Vilnius, August 12 (ELTA) – On Wednesday, 13 August, President of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda for the second time will meet with the Social Democratic prime ministerial nominee Inga Ruginienė.

The head of state is yet to assess whether to approve the candidate, his chief adviser Frederikas Jansonas told the radio station Žinių radijas on Tuesday morning.

“Tomorrow one more meeting with Mrs Ruginienė awaits. Some questions are yet to be discussed. […] The question whether she thinks she can garner the required votes in the Seimas as the candidate,” said Jansonas.

The adviser added that the president has to decide on the nomination of Ruginienė by 18 August as stipulated by law.

The two previously met on Friday, after the Social Democratic Party (LSDP) put forward the prime ministerial candidate following the resignation of Gintautas Paluckas. At the time, potential changes in the Cabinet were not discussed with Ruginienė, but this matter is planned to be addressed at the second meeting.

As reported, Paluckas resigned as prime minister and LSDP leader on 31 July. He was featured in a series of journalistic investigations by Siena and Laisvės TV into his past and present business ties. Whereas law enforcement opened probes into his company and the company owned by his sister-in-law.

The LSDP nominated Minister of Social Security and Labour Inga Ruginienė as the candidate to become Lithuania’s next prime minister.

If the president approves her candidacy, parliament will hold an open vote on it, with a simple majority of votes enough for the prime minister to be appointed.

Vilnius, August 12 (ELTA) – On Monday, President Gitanas Nausėda had a telephone conversation with President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine, reports the president’s press service.

During the conversation, the two presidents discussed the international situation and the prospects for peace negotiations in Ukraine.

Gitanas Nausėda stressed that Lithuania believes that the future of Ukraine – and of all Europe – cannot be decided without the participation of both Ukrainian and EU representatives.

The president voiced support for Ukraine’s determination to achieve a just and lasting peace, which cannot be realised without ensuring Ukraine’s territorial integrity, holding Russia legally accountable for its crime of aggression, and ensuring fair compensation for the damage caused.

According to President Nausėda, the first step towards ending the large-scale military conflict, now in its fourth year, must be an unconditional ceasefire. It is crucial that this ceasefire is respected by the aggressor, Russia, which has repeatedly demonstrated its unwillingness to pursue peace and continues its brutal attacks on Ukrainian civilian targets.

The head of state stressed that Lithuania strongly supports Ukraine’s path towards European integration, viewing it as an essential step to Europe’s long-term security and stability. He called for negotiations to start without delay, with the strategic goal of Ukraine joining the EU by 2030, despite the enormous challenges it faces in implementing the necessary reforms.

Lithuania remains committed to further strengthening international sanctions against Russia, ensuring the enforcement of the existing ones, and safeguarding Ukrainian civilians, including abducted children and prisoners of war.

Vilnius, August 11 (ELTA) – During the solemn event on the occasion of the Lithuanian Language School Day (marked on 10 August), at the President’s Office of the Republic of Lithuania, Minister of Foreign Affairs Kęstutis Budrys presented the Honour Awards For Diaspora Merits to Lithuania to the fosterers promoters of Lithuanian language education abroad, reports the MFA.

“It is an honour to be with you as we mark the Lithuanian Language School Day together. Today, we celebrate what unites us around the world – love for Lithuania, its language, history, and culture. You are not only teachers, but also guardians of the Lithuanian spirit, passing on the Lithuanian language and our identity from generation to generation. Through your activities, you are raising future generations of Lithuania, which I believe will be proud of their roots and promote Lithuania's name around the world,” said Minister Budrys.

The February 16th Gymnasium, which celebrates the 75th anniversary of its activities this year, has been awarded the highest honorary award – the Golden Knight – for its long-standing mission of fostering Lithuanian identity, providing high-quality education, playing an active role in community building, and maintaining close ties with Lithuania.

The minister awarded the medals to the laureates who came to Lithuania: Angelė Bailey, long-time member of the Lithuanian-American community, teacher, and former Director of Washington K. Donelaitis Lithuanian language School (USA); Auksė Motto (USA), an active member of the Lithuanian-American community, founder of the Lithuanian language School Lietuvėlė in New Jersey, coordinator of Lithuanian language courses for adults at the Lithuanian Educational Council of the USA, and head of the project Education for Lithuanian-American Schools; Solveiga Stankevičiūtė (Spain), founder and head of the Barcelona Lithuanian School, promoter of Lithuanian education in the Spanish region of Catalonia.

Medals For Diaspora Merits to Lithuania were also awarded to the teachers of the Toronto Maironis Lithuanian School, the head and teacher of the Bishop M. Valančius Lithuanian Language School in Hamilton, the former vice-chair of the board of the Canadian Lithuanian community for education Vida Angelė Stanevičius (Canada); the long-time teacher of the Maironis School in Toronto, also teaching advanced courses in Lithuanian language and literature, the editorial assistant and writer of articles for the Lithuanian weekly newspaper Tėviškės žiburiai – The Lights of Homeland (Canada); the organiser of cultural events and literary festivals Rima Žemaitytė-De Iuliis (Canada); the founders of the Lithuanian language school in Tbilisi, long-term teacher and translator Lidija Giorgobiani (Georgia).

