Looking to access paid articles across multiple policy topics Interested in policy insights for EU professional organisations Vilnius Mayor said the three main escape routes run west “as the enemy has historically come from the east” either observed and verified directly by the reporter or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources [Celestino Arce/NurPhoto via Getty Images] The expertise hubs enrich the international profile of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom They enable joint work across regions through their focus on globally relevant policy issues These include questions of international financial and economic policy and decision makers we seek to foster open dialogue and discuss liberal policy solutions to European challenges we develop formats and campaigns to promote rule of law we coordinate EU co-funded projects in the field of democracy support development cooperation and human rights protection Through our seven offices in the MENA Region we actively promote the political debate to support innovative liberal approaches and solutions Our projects are liberal platforms on which the Foundation's partners from the Gulf to the Levant and the entire southern side of the Mediterranean can provide creative impulses and discuss geopolitical issues From our seven offices in Sub-Saharan Africa we focus on promoting political networking We are committed to strengthening liberalism and promoting human rights the rule of law and the social market economy our focus is on the transatlantic partnership which we see as a supporting pillar for the security and stability of Western democracies We encourage the political debate and develop innovative liberal approaches In Latin America we work to promote strong democratic institutions respect for human rights and rule of law as well as promoting liberal dialogue throughout the region the foundation supports programs to strengthen democratic processes and transparent and accountable governance The Foundation in the region also showcases innovation as a tool to encourage civic participation that further promotes freedom The focus of our work is to strengthen security and defense policy cooperation between the Baltic states and Germany - including all member states of the European Union and NATO in the Baltic Sea region In connection with the permanent stationing of a German Bundeswehr brigade in Lithuania the foundation supports networking between civil society A second focus is on fostering exchange on innovation and digital transformation The foundation has been active in the Baltic states since Estonia Latvia and Lithuania regained their independence Since 2024 with its "Freedom Center" in Vilnius Three years after Russia's full-scale invasion Ukraine continues to fight – but what would a fair peace look like security guarantees and the role of the West highly relevant issue briefs and reports that break new ground with a focus on advancing debates by integrating foundational research and analysis with concrete policy solutions the Atlantic Council’s experts have you covered—delivering their sharpest rapid insight and forward-looking analysis direct to your inbox New Atlanticist is where top experts and policymakers at the Atlantic Council and beyond offer exclusive insight on the most pressing global challenges—and the United States’ role in addressing them alongside its allies and partners A weekly column by Atlantic Council President and CEO Frederick Kempe Inflection Points focuses on the global challenges facing the United States and how to best address them UkraineAlert is a comprehensive online publication that provides regular news and analysis on developments in Ukraine’s politics UkraineAlert sources analysis and commentary from a wide-array of thought-leaders and activists from Ukraine and the global community MENASource offers the latest news from across the Middle East and independent analysis from fellows and staff Econographics provides an in-depth look at trends in the global economy utilizing state-of-the-art data visualization tools VILNIUS—“Never again!” We heard these words often from Lithuanians of all ages on a recent one-week Atlantic Council study trip to Lithuania We heard them from people early in their careers and the most senior officials in the government all of whom recounted stories of what living in the Soviet Union had been like for their parents or grandparents from the annexation of Lithuania at the end of World War II until independence was regained in the early 1990s Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022 a small NATO ally of about three million people has taken seriously the threat of a more aggressive and revanchist Moscow led by Russian President Vladimir Putin The Russian leader has called the dissolution of the Soviet Union one of the greatest tragedies of history and has dedicated his regime to reasserting Russia’s dominance in the former Soviet space We visited the borders with both Belarus and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad Lithuanian border guards told us of many cases of so-called “hybrid warfare” by the oppressive Belarusian regime including pushing South and Central Asian migrants across the border and using drones and balloons to smuggle cheap Belarusian cigarettes into Lithuania Russia has built a heavily militarized province which is now only open to pedestrian traffic we saw a dark and foreboding city very different from the modern and free Lithuanian side Amid US calls for Europe to take more responsibility for its own defense, Lithuania has been investing in its military. Vilnius will increase its defense spending to 5 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) in 2026 competing with Poland for the highest percentage of GDP spent on defense by a NATO country and far above the current level of US defense spending as a proportion of GDP Lithuania has spent billions of dollars on new weapons systems It has also built modern infrastructure for its own forces for a German brigade expected to deploy in the next few years and for a relatively small US rotational force in the country It has taken the lead in constructing a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal at the port city of Klaipėda that has allowed the Baltic states and new NATO ally Finland to end their dependence on Russian natural gas and import LNG from elsewhere half of the gas imported at this terminal came from the United States Lithuania has also provided more assistance for Ukraine’s fight for freedom than one might expect On our trip to the far corners of the country we saw many signs that Lithuanians support Ukraine’s own “never again” fight But Lithuania is a small country with a relatively flat landscape which does not lend itself to fighting a potentially reconstituted Russian military in a few years Lithuanians need a strong NATO to deter the threat and make it clear to Putin that the country is not low-hanging fruit Lithuanians welcome the Germans and others who are eager to help with deterrence but they know that only the United States and a physical US presence in the country can truly deter Russia The Lithuanians are trying to show they deserve that support When then NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg spoke to a joint session of Congress in 2019, he said that the point of NATO is that “it’s good to have friends.” It’s good for the United States as it faces the challenges of the twenty-first century “We are stronger and safer when we stand together,” he said Stoltenberg received a bipartisan standing ovation as Russia’s aggression has only become bolder The United States is urging its friends to do more for themselves and strengthen their defenses in its resolve to “never again” be dominated by Moscow Hursch is a nonresident senior fellow with the Transatlantic Security Initiative in the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security at the Atlantic Council He previously served as the director of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency and as deputy defense advisor at the US Mission to NATO Note: The Atlantic Council delegation’s visit to Lithuania was sponsored by the Lithuanian Ministry of National Defense Image: Servicemen of the Lithuanian Armed Forces look on during Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda's visit in Druskininkai Sign up to receive expert analysis from our community on the most important global issues © 2025 Atlantic CouncilAll rights reserved If refreshing the page doesn't resolve the issue you could try clearing the sites browser cache the world’s largest express transportation company has officially opened a new sorting facility in Vilnius being built as Lithuanian companies continue to show strong aspirations for international trade provides businesses with improved cross-border e-commerce capabilities and streamlined logistics operations The facility boasts a total area of nearly 3,700 square meters encompassing a 2,500 m² warehouse and an office space of approximately 1,200 m² the facility features three docks for linehaul trucks three van-truck docks (including one ground-level access) and 40 dedicated courier van docking docks ensuring efficient handling of current and future parcel volumes The building also incorporates elements designed to create a comfortable working environment and greater energy efficiency including best-in-class insulation and electric vehicle charging infrastructure Strategically located near Vilnius’s western exit the facility provides seamless connectivity with FedEx operations in Kaunas and Warsaw enhancing access to the company’s European Road Network Direct connectivity to daily flights from Kaunas to Paris Charles de Gaulle one of the biggest air hubs in the FedEx network (with the Memphis World Hub as the biggest) ensures rapid delivery solutions for global markets Empowering Lithuanian Businesses in E-Commerce The expansion comes amidst Lithuania’s steady economic growth[1], particularly in the e-commerce sector. With 38.9% of Lithuanian enterprises engaged in online sales[2] significantly exceeding the European Union average the country is emerging as a leader in e-commerce The new facility aims to empower these businesses by providing enhanced cross-border shipping capabilities FedEx International Connect Plus (FICP) service It offers delivery to over 195 countries and territories and is specifically designed for online B2C and D2C business needs The Vilnius facility is part of the company’s ongoing investment in the Central and Eastern European (CEE) region FedEx has strengthened its infrastructure by building or expanding 17 facilities in six countries in the region driving innovation and enhancing logistics efficiency there “The new investment in Lithuania underscores our dedication to driving innovation and enhancing efficiency in the logistics industry,” said Mariusz Mik “This facility not only enhances delivery processes and reliability for Lithuanian businesses but also helps strengthen their competitiveness on the global stage we remain committed to providing innovative and customer-centric logistics solutions to support Lithuania’s thriving e-commerce sector.” FedEx operates two key locations in Lithuania—Vilnius and Kaunas—both seamlessly integrated into the unrivalled FedEx global air and road network This infrastructure empowers Lithuanian businesses to reach global markets with unparalleled speed and reliability FedEx offers a comprehensive portfolio of express and deferred freight solutions providing flexibility to choose the optimal shipping option based on specific needs and timelines Deliveries to key destinations like the U.S East Coast can be achieved the next business day while shipments to Asia typically arrive within 2 to 5 days a cornerstone of the company’s European operations connects 45 countries and allows customers to seamlessly ship both parcels and freight through a single provider and a single interface simplifying logistics and streamlining operations [1] Source: https://economy-finance.ec.europa.eu/economic-surveillance-eu-economies/lithuania/economic-forecast-lithuania_en [2] Source: https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/products-eurostat-news/w/ddn-20240226-1 About  .  