Vilnius, May 29 (ELTA) – According to preliminary unaudited data, Vilvi Group consolidated sales revenue for the first three months of 2026 amounted to EUR 87 million, an increase of 22.4% compared to the same period in 2025, when consolidated sales revenue amounted to EUR 71.1 million in Q1 2025, the company reports.

In Q1 2026, the group earned a consolidated net profit of EUR 5.1 million, which is 25.7% higher than during the same period in 2025, when the consolidated net profit for Q1 2025 amounted to EUR 4.0 million.

Vilvi Group dairy producer consists of Vilkyškių pieninė AB, Modest AB, Kelmės pieninė AB, Kelmės pienas UAB, Pieno logistika AB, Baltic Dairy Board SIA and Marijampolės pieno konservai UAB, which joined the group on 16 January 2026.

Vilnius, May 29 (ELTA) – On Friday in Vilnius, at the LOGIN 2026 conference, Evaldas Ruzgys, Member of the Board of the Bank of Lithuania, and Lauren Del Giudice, lead of the digital euro offline team at the European Central Bank (ECB), participated as speakers to present the digital euro, reports the Bank of Lithuania.

“Payment habits and methods are changing, however the expectations of individuals and businesses remain the same, such as the ability to make payments securely, conveniently, at any time, with or without an internet connection. The digital euro would meet these expectations by ensuring that payments can be made at all times and in all circumstances across the euro area, both in the digital environment and at physical points of sale,” says Evaldas Ruzgys, Member of the Board of the Bank of Lithuania.

Cash can be used for payments at physical points of sale, but not in e-commerce. Meanwhile, payment cards and e-commerce solutions usually do not work when there is no internet connection. The digital euro would fill this gap, since it would function as electronic money but would ensure privacy (close to cash) and would work at the physical point of sale or between two persons even when there is no internet connection.

The digital euro would be distributed by payment service providers including banks and could be used for payments both in physical stores and online, as well as for sending money to friends. In physical retail locations, you would even be able to make payments offline using either a smartphone or a payment card. 

Currently, there is no digital payment instrument in Europe that can be used across the euro area. In 15 out of 21 countries, there are no significantly used domestic solutions for digital payments in shops. They account for nearly two thirds of all card payments in the euro area. The digital euro would be a European electronic payment instrument available and accepted in all euro area countries.

The digital euro project began in 2021. The first phase, namely the investigation phase, lasted until November 2023. This was followed by the preparation phase, which lasted until the end of October 2025. The Governing Council of the ECB then decided to move to the next phase, which focuses primarily on technical preparations for the launch of the digital euro. The pilot project is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2027 and would last for one year. Subject to legislative developments, the entire Eurosystem should be ready for the potential issuance of the digital euro by 2029. The Bank of Lithuania is actively participating in all stages of the digital euro’s development.

During the pilot project, the infrastructure will be evaluated in real-life scenarios, such as making payments in physical stores or peer-to-peer payments. Payment service providers licensed in the euro area will be selected to participate in the project. Currently, more than 50 entities have expressed interest in participating. The project will also involve merchants and staff of the central banks of the Eurosystem, who will test the beta version of the digital euro in everyday life, such as when paying in a café or for other services.

Held since 2006, LOGIN brings live about 8,000 participants from all Baltic countries, along with the additional audience following the event remotely. The primary audience consists of mid-level and senior specialists and decision-makers of technology enterprises, startup founders and team members, leaders of the regional startup ecosystem, also professionals in the fields of marketing, design, product development, AI and technology, as well as technology enthusiasts.

Vilnius, May 29 (ELTA) – As inflation is expected to rise this year, Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė vows that tax changes are not being considered. In coming months it will be considered how to increase residents’ income and offset the impact of the conflict in the Middle East, she says.

“So far, there really have not been any discussions about raising taxes,” Ruginienė told reporters during a visit to Naujoji Akmenė on Friday.