The Lithuanian Parliament has declared 10 August as the Lithuanian Language School Day in spring of 2024. Thus, this year it is celebrated for the second time. The patron of the solemn event in at the President's Office was First Lady Diana Nausėdienė, who dedicates a great deal of effort to promoting Lithuanian education abroad.

Vilnius, August 11 (ELTA) – The Lithuanian Government plans allocating EUR 461 million for advance payment for the acquisition of Leopard 2 main battle tanks.

This amount to be borrowed by the state has been foreseen in the Government’s draft proposal registered by the Finance Ministry on Monday.

In January, Minister of National Defence Dovilė Šakalienė announced that Lithuania would make an advance payment for procurement of 44 Leopard 2 main battle tanks. This will help establish a tank battalion by 2030.

The agreement on the purchase of German-made Leopard 2 main battle tanks was signed at the end of 2024.

Vilnius, August 12 (ELTA) – President Gitanas Nausėda, together with other EU heads of state and government, issued a statement expressing strong support for Ukraine, the presidency reports.

The EU leaders welcomed US President Donald Trump’s efforts towards ending Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and achieving a just and lasting peace. Such peace, bringing stability and security, must respect international law, including the principles of independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and that international borders must not be changed by force.

“The people of Ukraine must have the freedom to decide their future. The path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine,” the EU leaders stated.

The joint statement underscored that Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has wider implications for European and international security. “We share the conviction that a diplomatic solution must protect Ukraine’s and Europe’s vital security interests,” the leaders affirmed.

The statement also reiterated that the European Union, in coordination with the U.S. and other like-minded partners, will continue to provide political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support to Ukraine as it defends itself against military aggression. It will also continue to uphold and impose restrictive measures against Russia.

According to the EU leaders, a Ukraine capable of defending itself effectively is an integral part of any future security guarantees. The European Union and its member states are ready to further contribute to security guarantees based on their respective competences and capabilities, in line with international law, and taking into account the security and defense interests of all member states.

“The European Union underlines the inherent right of Ukraine to choose its own destiny and will continue supporting Ukraine on its path towards EU membership,” the document concludes.

Vilnius, August 12 (ELTA) – On 11 August, deputy minister of foreign affairs of Lithuania, Julius Pranevičius, participated in an informal video conference of foreign ministers of the European Union, which discussed recent developments related to Russian aggression against Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East, reports the MFA.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha also attended the EU ministerial meeting. Ministers discussed joint EU action ahead of the planned meeting of the US and Russian Presidents in Alaska on Friday.

Deputy Minister Pranevičius said at the meeting that Lithuania supported efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and called on Europe to unanimously confirm its commitment to Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, accelerate Ukraine's EU accession process, further strengthen Ukraine's position with continued military and financial support and genuine security guarantees, increase pressure on Russia through sanctions and use Russia's frozen assets to finance Ukraine's defence needs.

"The European voice in any debate will only carry weight if it is accompanied by strong commitments and significant support for Ukraine," said Pranevičius.

While discussing the situation in the Middle East, the deputy minister noted the importance of EU unity, the demand for the release of all hostages held by Hamas, but stressed that all Israeli actions must comply with the principles of international law, and using starvation as a weapon was unacceptable.

Vilnius, August 12 (ELTA) – Irregular migrants did not attempt to access Lithuania from Belarus on Monday, 11 August, reports the State Border Guard Service (VSAT).

Latvia meanwhile stopped 53 migrants from entering its territory illegally from Belarus on Monday, whereas Poland turned back as many as 188 foreigners on Sunday as they attempted to cross the border from Belarus.

So far in 2025, by 12 August, the VSAT has prevented 990 irregular migrants from accessing Lithuania via Belarus. The figure stood at 1,002 throughout 2024.

Since the start of the migrant crisis caused by Belarus in 2021, Lithuania has thwarted nearly 24 thousand illegal border crossing attempts.

Vilnius, August 11 (ELTA) – Approximately 6,500 marriages were registered in Lithuania in the first half of 2025, show data of the Ministry of Justice.

3,985 of these marriages were concluded at civil registry offices, mostly in Vilnius city, where 916 couples were married. 

In addition, 865 marriages concluded in church or following procedures of other confessions were included in the state registry. 1,693 marriages concluded abroad were also registered in Lithuania.

In the discussed period, 1,143 marriage agreements were concluded, of them 370 prenuptial and 773 postnuptial.

For comparison, in the first half of 2024, 6,191 marriages were registered in Lithuania. Of them, 4,008 at civil registry offices, 832 in church and 1,351 abroad. 1,059 prenuptial and postnuptial agreements were registered as well.