Contact  .  Donation A great discovery has been made beneath the Cathedral Basilica of St the most important Catholic cathedral in Lithuania; Archaeologists recently uncovered a hidden chamber in the cathedral’s crypts containing a collection of burial regalia of prominent leaders of Lithuania and Poland who held the title of Grand Duke of Lithuania from 1492 and King of Poland from 1501 along with the burial regalia associated with Elisabeth of Habsburg and Barbara Radziwiłł the first and second spouses of Sigismund Augustus Vilnius Metropolitan Archbishop Gintaras Grušas said: “The discovered burial regalia of Lithuanian and Polish rulers are invaluable historical treasures symbols of Lithuania’s long tradition of statehood and magnificent works of goldsmithing and jewelry.” He explained that these artifacts were not used during the lifetimes of the rulers; rather they were created posthumously as elements of their funerary practices the regalia were hidden during a period of radical turmoil Lithuania was under the imminent threat of the German-Soviet Boundary and Friendship Treaty which placed the country under Soviet control and led to the establishment of the Lithuanian SSR the treasures were hidden to protect them against possible looting or destruction as the cathedral itself was in danger of being closed imminently Despite many searches for the cache after Lithuania declared its independence the treasures were not found until December 16 last year the royal regalia will undergo thorough restoration before being displayed in upcoming public exhibitions More information: Science In Poland (PAP) and website in this browser for the next time I comment Δdocument.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()) Learn how to describe the purpose of the image (opens in a new tab) Leave empty if the image is purely decorative We continue to strengthen our presence in key markets develop innovative solutions and acquire companies in prioritised areas Saab's products are sold to over 100 countries and we currently operates in over 30 countries Oro Navigacija (ON) selects Saab to provide its advanced Digital Tower solution for Vilnius Airport making it the first capital airport to fully adopt this technology The solution enhances operational efficiency and flexibility enables centralised air traffic control for additional regional airports and supports the long-term development of Lithuania's aviation sector The solution is based on Saab’s latest Integrated – Digital Tower Suite or I-DTS architecture and will equip Vilnius Airport with 4K cameras and the latest presentation functionality for air traffic controllers It also provides a foundation for integrating future technological advancements such as AI-based features and unmanned traffic management (UTM) services This system will significantly enhance the efficiency and availability of air traffic services while enabling a centralised approach for multiple airports in the country By adopting Saab’s digital tower solution ON is taking a significant step toward modernising air traffic management and strengthening Lithuania’s aviation infrastructure The technology will allow ON to share resources and expertise across multiple airports with potential future integration of Kaunas and Palanga airports into the system This solution will also make air traffic management at Vilnius Airport more reliable and efficient “I am proud that Oro Navigacija is entrusting Saab to implement our Digital Tower solution at their capital airport this is a journey to transform air traffic services and I look forward to doing this with our partner ON in Lithuania,” says Per Ahl "Air traffic management is undergoing significant changes New technologies provide opportunities to address new challenges and ensure the flexibility of our services while maintaining the highest flight safety standards The remote tower solution will help the company achieve regional leadership in innovation," says Saulius Batavičius With its proven track record in deploying digital tower solutions worldwide Saab continues to drive the evolution of air traffic control Saab serves the global market of governments authorities and corporations with products services and solutions ranging from military defence to civil security As a new year starts, Vilnius is getting ready to take on the European Green Capital title the Lithuanian capital hosted its opening ceremony that gathered members of the European Green Capital Network presented the city’s sustainable commitments and kicked off the festivities The day featured sessions on urban resilience with contributions from high-level politicians The discussion tied with the New European Bauhaus initiative This ceremony marked a great occasion to celebrate Vilnius’ inaugural event as the European Green Capital 2025, acknowledged the new winners for 2026, and brought together all members of the network Watch the recording of the whole ceremony The European Green Capital Awards launched by the European Commission in 2008 aim to reward and recognize the sustainability efforts and commitments of European cities The European Green Capital is awarded to cities with over 100 000 inhabitants while the European Green Leaf is designated for smaller cities with at least 20 000 residents These accolades celebrate and promote local efforts toward achieving a greener and more sustainable future Winning cities  engage their citizens in this transformation tackle pollution and strengthen resilience to climate change A greener city not only attracts investors and tourists but also enhances the overall quality of life for its residents Vilnius was selected as the 16th winner of the European Green Capital during a ceremony in Tallinn in October 2023, succeeding Valencia (Spain) as the European Green Capital 2024 Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker your new go-to podcast to spice up your weekday mornings with relevant news and behind-the-scenes from Brussels and beyond From the economy to the climate and the EU's role in world affairs this talk show sheds light on European affairs and the issues that impact on our daily lives as Europeans Tune in to understand the ins and outs of European politics Dare to imagine the future with business and tech visionaries Deep dive conversations with business leaders Euronews Tech Talks goes beyond discussions to explore the impact of new technologies on our lives the podcast provides valuable insights into the intersection of technology and society Europe's water is under increasing pressure floods are taking their toll on our drinking water Join us on a journey around Europe to see why protecting ecosystems matters and to discover some of the best water solutions an animated explainer series and live debate - find out why Water Matters We give you the latest climate facts from the world’s leading source analyse the trends and explain how our planet is changing We meet the experts on the front line of climate change who explore new strategies to mitigate and adapt In a discovery that has stunned historians, a trove of royal artefacts has been uncovered in the crypts beneath Vilnius Cathedral in Lithuania these treasures – belonging to Medieval European rulers – offer a fascinating glimpse into the past and sceptres from the 15th and 16th centuries many of which are linked to the powerful Jagiellon dynasty “The discovered burial insignia of the monarchs of Lithuania and Poland are priceless historical treasures,” said Vilnius Archbishop Gintaras Grušas in a statement “These items are symbols of the long tradition of Lithuanian statehood and magnificent works of goldsmithing and jewellery.” believed to have been placed in the royal sarcophagi after the monarchs' deaths were never worn by the rulers in life but crafted specifically for their burial The crowns and other symbols were part of the burial rituals of the time “This discovery is of particular importance for our statehood, as it shows the location of Vilnius Cathedral as the necropolis of the elite of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania,” the statement continued Discovered back in 1931 when the cathedral was being cleaned after a spring flood, the treasure trove was briefly put on display before being hidden with the onset of World War II researchers returned to the crypts in September 2024 using an endoscopic camera to finally uncover the hidden items wrapped in newspapers dating back to September 1939 The find includes crowns and insignia associated with notable figures such as Alexander Jagiellon “These symbols are important both for the State and for each of us as a sign of the strength of our roots,” explained Rita Pauliukevičiūtė director of the Vilnius Church Heritage Museum The artefacts – whose exact value has yet to be revealed – are set to undergo examination and restoration before being put on display for the public with both the Vilnius Archdiocese and Lithuania's Department of Cultural Heritage supporting further research Their discovery could also bolster Lithuania’s cultural tourism with officials already eyeing Vilnius as a focal point for the country's tourism strategy leading up to 2030 “The discovery provides a tangible connection to the history of the region and the enduring legacy of the Jagiellon dynasty,” Pauliukevičiūtė added underlining how the find represents another draw to Vilnius as a cultural hotspot Medievalists.net The discovery of a hidden cache of royal regalia in Vilnius Cathedral has captivated historians and medievalists offering a glimpse into the grandeur of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and other regalia once intended for the tombs of 15th and 16th century rulers Hidden in 1939 to protect them from the looming threat of World War II these artifacts remained concealed for over 80 years until their recent unearthing Presented to the public during a press conference earlier this week the artifacts were described as “priceless treasures” by Archbishop Gintaras Grušas of the Vilnius Archdiocese “These burial insignia of the monarchs of Lithuania and Poland are magnificent works of goldsmithing and jewelry They symbolize a long-standing tradition of Lithuanian statehood and Vilnius’s role as a cultural and political center,” Grušas said Director of Lithuania’s Department of Cultural Heritage (KPD) called the discovery “one of the greatest in the history of today’s heritage protection,” adding “What generations of historians and heritage enthusiasts have dreamed of has now come true This discovery enriches our understanding of Lithuania’s history and allows us to present this remarkable history to