The prime minister noted that Lithuanian institutions project the average annual inflation to stand at around 5% in 2026.

“We forecast that there will indeed be some spikes in inflation. […] So today the main focus is on ensuring income growth. That is why we are discussing an increase of the minimum salary,” said Ruginienė.

The head of Government added that by autumn measures will be considered how to offset growing prices caused by the energy crisis due to the conflict in the Middle East.

She says this problem affects not only Lithuania but all of Europe.

As reported previously, a tax reform took effect in 2026: the personal income and real estate taxes were amended, whereas the corporate income tax was raised and new taxes were introduced.

Commercial banks and the central bank predict inflation to rise. According to the Bank of Lithuania, this year, average annual inflation may stand at 5.1%, compared with 3% in 2027 and 2.5% in 2028.

Lithuania’s annual EU-harmonised inflation rate is expected to amount to 5.1% in May, up from 4.9% in April, according to a flash estimate released by the State Data Agency.

Vilnius, May 29 (ELTA) – International terminal operator KN Energies has been awarded a contract by GAZ-SYSTEM S.A. to provide commercial and operational advisory services for the FSRU project in the Gulf of Gdansk in Poland, KN Energies said in a press release.

The first stage of the terminal, based on a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU), will receive LNG delivered by sea, regasify it and supply natural gas to Poland’s transmission system. It is expected to provide up to 6.1 billion cubic metres of natural gas per year and is planned to be commissioned in 2028. In March 2026 GAZ-SYSTEM launched the FSRU 2 Open Season aimed at increasing the regasification capacity of the FSRU terminal in the Gulf of Gdansk. 

KN Energies’ role will include commercial and operational advisory services for the FSRU project, drawing on the company’s strong expertise in floating LNG infrastructure, gained through the long-term operation of the Klaipėda LNG terminal and participation in multiple FSRU and floating terminal projects across Europe.

The Gulf of Gdansk FSRU development is strategically important for Poland and the wider Baltic Sea region, aimed at strengthening gas supply diversification and long-term energy security.

“This selection highlights the growing need for fast-track energy supply diversification solutions and confirms KN Energies’ expertise as a leader in complex floating LNG projects across Europe. With more than 15 years of experience in FSRU projects globally – from the development phase to long-term terminal operations – we are proud to share our know-how with our partners in Poland,” said Linas Kilda, Chief Business Development Officer at KN Energies.

Beyond the Klaipėda LNG terminal, there are currently 14 floating LNG terminals in operation or under construction across the European Union. KN Energies has been or is involved in projects related to 8 of these terminals, representing approximately 57% of all such projects in the EU, covering project development, commercial structuring, operational advisory and long-term terminal operations. This positions the company among the most experienced FSRU players in the European market.

Vilnius, May 29 (ELTA) – Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko will pay an official visit to Lithuania on Monday, 1 June, accompanied by a governmental delegation.

The head of the Ukrainian Government will meet with Prime Minister of Lithuania Inga Ruginienė, President Gitanas Nausėda and Parliament Speaker Juozas Olekas.

A joint sitting of the Lithuanian and Ukrainian Governments will take place, ELTA has learned from Prime Minister’s Adviser Ignas Dobrovolskas.

According to him, meetings will focus on bilateral cooperation, support for Ukraine, European security issues, as well as Ukraine’s experience and lessons relevant for enhancing resilience and readiness for crises.

The Ukrainian Parliament confirmed Svyrydenko as Prime Minister in July 2025.

Vilnius, May 29 (ELTA) – Vilnius County Prosecutor’s Office has opened an investigation into potential human trafficking at Rudamina and Kaišiadorys poultry farms, where approximately 140 citizens of the Philippines were working, the public broadcaster LRT reports.

Based on the report, allegations of human trafficking and document forgery have been made against poultry farm contractors FA Solutions and World Halal Trust, as well as against seven individuals.