Vilnius, August 11 (ELTA) – Rail Baltica has taken a significant step forward with the signing of a EUR 38.31 million contract for design and design supervision services on the 96 km stretch from the Lithuania–Poland border to Kaunas (Jiesia). The contract – procured through a competitive public tender – was signed by RB Rail AS, the Rail Baltica joint venture, together with LTG Infra, Lithuania’s national project implementer, and DB Engineering & Consulting, reports RB Rail AS.

Eugenijus Sabutis, Lithuania’s acting minister of transport and communications, emphasised the urgency of progress on this cross-border section.

“The Rail Baltica link with Poland is our gateway to the West. We expect it to be the first route where high-speed, European standard-gauge trains will begin operating. I am pleased with the project’s progress – it brings us closer not only to faster and more convenient travel, but also plays a vital role in strengthening the security and development of the entire Baltic region,” says Eugenijus Sabutis.

According to Egidijus Lazauskas, CEO of the LTG Group, the selected design services provider is a reputable and trusted international company with global experience, which ensures that the project will proceed smoothly.

“The section connecting us with bordering Poland is a high priority for us, and we are working closely with our counterparts in the neighbouring infrastructure operator. This contract already identifies priority segments that will be designed first. Looking ahead, we plan to announce the tender for construction works in advance, securing the necessary resources to commence preparatory construction activities as soon as possible,” stated Lazauskas.

DB Engineering & Consulting will design the electrified double-track railway from the Polish border through Marijampolė, extending onwards to Kaunas (Jiesia). The new standard-gauge European line will feature connections to the existing Rail Baltica line, which will continue to be utilized for freight transportation, including military mobility cargo. Additionally, the project will implement the necessary traffic control and signalling systems to enable faster and more efficient train operations.

“Poland remains a key strategic partner in Rail Baltica,” added Marius Narmontas. “It’s the only participating country with an operational 1435 mm rail network, providing the essential link to the rest of Europe. Much of the Polish section is already upgraded, and the remaining stretch toward Lithuania is in design – ensuring a synchronised connection on both sides of the border. The Kaunas–Poland section is the gateway that will unlock Rail Baltica’s full potential.”

As DB Engineering & Consulting managing director for international markets and consulting, Board Member Stefan Geisperger states, DB continues its eight-year involvement in the Rail Baltica Global Project.

“We have been contributing our expertise to strengthen European rail connectivity. This new contract for the section from the Kaunas Urban Node to the Polish border represents another milestone for DB Engineering & Consulting. Working alongside RBR Rail AS and AB LTG Infra, we are helping develop a modern, electrified standard gauge railway. This infrastructure will play a key role in connecting the Baltic States with Central Europe through a sustainable, high-speed rail network,” said Geisperger.

DB Engineering & Consulting brings extensive experience to the project, having contributed to key Rail Baltica components, including the Shadow Operator consortium and the design of the region’s first dual road-rail bridge over the Daugava River in Riga.

The connection from the Poland–Lithuania border to Kaunas will significantly boost both passenger and freight mobility along the North Sea–Baltic corridor. For freight operators, it offers a faster, greener alternative to road transport, advancing Europe’s decarbonization and modal shift goals.

The project is well into its construction phase, with active development underway across all three Baltic countries. By the end of 2025, 43% of the mainline is expected to be construction-ready and progressing.

Vilnius, August 11 (ELTA) – The Nemunas Dawn party is ready to continue operating in the ruling coalition, Acting Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (LSDP) Mindaugas Sinkevičius said on Monday after a meeting between two parties.

“I wanted to ascertain if we may and if our partners who have worked with us for 8 months are willing to continue working. The answer was positive,” Sinkevičius told journalists.

The Social Democratic leader did not reveal whether changes are possible in the coalition government, which currently includes the LSDP, the Nemunas Dawn and Democrats For Lithuania.

According to Sinkevičius, these are initial meetings and nothing has been officially agreed or signed so far, but discussions would continue throughout this week. He added that the LSDP trusts the Nemunas Dawn and its leader Remigijus Žemaitaitis.

Meanwhile, representatives of the Nemunas Dawn have expressed a wish that their party members would be appointed to ministerial positions.

Earlier, President Gitanas Nausėda refused to approve Nemunas Dawn party members as ministers. Party’s leader Žemaitaitis had been accused of antisemitism and court ruled that he violated the Constitution by making antisemitic statements online.

Sinkevičius pointed out that discussions are not ongoing with the Farmers and Greens Union (LVŽS) regarding them joining the coalition. He notes that an agreement between existing coalition partners is sought first.

Moreover, LSDP leader said that talks would also revolve around the seat of parliament speaker, depending on whether the coalition continues in its present form or changes. This position is currently held by Saulius Skvernelis, leader of Democrats For Lithuania.

As reported, following the resignation of Gintautas Paluckas as prime minister, the LSDP nominated Minister of Social Security and Labour Inga Ruginienė as his successor. If the president approves her nomination, the Seimas will have to vote on her candidacy.