visitors from around the world.” The treasure includes a remarkable collection of burial insignia and votive offerings spanning the Middle Ages and early modern periods These treasures reflect not only the personal regalia of the rulers but also the vibrant religious and cultural practices of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth following months of meticulous investigation The search began earlier in 2024 when the Department of Cultural Heritage initiated a series of meetings and inspections at Vilnius Cathedral specialists focused on cracks and cavities in the cathedral’s crypts a preliminary inspection revealed evidence of possible hiding places but it wasn’t until December 16 that a breakthrough occurred During an inspection using endoscopic cameras a loose brick was found in the passage between the Middle Crypt and the Chapter Crypt it revealed a gap large enough for a hand to reach inside exposing a hidden chamber filled with treasures the valuables were carefully removed the same day The discovery of royal regalia in Vilnius Cathedral was accompanied by several challenges and controversies an art historian and restorer previously convicted for purchasing looted artifacts obtained through “black archaeology,” claimed to have identified the location of the hidden insignia He reported his findings to Church officials and the Department of Cultural Heritage (KPD) but his involvement raised ethical concerns due to his past activities the KPD proceeded with formal investigations a meeting was convened with representatives from the Vilnius Archdiocese and the Palace of the Grand Dukes Museum to discuss the situation The Archdiocese and the museum representatives expressed reluctance to collaborate with Poderis citing his previous conviction and unauthorized research activities they decided to expedite official searches to ensure the protection of the cathedral’s crypts When the official search team discovered the hidden regalia procedural missteps occurred as the Vilnius Archdiocese failed to notify the KPD within the legally required timeframe after the artifacts’ removal Director of the Department of Cultural Heritage “The joy of the discovery was somewhat darkened by some misunderstandings they will dissipate in the near future.” The situation escalated into a public outcry and criticism of the Church Poderis accused the Archdiocese of “intellectual theft” for excluding him from the discovery announcement a Church official stated that Poderis was not included due to his dubious reputation stemming from past involvement in illicit archaeological activities These artifacts are more than objects of beauty; they are a window into Lithuania’s medieval history and its role in the broader European context and scepters symbolize the unity and power of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth a state that shaped the region during the Middle Ages “The discovery strengthens Vilnius’s image as a state and cultural center,” Bezaras said “It is a testament to our rich heritage and the need to continue exploring and preserving it.” The treasures are now undergoing restoration and will be displayed in future exhibitions at the Church Heritage Museum Plans are also underway to register the items in the Cultural Heritage Register ensuring their protection for generations to come We've created a Patreon for Medievalists.net as we want to transition to a more community-funded model We aim to be the leading content provider about all things medieval podcast and Youtube page offers news and resources about the Middle Ages We hope that are our audience wants to support us so that we can further develop our podcast and remove the advertising on our platforms This will also allow our fans to get more involved in what content we do produce Member Login Lithuanian Airport and Arhchitects Association of Lithuania invites architects to participate in an open international architectural for the future development of the Vilnius Airport arrivals terminal. The link to the Competition documents: https://ted.europa.eu/en/notice/-/detail/702465-2024 The existing Airport infrastructure needs to be adapted to the rapidly increasing passenger flows and a more efficient and comfortable environment for passengers should be created Vilnius airport invites architects to design not only a new arrivals terminal but also to connect it into a whole with the future Rail-Baltica gauge underground connection-station as well as with the new departure terminal and the central square which reconstruction is starting already in 2025 The area of the competition is 7,86 ha approx The new arrival terminal T5 will feature all the necessary premises for usual functions (luggage system as well as offices for the Airport administration and offices for rent The entries will be evaluated by the evaluation jury prevailed by professional architects:Laura Kairienė (Vilnius City architect)Mariia Grachova (Architect Chapman Taylor Brussels Director)Tom Holtmann (Architect Alternate members: Rolandas Palekas (architect Evaluation criteria: ● Quality of the architectural urban idea (35%)● Functionality and rationality (30%)● Passenger's experience (20%)● Price of design services (15%) Monetary prizes:● 1st place – EUR 50 000; ● 2nd place – EUR 35 000; ● 3rd place – EUR 25 000.● 2 honorary mentions 5000 Eur each Calendar: Announcement of the competition: 18/11/2024 Deadline for submitting design proposals: 20/03/2025 - 08:00:00 (UTC)Competition results: spring 2025 Organizers: The international competition is initiated by Lithuanian Airports The competition procedure is being organized by the Architects Association of Lithuania This competition was submitted by an ArchDaily user. If you'd like to submit a competition, call for submissions or other architectural 'opportunity' please use our "Submit a Competition" form The views expressed in announcements submitted by ArchDaily users do not necessarily reflect the views of ArchDaily You'll now receive updates based on what you follow Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors If you have done all of this and still can't find the email Our Route Opportunities feature explores the latest unserved and underserved routes promoted through Routes 360 providing supporting information for airline network planners to consider and capitalize on Located just 6 km (3.7 mi.) from the Lithuanian capital’s UNESCO-listed old town Vilnius Airport (VNO) is the country’s largest and busiest airport and VFR travelers in a rapidly growing economy the airport handled more than 4.8 million passengers and just shy of the record-breaking number last set in 2019 VNO currently offers regular flights to 75 destinations through partnerships with 14 airlines the airport welcomed two new airline partners which launched a seasonal service to Reykjavik (KEF) with an initial once-weekly flight Last year’s aviation Summer season saw airBaltic launch three new routes: Hamburg (HAM) the carrier introduced new flights from VNO to Düsseldorf Airport (DUS) and Sandefjord Torp Airport (TRF) The Latvian carrier continues to expand its presence at VNO with plans to launch two new routes in its 2025 summer schedule -   Prague Israir Airlines is planning to begin a 2X-weekly service between VNO and Tel Aviv in April 2025 marking the airline’s debut at the Lithuanian airport Icelandic LCC PLAY plans to double its Reykjavik service to 2X-weekly beginning in May 2025 airBaltic will enhance its Vilnius to Amsterdam service to twice-daily Swiss International Air Lines will land in Vilnius every single day for the peak Summer months offering 6X-weekly flights for the remainder of the Summer season SAS Scandinavian Airlines will hop over from Copenhagen 26 times per week Vilnius Airport is expecting to welcome yet another carrier – flydubai which is planning to provide passengers access to a wide range of global connections via the United Arab Emirates Alongside its route expansion, VNO has invested in infrastructure improvements to support its growing passenger base and enhance Lithuania’s air connectivity. On Feb. 4, the new passenger departure terminal was officially opened marking a major milestone for Lithuanian Airports that doubles VNO’s hourly passenger capacity including the planning and construction of a new Arrivals terminal which is expected to be completed by the end of 2028 As a member of Routes 360, the only digital platform dedicated to route development, VNO is looking to expand its destination portfolio across Europe and North America. The airport has featured multiple route opportunities on its profile including key data on traffic demand Discover the latest available routes and identify new business opportunities Get free air transport news, insight and analysis from our award-winning editors delivered to your inbox daily. Tofas Bursa5 min to readPreviewRytas Vilnius and Tofas Bursa in the Semi-Finals of the YBCL almost has an air of inevitability We spoke to both teams to understand how they are able to consistently challenge for medals in this competition MANISA (Türkiye) - The Youth Basketball Champions League is only three years old But it's already starting to feel impossible to imagine a podium without at least one We'll see how it goes" - Ignas Urbonas Year 1 saw Tofas hosting and finishing second with Rytas claiming bronze whilst Year 2 saw Rytas lift the trophy with Tofas in third And now this year they will meet in a Semi-Final that guarantees at least one of the clubs climbs the steps onto the podium once more The YBCL almost has it's own Lakers and Celtics dynasties forming with these two clubs and when you look through the rosters of both teams Both teams have five returning players from last year and that extra experience has clearly made both teams stronger and Matas Deniusas all played in the Final last year the familiar faces are Yucel Cagin Basaran The YBCL website spoke to Urbonas and Serbest about playing in a second year and what kind of challenge they expect from a very familiar foe in the Semi-Final the extra year of experience has had it's most profound impact in the way his team has bonded "Our friendship is better than last year," he said before continuing: "We are more adapted to each other and it helps us to think and play better." who is also a Lithuanian U17 international and putting up a cool 16.0 points is clear that the familiarity with the tournament system is what has helped Rytas' returning cast the most what the opponents will be like," he explained so we can help to calm down those who are here for the first time and introduce them to the tournament and its rules." the similarities in the intensity and physicality of both teams has been evident for all to see Before either team even shot a ball in anger this year they could both be heard from a mile away with the noise they make when hyping each other up to play the volume is only getting turned up from there Tofas have already crafted a strong identity for defense this year and every possession is an opportunity to outwork and out-hustle their opponents "It's our ethos," Serbest stated "We need to play defense and we need to hustle to make our defense better It's our consistent topic to focus and do it in all situations." the Rytas game model is similar but also built on the flexibility to adjust to game state and the different situations that arise with each opponent but not always – if the fast game doesn't work I'd say our team is kind of unique in that the whole five can usually play switch-all defense there aren't really fully defined big men or point guards – that helps us a lot," Urbonas explained It seems unfortunate that only one of these two teams will have a chance to lift that black and gold trophy this year but that's the nature of competing in a professional standard competition like the YBCL and for both players there are no illusions about the challenge that awaits in the Semi-Final "It will be a competitive game," said Serbest before disclosing his conclusion that the only way to climb the Rytas mountain is for Tofas to be an even better version of themselves "They are the champions so we have to hustle and be an even better team We will need to focus but we are ready," he proclaimed Urbonas saved his strongest statement for last and set the tone for what now appears set to be one of the fiercest contests ever in the YBCL We'll see how it goes," he stated there's nothing left to speak with but actions Rytas lead the competition on offense with an outrageous 105 points and 30.5 assists per game but Tofas lead the way on defense with a suffocating 14 steals It's clear that neither team is going to back away from the fight and this one could be a classic. You can watch it on the FIBA YouTube channel today at 20:00 local time CCTV footage shows the moment of impact as a cargo plane crashed near Vilnius Airport in Lithuania on November 25 One crew member was killed in the incident '+n.escapeExpression("function"==typeof(o=null!