Two men told LRT that their employment contracts had been concluded with FA Solutions, but they actually worked at Akola Group’s dairy farm Vilniaus paukštynas.

Data of the pre-trial investigation show that the company World Halal Trust helped employ the foreigners in Lithuania.

Jekaterina Azimova, head of FA Solutions, confirmed that the investigation is ongoing regarding the working conditions of people from the Philippines. However, she claimed that their remuneration and accommodation conditions met all of the legal requirements.

Vilniaus paukštynas stated that citizens of the Philippines who had contacted the police over their labour and accommodation conditions are not the company’s employees and the company is not under investigation.

According to the company, the pre‑trial investigation is underway concerning the activities of the companies that carried out contracted production work at the poultry farm and their functions as employers.

Based on the Criminal Code, human trafficking is punishable by a custodial sentence from 3 to 10 years, whereas punishment for document forgery varies from community service, a fine, restriction of freedom, an arrest or a custodial sentence of up to 3 years.

Vilnius, May 29 (ELTA) – Lithuania’s per capita alcohol consumption edged down last year, official data showed on Friday.

Residents aged 15 and over consumed an average of 10.16 litres of pure alcohol per person in 2025, down 0.05 litres from the previous year, according to a press release from the State Data Agency.

Legal tobacco consumption also fell, dropping 4.6 percent year-on-year to 1,123 cigarettes per person aged 15 and over.

Retail sales of spirits and beer decreased

Just as every year, beer accounted for the largest sales in the country’s retail trade and catering enterprises – 18.6 million decalitres; however, compared to 2024, its sales decreased by 606.1 thousand decalitres (3.2%). Sales of spirits (vodka, whisky, brandy, etc.) also declined – 2.9 million decalitres were sold, or by 26.2 thousand decalitres (0.9%) less than in 2024. Sales of wine, fermented beverages, and cocktails increased slightly – 4.29 million decalitres were sold, or by 17.8 thousand decalitres (0.4%) more.

In 2025, against 2024, retail prices of alcoholic beverages grew by 8%. The largest increase observed in prices of balsam – by 16.2, bitter – 12.1, cider – 11.7, tequila – 10.8, vodka produced in Lithuania – 10.5, gin – 9.2%, rum – 9.1, brandy – 9%, liqueurs and beer produced in Lithuania – 8.8% each. The growth in prices of alcoholic beverages was conditioned by a higher excise duty applied since 1 January 2025.

In 2025, compared to 2024, the average monthly net earnings increased by 7.8% and amounted to 1,475.2 euros. As residents’ incomes grew, in 2025, the purchasing power of alcoholic beverages among residents changed only minimally: for the average monthly net earnings, it was possible to purchase 495 litres of beer produced in Lithuania and 482 litres of imported beer (in 2024, 496 and 475 litres respectively), as well as 69 litres of vodka produced in Lithuania and 63 litres of imported vodka (in 2024, 71 and 62 litres respectively).

In 2025, the production of almost all alcoholic beverages decreased.

In 2025, 957 thousand dekaliters of alcoholic spirits, recalculated to absolute (100%) alcohol, were produced. Their production decreased by 4.9%, compared to 2024. The production of grape wine and vermouth, which accounted for 585 thousand dekaliters, dropped by 2.8%. The production of fermented beverages reached 3 million 286 thousand dekaliters, a decrease of 9.5%, compared to 2024. Among fermented beverages, the production of sparkling fermented beverages (down by 23.8%), fruit and berry wine (down by 10.5%) and non-sparkling fermented beverages (down by 3.5%) decreased, while the production of cider (up by 2.2%) grew for the second consecutive year. Beer production accounted for the largest proportion – 27 million 767 thousand dekaliters, and showed a year-on-year decrease of 5.9%.

In 2025, 3.17 million decaliters of pure alcohol were supplied to the Lithuanian domestic market, which is by 0.67% more than in 2024. This quantity is calculated as the sum of production and imports minus exports.

