 11.0% of the extended labour force aged 20-64 in the second quarter of 2026, stable compared with the first quarter of 2026.

Between the first and the second quarter of 2026, Portugal and Malta (+0.6 percentage points (pp) each), Greece (+0.5 pp) and Latvia and Slovenia (+0.4 pp each) registered the largest increases in the employment rate among the 14 EU countries where employment rose. 

The employment rate remained stable in 4 EU countries and decreased in 9 EU countries, with the largest decreases in Austria (-0.4 pp), and in Lithuania and Sweden (-0.3 pp each).

Vilnius, September 11 (ELTA) – The delivery of American M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) will be delayed, but, if needed, Lithuania could temporarily borrow these systems from the US National Guard, Chief of Defence General Raimundas Vaikšnoras has revealed.

“HIMARS [delivery] will be delayed,” he told public television LRT on Thursday.

He said this was likely related to the US defence industry and could not say when exactly Lithuania would receive its HIMARS systems.

Nonetheless, the chief of defence stressed that the Lithuanian Armed Forces is ready to use HIMARS as soldiers have undergone the required training and completed firing exercises.

According to Vaikšnoras, due to the delay it was agreed that Lithuania could temporarily borrow HIMARS systems from the US National Guard in case of a need to plug gaps in specific capabilities.

As reported, Lithuania signed the contract on the acquisition of 8 HIMARS launchers in 2022.

In April 2026, the Lithuanian Defence Materiel Agency (GRA) and the US government amended the contract with the clause on the acquisition of the second HIMARS battery.

Based on this contract Lithuania would procure additional launchers, combat and training ammunition, control and communications equipment, as well as a logistical maintenance and training package.

The total value of the contracts to purchase two HIMARS batteries amounts to USD 778 million (EUR 670 million). The contract is implemented by Lockheed Martin.

Lithuania planned to receive the first HIMARS systems in 2026.