=(o=r(e,"eyebrowText")||(null!=l?r(l,"eyebrowText"):l))?o:n.hooks.helperMissing)?o.call(null!=l?l:n.nullContext||{},{name:"eyebrowText",hash:{},data:t,loc:{start:{line:28,column:63},end:{line:28,column:78}}}):o)+" \n '+(null!=(o=c(e,"if").call(r,null!=l?c(l,"cta2PreText"):l,{name:"if",hash:{},fn:n.program(32,t,0),inverse:n.noop,data:t,loc:{start:{line:63,column:20},end:{line:63,column:61}}}))?o:"")+"\n"+(null!=(o=(c(e,"ifAll")||l&&c(l,"ifAll")||n.hooks.helperMissing).call(r,null!=l?c(l,"cta2Text"):l,null!=l?c(l,"cta2Link"):l,{name:"ifAll",hash:{},fn:n.program(34,t,0),inverse:n.noop,data:t,loc:{start:{line:64,column:20},end:{line:70,column:30}}}))?o:"")+" This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page By 2025-03-14T22:18:00+00:00 Vilnius FF team celebrate 30th anniversary Lithuania’s Vilnius International Film Festival (VIFF) is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year with the message from organisers that film can promote cross-border insight and understanding embracing unexpected creative decisions while exploring fresh storytelling formats,” says festival CEO Algirdas Ramaška we believe cinema is a vital force for understanding each other and navigating our ever-changing world when fundamental freedoms are under threat we see Kino Pavasaris as a space that champions bravery Ramaška notes the festival’s strong support of Ukraine and its commitment to the fight for democracy and human rights The three competition strands are curated by Dovilė Grigaliūnaitė with Karolis Žukas and Benita Paplauskaitėare They are comprised of the main competition which consists of first and second feature-length films by European directors a competition of European short films and the travelling Smart7 line up which will play at seven European film festivals  Eight films will vie for the main €8,000 competition prize including two films that debuted at Venice 2024: Georgian filmmaker Dea Kulumbegashvili’s drama April and The New Year That Never Came from Romania’s Bogdan Mureşanu Also in competition are  Norwegian director Halfdan Ullmann Tøndel’s thriller Armand Olha Zhurba’s Ukrainian documentary Songs of Slow Burning Earth Danish-Palestinian film director Mahdi Fleifel’s To A Land Unknown Under The Volcano from Polish filmmaker Damian Kocur and Locarno Film Festival prize winning teen drama Toxic the feature directorial debut of Lithuanian filmmaker Saulė Bliuvaitė Latvian director Gints Zilbalodis’ Oscar-winning animation Flow opened the festival on March 6 the first Oscar prize winner from the Baltic states -  and is also part of the competition line up.  “These creators are not afraid of bold visual language bravely reflecting on complex social issues,” notes Grigaliūnaitė offer viewers a fresh perspective and promise an inspiring future for European arthouse cinema.” Source: Courtesy of Vilnius Int’l Film Festival The Lithuanian film programme aims boasts four national premieres: Existentialist thriller Johatsu by Lina Lužytė and Nerijaus Milerius and the documentaries Murmuring Hearts from Vytautas Puidokas and On Sacred and Profane from director Giedrė Beinoriūtė will play out alongside Bliuvaitė’s Locarno-winning Toxic Among the international filmmakers attending Vilnius for the Baltic premieres of their films are Canada’s Denis Cote (Paul) Belgium’s Leonardo Van Dijl (Julie Keeps Quiet), Slovakia’s Peter Kerekes (Wishing On A Star) France’s David Moreau (MadS) and Austria’s Bernhard Wenger (Peacock) Polish filmmaker Agnieszka Holland will take part in a masterclass alongside a screening of her Polish-Belarusian border set Green Border while France’s Leos Carax will be on hand for a masterclass and Q&A “We are bringing back Lovers On The Bridge by Carax the very first film that opened Kino Pavasaris in 1995,” says Ramaška The festival will also present a Q&A with legendary French actor Denis Lavant who starred in myriad films including Carax’s Holy Motors The 30th anniversary edition also includes a programme of documentaries promoting love and respect for the natural world a Jim Jarmusch retrospective showcasing the director’s early work including Stranger Than Paradise “Every edition presents its own challenges but the 30th anniversary comes with even greater expectations,” says Ramaška “Our challenge—and our joy—is to ensure that every moment of the festival reflects the creative energy that has defined Kino Pavasaris for 30 years.” The festival opened at the Lithuanian National Drama Theatre which hosted over 30 screenings including three silent films Nosferatu Caligari and A Page of Madness accompanied by music composed specifically for the events VIFF is taking place in the Lithuanian capital until March 23 Its industry strand Meeting Point Vilnius opens on March 17 and runs until March 20.  Company’s latest foray into genre will open theatrically on October 10 Bookmark this page to keep track of all the latest festival dates CAD $90,000 in cash and prizes presented at Friday’s ceremony in Toronto The updating list includes titles’ sales agents and key deals The Barcelona producer’s credits include Carlos Marqués-Marcet’s They Will Be Dust Warner Bros./Legendary video game smash passed $720m at the global box office through April 20 Screen International is the essential resource for the international film industry access to the Screen International archive and supplements including Stars of Tomorrow and World of Locations Site powered by Webvision Cloud Demonstrators from across Lithuania waved national and municipal flags and carried signs reading “Selling out Lithuanian people for European millions” Two large screens were set up near the monument to Grand Duke Gediminas showing clips from television reports about the property tax ahead of the event’s official start “Instead of collecting taxes from oligarchs they are targeting ordinary people,” protest organiser Raimondas Šimaitis told journalists “Our clear demand is that primary residences must not be taxed because they were purchased with money on which we have already paid taxes – including taxes on our loans.” “Your home should be absolutely untouchable,” he added Member of Parliament Valius Ąžuolas attended the protest along with representatives from the Nemunas Dawn party Vilnius Police Public Order Division head Jevgenijus Liepis said it had passed without any major incidents the participants expressed their opinions in a civilised manner – everything was quite friendly and good,” Liepis told BNS on Sunday afternoon one protester felt sick at the rally and needed medical assistance around 4,000–4,500 people took part in the rally a working pensioner who travelled from Lentvaris said that Lithuania’s tax system needs no changes “Our whole tax system is a mess,” she said a middle-aged Klaipėda resident working abroad said he opposed the property tax because “soon we’ll have to pay for everything” half of the revenue from the new property tax would be directed to a national defence fund “It’s the government that’s attacking us.” 67-year-old Vilnius resident Vidas told BNS he generally supported the changes but insisted that all funds collected should be used strictly for defence said she feared that although the tax amounts would be small at first “the value of property will be reassessed every few years A tent was set up at the edge of Cathedral Square to collect signatures opposing the tax One of those signing was 47-year-old Remigijus Kaminickas originally from Šakiai and currently working in the United Kingdom He said the proposed tax violates Lithuania’s Constitution It seems the Constitution doesn’t apply to those in power,” he said Šimaitis said the signatures would be used to organise a petition for a legislative amendment in the parliament we’ll notify everyone and gather the 50,000 needed to submit the amendment to the parliament,” Šimaitis said “I look forward to looking every MP in the eye who votes against it.” “And I promise that before the next election every MP who votes for taxing homes will see their posters on every lamppost,” he added a tiered tax structure would be implemented for residential other non-commercial properties valued over the threshold of €40,000: To reduce the burden on primary homeowners a 50% reduction in the tax amount would apply to the portion of home value up to €450,000 Additional breaks would apply to families with at least three children Finance Minister Rimantas Šadžius has said that the real estate tax for a family with an apartment worth around €250,000 would amount to €7 per month property is taxed progressively at 0.5% to 2% A very small proportion of homeowners pay the tax Šimaitis organised a similar protest in autumn 2023 when the previous government considered a similar tax proposal about 3,500 people gathered outside the parliament Šimaitis is a regular protest organiser and has drawn law enforcement attention in the past he burned a fabric resembling an LGBTQI flag during a pride march An investigation was launched but later dropped after authorities determined there were no grounds for criminal charges police also collected information about a similar incident during a protest outside the parliament but ultimately decided not to open an investigation When Lithuania topped the World Happiness Report ranking for people under 30 earlier this year it came as a bit of a shock — even for those who live there "It was a surprise," said Valdas Benkuskas Vilnius is Lithuania's most vibrant and populous municipality And it has increasingly looked at ways to tailor itself to younger generations says he's on a mission to attract young professionals from abroad to come and live in Vilnius and believes that just one visit to the city will be enough to show its appeal you can understand that we have a lot of advantages compared with other European cities," he said The World Happiness Report ranks countries based on a survey conducted by Gallup where respondents evaluate the quality of