Consequences of alcohol consumption: prevalence and mortality

In 2025, compared to 2024, the number of diagnoses directly linked to alcohol consumption decreased slightly 

According to the data of the Institute of Hygiene, based on the Compulsory Health Insurance Fund Information System, in 2025, 27 thousand persons were diagnosed with at least one disease directly linked to alcohol consumption, which is by 2.3% less than in 2024. In 2025, prevalence of alcohol-related diseases was 936 persons per 100 thousand population (in 2024, 958). 

The most frequent diagnoses were alcoholic dependence (695.3 cases per 100 thousand population), toxic effect of alcohol (149.4 cases per 100 thousand population), alcoholic liver disease (133.2 cases per 100 thousand population) and polyneuropathy (102.4 cases per 100 thousand population). In 2025, against 2024, prevalence of alcoholic polyneuropathy increased by 11.3%, special epileptic syndromes dropped by 13.4%. 

The prevalence of diseases directly linked to alcohol consumption among men is 3.2 times higher than among women. The highest prevalence is recorded among men aged 50–54 and among women aged 45–49. 

The prevalence of diseases directly linked to alcohol consumption among rural population is 1.3 times higher than among urban population. 

The highest prevalence for rural residents is observed in the 45–49 age group, while for urban residents, the peak of prevalence is reached later – at the age of 50–54.

According to the data of the Institute of Hygiene, in 2025, 672 persons died from diseases directly linked to alcohol consumption, which is by 5 less than in 2024. The most frequent alcohol-related diseases were alcoholic liver disease (51.8%), accidental poisoning by alcohol (21%), and alcoholic cardiomyopathy (6.8%).

In 2025, male mortality due to diseases directly linked to alcohol consumption was 3.1 times as large as female. In 2025, the number of deaths due to alcohol consumption per 100 thousand urban population amounted to 20.2 (in 2024, 21.7), per 100 thousand rural population – 29.9 (in 2024, 27.2).

Criminal offences committed and road traffic accidents caused by drunk persons, accidents at work

The number of crimes, accidents at work decreased, traffic accidents – slightly increased.

According to the data of the Information Technology and Communications Department under the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania, in 2025, 25.8% (7.3 thousand) of criminal offences investigated were committed by persons intoxicated by alcohol. Against 2024, the number of such criminal offences decreased by 269 (3.6%).

According to the data of the Police Department, in 2025, one in fifteenth recorded road traffic accidents was caused by a drunk person: 192 (in 2024, 236) road traffic accidents through the fault of drunk persons were registered, with 20 persons killed and 219 injured. In 2025, 16 persons were killed and 152 were injured in road traffic accidents caused by drunk drivers. In 2025, against 2024, the number of road traffic accidents caused by drunk persons decreased by 18.6%, of those caused by drunk drivers – by 22.3%.

According to the data of the State Labour Inspectorate, in 2025, 22 persons died in accidents at work, of them 5 were intoxicated persons (in 2024, 29 and 1 respectively).

Legal tobacco products consumption, prices, production, imports, exports and consequences of consumption

In 2025, consumption of tobacco products per person aged 15 and over is estimated at 1,123 cigarettes purchased in retail trade and catering enterprises (by 4.6% less than in 2024).

n 2025, against 2024, the production of cigarettes increased by 4.9%, exports of cigarettes decreased by 9.9, imports – 23.9%.

In 2025, against 2024, retail prices of tobacco products grew by 8.1% due to a higher excise duty applied since 1 January 2025.

In 2025, against 2024, residents’ purchasing power of tobacco products remained generally unchanged or slightly increased: the purchasing power of first-segment (the most expensive) packs of 20 cigarettes reached 242 packs, i.e., the same as in 2024, second-segment (the average price level) – 277 packs, or by 0.4% more, and third-segment (the cheapest) – 309 packs, or by 0.3% more. It was possible to purchase 95 packages of pipe tobacco (50 g), or by 3.3 more than in 2024.