their lives Lithuania's under-30s rated themselves 7.76 out of 10 notably higher than their US counterparts (6.392) with locals citing factors to BI such as low rent a 28-year-old who runs a sustainable architecture firm and previously lived in the UK told BI that Vilnius holds its own against other European capitals sipping a filter coffee at a trendy Old Town café where other patrons sat reading in the sun-drenched courtyard it's relatively small — about the size of Denver which means that everything is within easy reach "You can basically walk across the whole center of Vilnius in half an hour," Kazlauskas said "People are definitely much happier when they can spend time outdoors and relieve the stress of work For decades, organized crime and a struggling economy led hundreds of thousands of Lithuanians, especially the young, to move abroad. However, many are coming back, with returning Lithuanians representing a quarter of all immigrants last year Tens of thousands of immigrants from outside the EU The mayor and Lithuania's tourism board want others to follow suit According to Eurostat the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Vilnius in 2023 was equivalent to $876 — almost half the price of Berlin and about a third the price of London 20-year-old Ričardas Pranculis pays only €65 a month he said he doesn't struggle to make ends meet so more people can try different hobbies." According to an affordability index by the personal finance website Finasvalp, Vilnius is the fourth most affordable capital in Europe a senior fund accountant from Indonesia who moved to Vilnius four years ago But Doroškevičiūtė says that even when traveling describing Vilnius — her hometown — as a city that's comfortable to live in and full of things to do Outside a food hall beside the Baltasis Tiltas 22-year-old Goda Ponomariovaitė looks for a place to sit is teeming with young people — blasting music at the skate park and playing beach volleyball on a patch of fake sand probably why it has become such a popular hangout for the city's youth Vilnius has plenty of free or affordable hangout spots transformed into a vibrant cultural center It attracts artists and aspiring musicians and regularly hosts free concerts and film screenings so many bars and nightclubs," Ponomariovaitė said she says that what sets Vilnius apart from other cities she lived in to be in Vilnius and Lithuania at night,' she said you don't need to worry that somebody will kidnap you or something." On an evening in mid-August, youthful influencer types lined up outside trendy restaurants while bars overflowed onto the cobbled streets with businesspeople clinking beer glasses an older crowd dispersed after attending a free show in the town square Vilnius is trying to offer something for everyone — or "You can find here everything you need for a high quality of life," he added Best in Travel is here! Discover 2025’s destinations The 30 best countries, cities and regions to visit in 2025 Plan your trip with Elsewhere, by Lonely Planet See where a Lonely Planet Membership takes you Subscribe to our weekly newsletters to get the latest travel news, expert advice, and insider recommendations Explore the world with our detailed, insightful guidebooks Stay ahead of the curve with our guidebooks Uncover exciting new ways to explore iconic destinations Every month, we release new books into the wild Search Search Close search menu Explore Best in Travel 2024 Africa Close menu Countries Antarctica Antarctica Close menu Regions Asia Asia Close menu Countries Australia & the Pacific Australia & the Pacific Close menu Countries The Caribbean The Caribbean Close menu Countries Central America Central America Close menu Countries Europe Europe Close menu Countries Middle East Middle East Close menu Countries North America North America Close menu Countries South America South America Close menu Countries Lithuania has placed second in the Top Country category in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2025. Its beautiful and historic capital, Vilnius is the gateway to the country and the perfect city for a long weekend break I’ve long been fascinated by the Baltics, but this was my first time visiting Vilnius and it did not disappoint I was eager to learn about the city’s history and deep dive into the flourishing food scene at some of the city’s recently starred Michelin restaurants There’s a lot to get through so let’s dive right in How to get from the airport: If you’re staying in the Old Town take the 3G bus from outside the new departure terminal (€1/US$1.08; every 10 minutes) You can also catch a train from the station directly beside the Arrivals Hall with trains running roughly twice an hour (€0.80/US$0.84 one way) Getting around town: Vilnius is compact and walkable It’s worth downloading the Bolt app for scooters and taxis to reach sights further outside the Old Town Where to stay: Stay in the Old Town for the most character and proximity to the must-see sights. Design hotel Artagonist is centrally located on Pilies gatvė and features spacious rooms with original giant wall murals by Lithuanian artists.  What to pack: Bring smart casual attire to fit in with locals Pack layers in autumn and winter and prepare for hot weather in summer How to spend the day: Head to Cathedral Sq to take in some of the city’s must-visit sights including Vilnius Cathedral and the Cathedral Bell Tower After exploring the interior and admiring the architecture linger in the square with your eyes lowered to the ground to find the Stebuklas "Miracle" tile where tradition calls for you to make a wish while performing a 360-degree clockwise turn It’s at the spot on Cathedral Sq that marks the end point of a human chain formed by two million people of the Baltic States protesting the Soviet occupation in 1989 Next move along to the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania you could easily spend half a day here delving into Lithuanian history but you can also opt for a reduced price ticket and focus on just one or two routes.  Moving further into the Old Town, following Pilies gatvė will take you to the House of Signatories which provides essential insights into Lithuania’s Declaration of Independence in 1918 Veer off Pilies gatvė to wander along arty Literatų gatvė winding street is lined with plaques of all shapes sizes and materials dedicated to writers with connections to Vilnius and Lithuania.  For lunch, head to Lokys, where the menu includes traditional Lithuanian fare like deliciously pink and refreshing cold beetroot soup and game roasts. Next, walk across the Užupio tiltas bridge to explore the arty self-proclaimed "republic" of Užupis. Stop at the Užupis Art Incubator and check out the open-air gallery along the riverbank before reading the short-and-sweet Constitution from 2001 engraved in several languages on plaques along Paupio gatvė Dinner: Book well ahead to snag a table at Michelin-starred Nineteen18 Head chef Andrius Kubilius and his team create tasting menus that showcase contemporary Lithuanian and Baltic cuisine The exciting local takes on tacos and dumplings are a particular highlight book a seat at the chef’s table to learn more about the ingredients ideas and menus from chef Andrius and watch the slick kitchen team in action Morning: Grab breakfast to go at Halės Turgus market which is full of traditional stalls with plenty of things to try How to spend the day: Gediminas Castle towers above Cathedral Sq and a quick ride on the funicular or a hike up the steps behind the cathedral will bring you to the top of the hill where you’ll enjoy a fantastic panorama over Vilnius Pop into the museum in the tower to check out the medieval treasures.  If you’re interested in a prison experience with a difference, book a tour at Lukiškės Prison including through the Nazi and Soviet occupations and guides share chilling stories as tours make their way around the complex Some parts of the prison have now been transformed into an artistic venue for workshops Scenes from season four of TV series Stranger Things were also filmed here Dinner: For dinner, head to Pas Mus on Pilies gatvė in the Old Town The warm glow of candles here creates a cozy atmosphere for you to delve into the delicious tasting menu Chef Vita Bartininkaitė and her team specialize in local with an emphasis on sustainably prepared dishes It’s all served on beautiful antique plates Forget all your preconceived ideas about fermented foods and see them in a whole new light Aim for a seat at the chef’s table for the most time with chef Vita Morning: Get out of the Old Town today, grabbing a coffee and pastry at Taste Map Coffee Roasters in western Vilnius – one of the best coffee spots in town.  How to spend the day: Visit the Museum of Occupation and Freedom Fights to learn about the horrors Lithuania suffered during WWII and the Soviet era Located in the former headquarters of the KGB the museum is packed with photographs and objects that tell the story in great detail The basement prison cells are chilling and remain unchanged since the KGB moved out after the fall of the Soviet Union Dinner: Continue to discover Vilnius’ best fine-dining restaurants with dinner at Ertlio namas, included in Michelin’s Lithuania Guide. The focus here is on modern takes on traditional Lithuanian cuisine. Go for either the four- or six-course tasting menu to get the most of the interesting flavors on offer here, the bread soup with beer being the standout for me. According to the Environmental Protection Department (AAD) the fire started at the Energesman waste-sorting facility where trash ignited inside a two-story building and the flames quickly spread Vilnius police told BNS that they received a report about the fire at Jočionių Street 13 shortly before 08:00 who said no other people were inside the building at the time a command post and a ladder truck were dispatched to the scene Firefighters were still working to contain the blaze as of 10:00 a senior specialist at the Fire and Rescue Department's Situation Coordination Division Environmental officials have called in a laboratory from the Environmental Protection Agency to collect air samples and assess pollution levels and officials said they plan to release more information soon the National Public Health Centre warned that smoke from the fire could pose a health risk People driving past the site were advised to keep their car windows tightly closed and residents living nearby were urged to stay indoors and keep windows The plan outlines three main evacuation routes: toward Panevėžys and Šiauliai in the north and toward Alytus and the Polish border in the south city officials acknowledge that some roads could become heavily congested Residents would be alerted to evacuate through sirens or emergency text messages People would be expected to take pre-packed emergency bags and decide whether to evacuate using personal vehicles or municipal transportation Those relying on city-organised transport would need to reach designated gathering points – typically two to three schools or kindergartens per district across Vilnius not when it’s time to leave their homes,” said Vilnius City Council member and defence expert Aurimas Navys “You have to ask yourself: will I need assistance all evacuees would eventually merge onto the same few major roads evacuation routes toward Panevėžys and Šiauliai would use the western bypass Routes toward Alytus would follow the