In 2025, 1,599 persons died due to smoking-related malignant neoplasms, which is by 22 persons more than in 2024; most of them (77.8%) were males. In 2025, there were 55.3 deaths from smoking-related malignant neoplasms per 100 thousand population (urban population – 49.7, rural population – 67.6).

Vilnius, May 29 (ELTA) – Prezidentas Gitanas Nausėda penktadienį paskelbė griežtai smerkiantis Rusijos drono ataką prieš daugiabutį Rumunijos rytuose. 

“I strongly condemn the heinous Russian drone attack against an apartment building in the Romanian city of Galați,” the Lithuanian president said in a post on X on Friday.

Nausėda called an incident “a blatant violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Romania and the basic principles of international law.“ 

“Russia bears full responsibility for the consequences of its war of aggression against Ukraine!” he added.

A Russian drone struck an apartment building in NATO member Romania, injuring two people, the country’s defence ministry said on Friday.

Around 70 residents were evacuated or fled the building in a town near the Ukrainian border, according to the AGERPRES news agency.

The ministry said radar systems also detected more drones flying near Romanian airspace.

Security experts later determined that the drone’s explosives detonated upon impact with the building.

Drone incursions into NATO territory have been reported dozens of times since Russia began its offensive against Ukraine in February 2022, but this was the first known case of a strike on a residential building.

Vilnius, May 29 (ELTA) – The Government has approved the proposal prepared by the Ministry of Economy and Innovation for a law on the implementation of the European Union (EU) Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act in Lithuania. The aim is to create a safer and clearer environment for the use of AI solutions in Lithuania, and to help businesses and the public sector prepare in advance to adapt to the future requirements of the EU AI Act, the ministry said in a press release.

“Artificial intelligence holds great potential for the economy and the public sector, but its development must be based on clear rules. With this new law, we are creating a system that will ensure legal clarity and promote responsible innovation,” says Minister of Economy and Innovation Edvinas Grikšas.

The law establishes the responsibilities of national authorities and the cooperation mechanisms necessary to ensure that artificial intelligence is regulated in a way that fosters innovation. The new AI systems supervision model will not only ensure the safety of artificial intelligence systems but will also help businesses and the public sector adapt to the new requirements of the EU AI Act: significant attention will be devoted to consultations, methodological support, and practical preparations for companies and institutions.

The EU AI Act establishes rules for the placing on the market, deployment, and use of AI systems, with the aim of ensuring the safe, reliable, and responsible use of artificial intelligence systems across all European Union member states. 

The law on the implementation of the EU AI Act in Lithuania still needs to be approved by the Parliament.

Vilnius, May 29 (ELTA) – A parliamentary by-election will be held in the Nalšios šiaurinė single-member constituency following the death of Liberal MP Jevgenij Šuklin who was elected there, the election watchdog said on Friday.

“Under the Electoral Code, by-elections must be held within six months when the mandate of an MP elected in a single-member constituency ends prematurely. The date of such elections, as well as mayoral by-elections, must be set by the Seimas within 30 days of the legal basis arising,” the Central Electoral Commission (VRK) said in a comment to ELTA. 

Preliminary estimates put the cost of holding a by-election in one constituency at about EUR 700,000, it added.

It was reported that Šuklin, athlete-turned-politician, suddenly died on Thursday at the age of 40. 

Condolences to his family were expressed by President Gitanas Nausėda, Seimas Speaker Juozas Olekas, Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė, Liberal Movement leader Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen, Visaginas Mayor Erlandas Galaguz, as well as fellow MPs.

Šuklin was elected to the Seimas in 2024 with the Liberal Movement. He previously sat on the Visaginas municipal council and briefly served as the town’s acting mayor.

A former canoeist, Šuklin represented Lithuania at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London and won medals at world and European championships before moving into business and politics.