same bypass residents could evacuate westward toward Klaipėda via Geležinio Vilko Street “There are only three directions to leave Vilnius – unless you’ve got a hot air balloon,” Navys said “The plan is based on what we actually have.” While roads are currently less congested due to school holidays authorities warned that a full-scale evacuation would cause massive traffic jams Police Chief Arūnas Paulauskas said additional officers would be deployed to control traffic deactivate traffic lights and direct vehicles manually to keep traffic flowing Former Vilnius Mayor Artūras Zuokas criticised the plan “The roads were never designed or planned for this people would have to flee through the fields.” Current Mayor Valdas Benkunskas identified five key road segments that need improvement to prevent gridlock noting that some of the necessary upgrades could take years He also criticised the central government for inadequate support “Building a bridge or widening a road is expensive and then you have to go through all the procedures,” Benkunskas said Darius Antanaitis said that while the plan may be inadequate from a purely military standpoint “What’s important is that an assessment has been done – now the municipality knows what’s needed for evacuation it would take two to three days to evacuate all Vilnius residents LithuaniaA foraged bounty from nearby forests and rivers provides rich pickings for adventurous travellers to the Lithuanian capital This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).1. AmandusFine dining favouriteIn the east of Vilnius’s beautiful an iron bridge over the Vilnia river marks the border with Užipis This once down-at-heel district turned artist enclave declared itself an independent ‘republic’ in 1997 Gentrification in the years since has smoothed its counter-cultural edges unconventional thinking still has its place warm-lit glow that reveals the entrance to Amandus the fine-dining restaurant of chef-patron Deivydas Praspaliauskas I watch a team of chefs busying themselves ahead of service in the open kitchen there’s a palpable sense of anticipation ahead of a 10-course journey led by a chef who has done much to drive the city’s food culture It’s been a rapid ascent for Praspaliauskas rose from the bottom rung of the restaurant ladder to heights that included a brief stint at Noma he was encouraged to return home and enter a competition to find Lithuania’s best chef giving him the impetus to open his own restaurant in 2011 pizza and a couple of hotel restaurants,” he says of the city’s limited dining scene following the Soviet occupation ‘We give this guy three months because of those tiny portions and €9 lunches.’ Three months on and the reviewer wrote and you need to book a table for that lunch.’ That was a sign something was happening.” Today four city restaurants gained Michelin stars A succession of dishes soon emerge from the kitchen accompanied by flourishes with pipettes or liquid nitrogen caramelised root vegetables offset smoked catfish; cognac-accented chicken liver tops dark rye; and a Praspaliauskas calling card While he’s no slave to traditional Lithuanian dishes or domestic produce Praspaliauskas’s cooking celebrates his heritage through star ingredients including foraged mushrooms and berries from the forest and techniques such as smoking and pickling “People often ask about Lithuanian food and the one thing that would see our culture collapse is if you took away soup from creamy potato foam concealing pickled cauliflower to a chicken broth thickened with barley and adorned with plump Praspaliauskas’s skill lies in his ability to draw out the essence of everyday ingredients I hope you find distinct flavours that are as pure as possible,” he says of a style that’s drawn comparisons with New Nordic cuisine “It took me a while to understand whether what I do is Scandinavian or Baltic Delis & DJsThe grand old clock above the entrance to Halės Turgus indoor market shows 9am as I wander past a throng of elderly ladies setting up baskets of foraged boletus mushrooms on the steps on the mural-daubed fringe of the Station District this lofty landmark has been the city’s biggest trading post for more than a century bars and food stalls is a charismatic clash of tradition and modernity Between an abundance of stalls stacked with staples including juniper-smoked pork knuckles I meet the mother and daughter duo behind new-wave cheesemonger Roots between serving customers kefir and cottage cheese slice me samples of their artisanal bestsellers: waxy aged cheese sitting somewhere between gouda and parmesan past mountains of cranberries and pickled cucumbers a growing queue for the oven-fresh wares at Beigelistai bakery embodies the revival of Vilnius’s Jewish heritage all but erased during the Second World War which specialises in American-style barbecue team member Kostas pours me a satisfyingly malty glass of gira the carbonated Baltic drink made from fermented rye bread which he describes as Lithuanian Coca-Cola capitalism began and all these strange new products from overseas started to arrive,” he says modern butchery and into a rear hall heaving with apparel the scene here shifts and DJs play techno as a handful of bars serve amaro cocktails to a boisterous crowd Stallholders sometimes turn up the following morning with the party still going strong “There’s a real community spirit and the best part is that you’ve got all the traditional stuff as well as people trying something new,” says Kostas adding that while the market is becoming popular with tourists A constant through German and Soviet occupation as well as two declarations of Lithuanian independence Halės Turgus remains a reliable barometer for the city’s evolving tastes Ragutis would likely approve of what’s brewing in Naujoji Vilnia (New Vilnius), a former industrial district flanking the river, just 15 minutes by train from the Old Town. Here, surrounded by dense pine forest, family-owned Sakiškės Brewery has set up shop at Dūmu Fabrikas, a former factory. It’s in this expansive hall, which doubles as a venue for live events, that I meet Gintaras Bingelis from the Sakiškės Brewery team. Gesturing at the 24 taps that line the sleek bar, he explains what’s driven a passion project that began in 2015. “What we do is so-called ‘modern’ beer — taking traditional styles and making new recipes,” he says, from our mezzanine-level vantage point, overlooking the brewery’s 12 fermentation tanks. “We aim to produce two new styles of beer every month.” Among the standouts, I sample an excellent IPA — hazy, hoppy and sour — and a coffee- and chocolate-accented imperial stout. Two more unconventional beers, shaped by local ingredients, arrive in the form of an earthy beetroot ale and a pilsner flavoured with pinecones, whose fragrant notes pair well with slices of smoked sausage from a platter of accompanying cheeses and charcuterie. Medieval menuBeaver stew isn’t often found on menus in Vilnius Lokys’ team insists. In the vaulted cellar of this flamboyant family restaurant, waitress Jurgita explains the historical approach to cooking. “Many places that sell ‘traditional’ Lithuanian food focus on potatoes — pancakes, dumplings or kugelis [potato casserole] — but potatoes only became popular about 150 years ago, so we decided to look further back.” A deep dive through diaries, memoirs and recipe books from the medieval noble classes, when Lithuania was a Grand Duchy, helped shape Lokys’ dishes. Its menu of wild meats and foraged foods doubles as a history lesson. We begin with beer snacks: fried rye bread, smoked strips of pig’s ear, zingy pickles and aged cheeses with sea buckthorn jam. It was the Karaims (Turkic-speaking Jews from Crimea who arrived at the behest of 14th-century ruler Vytautas the Great) who brought cucumbers, cabbages and preservation techniques to the country, Jurgita tells me. Next, I feast on roasted boar (beloved of the city’s founder, Grand Duke Gediminas) topped with a berry jus that cuts through the tender, fatty meat. Jurgita explains that the Milan-born Grand Duchess Bona Sforza is to thank for the healthier menu items, with the former first lady having introduced basil, tomato and garlic from her native Italy in the 16th century. “She tried to introduce more greens to the diet of a population that largely ate meat.” An athlete competes at the 2025 Baltic Wushu (Kung Fu) Championship in Vilnius The 2025 Baltic Wushu (Kung Fu) Championship kicked off on Saturday attracting more than 100 competitors to take part in Participants perform at the 2025 Baltic Wushu (Kung Fu) Championship in Vilnius Participants pose for photos at the 2025 Baltic Wushu (Kung Fu) Championship in Vilnius You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience REDEFINING THE END-TO-END PASSENGER EXPERIENCE AND BUSINESS PERFORMANCE Construction | On the Ground | Terminal Design // Sep 2024 Share on LinkedInLinkedInShare on TwitterTwitterShare on FacebookFacebookShare on RedditRedditShare on FlipboardFlipboardShare on TumblrTumblrShare via EmailGmailShare on WhatsAppWhatsApp Vilnius Airport has completed construction of its new departures terminal with the remaining works to be carried out on the installation and testing of equipment inside the terminal before its opening in February 2025 “The coming years will be crucial for the development of the infrastructure of Lithuanian airports to increase passenger handling capacity and to reach a whole new level of service quality,” said Minister of Transport and Communications Marius Skuodis “Vilnius Airport will be the first to demonstrate this qualitative leap with its new departure terminal soon to not only handle double the number of passengers but also provide a completely new level of travel experience thanks to state-of-the-art technology We are therefore consistently pursuing our goal of raising the standard of Lithuanian airports to the next level so that travelling through the new gateway will be as comfortable as possible.” The new operational strategy is based on two key objectives – promoting the development of sustainable partnerships and the contribution of the airport ecosystem to the Lithuanian economy we aim to create an environment that enables consistent “Much of the change we seek over the four-year period will be related to the planned expansion of airport infrastructure We want these investments to have a direct impact both on improving the passenger experience and the overall ability to serve more passengers and to provide a platform for businesses to expand their operations at our three international airports we will see that the airport space is changing dramatically and in this process our focus will be on the highest quality bar which we want to achieve together with our partners.” Once the testing of the departure terminal is completed and it is open to passengers the next stage of Vilnius Airport’s conversion will be ahead It will include the re-planning and modification of the old terminal areas which will allow for a significant expansion of commercial activities and will provide passengers with more opportunities to access a wider range of services “We plan to start the conversion of the existing terminals around mid-2025,” said Bartkus “As the entire departure function will have already been transferred from the old terminal to the new terminal we will continue the changes at the airport which will be aimed at growing our capacity to provide more space for commercial services and to offer more convenience to passengers.” The conversion of the old terminals will last until the end of 2026 the planning and construction of the new arrivals terminal will be carried out which is expected to be operational by the end of 2028 IOT & Robotics case studies & knowledge sharing Content plans: Focus on the future of baggage handling Proof of Concepts updates & knowledge sharing Content plans: A worldwide summit uniting inventive minds to tackle aviation’s biggest challenges and uncover the city’s vibrant tech and innovation landscape Content plans: Strategies for revenue growth through collaborative retailing; discussions around progressive new business models & knowledge sharing Content plans: A gathering of air transport’s digital and innovation leaders who will inspire one another and reimagine travel together Content plans: Known as the ‘CES of Aviation’ FTE Global is THE DEFINITIVE EVENT FOR INNOVATORS Content plans: Asia’s biggest free to attend passenger experience & business performance expo Lithuanian Airports is making plans for the catering areas in the new departures terminal at Vilnius Airport which is scheduled to commence operations in February 2025 Airport, Ancillary // May 2024 A worldwide summit uniting inventive minds to tackle aviation’s biggest challenges Empowering the airline sector to profit from collaborative digital retailing opportunities at every step of the journey A gathering of air transport’s digital and innovation leaders creative designers and progressive minds who will inspire one another and reimagine travel together Where the world's most progressive travel facilitators define tomorrow’s end-to-end passenger experience Connecting vendors with airline and airport executives to transform tomorrow’s end-to-end passenger journey across Asia-Pacific Infrastructure employs drones and AI functions to run the city in the present and decide how to change it in the future Digital twins are an increasingly common tool for city governments to understand and manage city assets The twins act as 3D aids for city planners providing responsive models that show the likely effects of proposed changes In addition to its utility as a planning tool Vilnius’s digital twin also provides a way to strengthen and streamline city services a perennial necessity in one of Europe’s more blizzard-prone cities the first major blizzard of the year battered Vilnius but the city had most streets cleared within four hours They did it using a combination of artificial intelligence (AI) Moments after the storm ended, drone aircraft flew overhead, gathering images of the streets. An AI model trained to recognize snowy streets did a quick analysis. The result was displayed on a map of the city that formed part of a digital twin, built and maintained using a geographic information system (GIS) head of the data management group at the Vilnius Data Center it hasn’t been cleaned,” Savilionis explained that means it still needs to be inspected by a person that means the AI identifies that it’s been completely cleaned.” Vilnius complements its twin with drones to enable real-time analysis The city’s fleet of four drones gathers imagery and other data that can be projected onto maps and analyzed directly or via AI models this one with municipal trash receptacles highlighted the AI had been trained to recognize full trash bins Those in current need of emptying were highlighted in red Maps inside the digital twin serve more than one purpose In addition to helping the city manage municipal functions they provide a record that lets officials compare services over time The public-facing versions also provide transparency for Vilnius residents The relative ease with which drone footage becomes operational intelligence belies the massive effort used to train the AI model Thousands of photos are used to teach the algorithm what to look for The deep learning models then ingest the latest drone imagery to return answers These areas appear on dashboards for city leadership and guide the work of relevant city departments the city can assess road conditions by using the AI to highlight cracks and other damage that may require attention The model can also recognize where traffic is backed up and where large snow loads have accumulated on roofs “That’s especially useful for buildings that might be hard to access by foot,” Savilionis said Savilionis’s team tunes the AI model to consider different parameters in its priority ranking they asked it to rank streets based on their importance for pedestrian traffic they tuned it to account for routes of cyclists and commuters how close a street is to schools and hospitals and other places where many people need to travel “A street with really bad conditions might rank low on the metric because of its distance from healthcare or educational institutions,” Savilionis said He noted one street that had a high score for urgency due to its proximity to a playground This information helps expedite repairs and can be shared with the public increasing transparency and accountability Vilnius’s digital twin helps officials understand how city operations might evolve over time With anonymized cell phone location data from mobile operators the Vilnius municipal company responsible for public transit can map and visualize where people congregate and how they move at different times This insight helps assess current transit needs and predict how mobility demands will change in the future “We get this data every day,” Savilionis said clicking between two versions of the same map “You can see how a street in August looks very different from one in September when school is in session.” Vilnius is trying to move away from car dependence Having a comprehensive view of all relevant data helps planners improve pedestrian routes and bicycle lanes Savilionis displayed a map of Vilnius centered on a particular bus route each representing the number of people in that location who depend on the route for commuting The breakdown gives city leaders a clearer idea of whether more buses should be added to existing routes—or if entirely new routes are required “We are monitoring services provided to citizens,” Savilionis said “Our actual goal is to identify problems before our citizens do.” Learn more about how local governments apply GIS for data-driven decision making The large student population in Vilnius creates a vibrant lifestyle and a youthful outlook An entrepreneurial spirit has taken hold in the city where AI is the focus of many startup companies developing digital solutions Vilnius Gediminas Technical University now offers a four-year degree in Applied Artificial Intelligence and AI is playing an increasing role in many academic pursuits The combination of AI and geospatial technology (also known as GeoAI) has a promising future in Vilnius where it’s being applied for new levels of civic awareness With the city’s support and technical talent more GeoAI-driven innovations can be expected Brooks Patrick is a Global Business Development Manager for Smart Cities at Esri helping customers and partners across local government and private sectors understand and implement Esri software and solutions By 2025-01-07T11:00:00+00:00 EUROPE: The national passenger train operators of Lithuania Latvia and Estonia have launched co-ordinated services to make it more practical to travel between Vilnius Although travel was possible for the very determined rail user the links between the three countries have long been regarded as a gap in the European passenger rail map.  ‘By co-ordinating the train schedules in Estonia we are creating regular train connections between these three countries which has not been the case for almost 30 years’ Chair of Estonia’s Elron when the services were launched on January 6 ’Although it was theoretically possible to travel by train between the capitals before the new schedules will make transfers much more convenient This connection is particularly important for southern Estonia as it significantly improves the region’s international connections.’ CEO of Lithuania’s LTG Link Kristina Meidė said the co-ordination of international services typically takes more than a year but the three countries had achieved it within six months The timetable ‘is an example of what the Baltic States can achieve by joining forces to improve the mobility of their residents’ Latvia’s Transport Minister Kaspars Briškens said when the agreement was confirmed in December Varying national tax requirements and the capabilities of each carrier’s IT systems mean that separate tickets must be bought for each operator and these do not form a single transport contract Work is currently under way to roll out a simpler ticketing system in Q1 2025 The total journey time from Tallinn to Vilnius under the timetable launched in January 6 is about 10½ h but it is hoped that the completion of infrastructure repairs in Estonia could reduce this by an hour It is also envisaged that one of the changes of train could be eliminated said all three operators are pursuing a common goal to improve connectivity between the Baltic States and ‘the work that has been started to promote mobility between the states will be continued’ Construction of the long-planned 1 435 mm gauge north-south rail corridor through the Baltic States is ramping up rapidly despite a near-trebling of the forecast cost and continuing uncertainty over some sections of the route LATVIA: A Rail Baltica and Europe-themed wreath formed the centrepiece of the topping out ceremony for the new station building at Riga Central The station is being extensively remodelled to improve facilities for services on the existing broad gauge network as well as accommodating the Rail .. EUROPE: Lithuania’s LTG Cargo has operated a pilot freight train through Latvia to Valga On February 23 CEO Eglė Šimė said LTG Cargo plans to start offering ‘competitive green logistics services’ in the three countries in the near future From historic landmarks to countercultural Užupis – get to know Lithuania's capital Vilnius is a big breath of fresh air. From the confluence of the Neris and Vilnia rivers, Lithuania's capital stands as a bastion of sustainability in the Baltics with initiatives to protect the environment and its commitment to be climate neutral by 2030 At 700 years young, Vilnius has become the focal point of traditional Lithuanian culture and cuisine, contemporary theater and dance, national and international auteur cinema, and folk, jazz or electronic music festivals in the Baltic States Here’s how to experience the best of Vilnius on your first visit any season is a good time to travel to Vilnius It all depends on the Vilnius you want to discover and the events you would like to attend during your stay you'll find Vilnius at its most vibrant and lively the temperature is perfect for wandering around the Old Town sipping a coffee or a refreshing craft beer on a terrace strolling through the beautiful Bernardine Garden on the banks of the Vilnia and kayaking or exploring the neighborhoods on the other side of the Neris by bike Over 100 films in Lithuanian and English are screened throughout the season during Kino Pavasaris (Cinema Spring) and on the third Saturday in May, every corner of the city gets its original live soundtrack for Street Music Day. And if that's not enough, you'll also have the chance to sample šaltibarščiai, Lithuania's cold – and coolest – beetroot soup at the Pink Soup Fest a tribute to the creamy summer delicacy with themed games a national food fair and iconic music festivals such as the spectacular Lithuanian Song Celebration a large-scale Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity festival that just celebrated its 100th anniversary; the Christopher Summer Festival with its original amalgam of classical jazz and experimental music (including sailing on the Neris); or LOFTAS which sets Vilnius abuzz with electronic and techno music in September markets full of succulent local produce and restaurants serving soul-food dishes Should you decide to stay longer, Vilnius makes a great base to explore more of the country’s heritage. You could follow the course of the Neris northwest to Kernavé, a UNESCO Archaeological Site and Cultural Reserve or visit Trakai Castle standing on an islet in Lake Galvė that was once the residence of the Great Dukes of Lithuania Vilnius can be reached by train and bus from Krakow, Warsaw, Rīga or Tallinn is only 30 minutes from the central railway station Even though the airport train might be faster and the 3G express line is a better option if you stay in the Old Town You can't imagine how pleasant it is to discover Vilnius on foot To make the most of the more than 60% of green areas in the city I recommend taking breaks between cultural visits to relax in the parks and gardens of the historic center you can also get around the Lithuanian capital by bus or bicycle Vilnius’ bike sharing scheme, CycloCity, is more geared towards residents, so consider hiring your two wheels from a rental company, such as Velotakas which provides helmets free of charge and also offers bike tours to iconic landmarks and Pavilniai Regional Park If you wish to connect with Vilnius’ nature hiking trails (or buses) of one to three hours will bring you to the emerald lakes of Verkiai Regional Park the Belmontas Waterfalls or geological wonders such as the Pūčkoriai Exposure The only surviving keep-style tower of the three that defended the Upper Vilnius Castle in the 15th century is Gediminas Castle & Museum Legend has it that the choice of this hill for the castle was based on Gediminas' dream of an iron wolf howling at the top Once back down, head towards the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania Individual tickets for any of the three routes around the palace are available I recommend Route II as in addition to the many carefully restored halls of the Palace ranging from Gothic to Baroque style (all lavishly decorated with huge paintings tapestries and frescoes) you’ll also gain access to the Observation Tower Vilnius' most iconic architectural treasure, St Anne’s Church has stood almost intact since the late 15th century With a striking late Baltic Gothic façade and 33 types of brick used in its construction it's no wonder that Napoleon wanted to take the church to Paris in the palm of his hand The Bernardine Garden is behind it a green haven of peace ideal for a stroll soundtracked by its musical fountain or to lie down and read or write by the Vilnia enjoy a beer or attend a concert at Bernardinų Kiemas a space with bars and food trucks ideal for meeting locals a local will invite you to play at the chess tables Zeppelin-shaped potato dumplings (cepelinai) wild mushroom soup (miško gribu tirštasriubė) potato pudding and pancakes (bulviniai blynai and bulvių plokštainis) with sour cream traditional Lithuanian cuisine is an explosion of flavors Settle in to sample some of these culinary specialities at Lokys Vilnius' oldest family restaurant or the family-run Bernelių Užeiga chain is another good introduction to Lithuanian cuisine as they have worked with ethnographers to create a menu that is faithful to the original recipes representative of Lithuania's ethnographic regions and affordable for all budgets I recommend Etno Dvaras at 16 Pilies Street as it is a labyrinthine maze of caves and each room is carefully decorated with colorful Lithuanian designs If you're traveling to Vilnius between April and September consider visiting the Open Kitchen Food Market at Tymo Market (on every Friday and Saturday) it's a great time to give your taste buds a treat It's one of those cities where walking around at any time makes me feel that I want to live there Perhaps because Vilnians have always made me feel at home Or because besides being green and sustainable All I know for sure is that Vilnius is full of life – and conveys it If there's one thing my two favorite districts in Vilnius have in common it's that they are hotbeds of alternative culture which has a collection of over 6000 works by Lithuanian artists sculptures and art installations on every corner – even under bridges – and its bars have plenty of personality The euro is the official currency in Lithuania. If needed, you can exchange money at the exchange offices near the train and bus stations and at the airport. Overall, Vilnius is great value for local food, craft beer and transport. Consider buying a Vilnius Pass if you plan to visit several museums during your stay Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): from €40 Public transport ticket: under €1 within Vilnius and up to €5 for day trips With regular trains and buses to most destinations, Vilnius is a good base to explore the country. For example, it takes 1.5 hrs by bus to Kernavé and 45 mins by train to Trakai. Lithuanian is the official language of Lithuania, although many Vilnians (particularly young people) are fluent in English. Before you go, try to learn basic Lithuanian words and phrases – it's a sign of respect and much appreciated by the locals. According to the quality of the service, allocate between 5 and 15% if there are no service fees on the restaurant bill or if you see a tipping jar at the bar or cafe counter. One person was killed when a cargo plane crashed early Monday morning as it came in to land at Lithuania's Vilnius Airport operated by airline Swiftair on behalf of DHL Officials were still investigating the cause of the crash and had not yet ruled out that it may be sabotage "We cannot reject the possibility of terrorism," Lithuanian counter-intelligence chief Darius Jauniskis told reporters "but at the moment we can't make attributions or point fingers World news: Iran's Khamenei demands death sentence for Israeli leaders after ICC warrants crashed while approaching Vilnius Airport to land  a spokesperson for Lithuania's National Crisis Management Center told Reuters Flightradar24 data showed the flight had departed from Leipzig early Monday morning Security camera footage shared by CNN showed an aircraft descending behind a warehouse followed by an explosion of bright red and orange lighting up the night sky and plumes of thick smoke Rescue services told Reuters the plane hit the ground and split into pieces A Lithuanian police spokesperson said one person onboard police said 12 people were evacuated from a house hit by debris but that no one on the ground was killed A spokesperson for the National Crisis Management Center said police and prosecutors are investigating the crash USA TODAY left a message Monday morning with both DHL and Swiftair seeking comment A DHL spokesperson confirmed to USA TODAY that the plane that crashed was contracted by the company which has reportedly launched its own investigation told Reuters that the cargo airplane was carrying "regular parcels." The crash led to the delays of several departures at the airport while one incoming aircraft was diverted to Latvia's capital of Riga Aircraft has since been cleared for landing and departure at Vilnius Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY the festival is now led by a new team of Lithuanian photographers: Benas Gerdžiūnas alongside communications expert Daiva Gylytė and graphic designer Sandra Rivero the event has drawn notable photographers to Vilnius The festival has also helped nurture a growing community that is now shaping a new generation of Lithuanian photographers “The festival has been a launching pad for many photographers who went on to win prestigious accolades such as World Press Photo or the W.Eugene Smith Grant,” said festival organiser Tadas Kazakevičius This year’s theme explores intersections – geopolitical fractures Three competition categories are open to both professional and amateur photographers The Highlight Award welcomes submissions from photographers under the age of 30 Entrants are invited to submit photo essays The Vilnius Photo Circle Award seeks work addressing themes of geopolitical The Lithuania category focuses on stories from or about Lithuania – its current challenges An international jury – comprising acclaimed photographers Philip Blenkinsop Bruce Strong and Dina Oganova – will select finalists Their work will be featured in an exhibition and published in the festival’s printed magazine winners will receive prizes sponsored by long-term festival partners The official call for submissions will be announced shortly the festival moves to a new venue – the Museum of Energy and Technology in Vilnius portfolio reviews and educational sessions The event will conclude with an awards ceremony for the competition winners Finalist and winning works will remain on display at the museum for a month Organisers invite the public to follow festival updates on Instagram and the official website where the open call for submissions will soon be announced The project is supported by the Lithuanian Council for Culture On the Ground // Jan 2025 Vilnius Airport has undertaken mass testing of its new departures terminal with 1,000 volunteers Acting as passengers for six simulated flights the volunteers explored the new terminal and helped the Lithuanian Airports teams assess their readiness for the terminal’s grand opening “The terminal will double Vilnius Airport’s passenger capacity and our goal is to ensure an exceptional passenger experience in parallel,” said Simonas Bartkus “We are deeply grateful to all the testers who dedicated their time to contribute Their authentic experience and feedback will allow us to evaluate the terminal’s performance under high-demand conditions This is the first time in airport history we’ve involved the public in such a complex and unique project.” The testing experience began on the first floor of the new terminal where volunteers encountered a passenger check-in area with self-service options they navigated through the security screening zone and boarding gates for Schengen-area passengers Participants were tasked with independently completing typical airport procedures and trying out new systems approximately 140 airport staff members and partners Vilnius Airport’s passenger capacity is expected to rise from 1,200 to 2,400 passengers per hour Achieving this milestone has been made possible by technological upgrades including state-of-the-art equipment enabling more accurate and faster processes for baggage check-in “Our main challenge was integrating various systems to function like a living organism with Artificial Intelligence playing a crucial role,” said Giedrius Paulikaitis “The innovations are designed to help passengers and their baggage move through the airport more quickly we will analyse system performance and interaction This will also allow staff teams to apply new skills and knowledge in real conditions as they adapt to these technological advancements.” One key innovation is the Rapiscan scanner a 7.5-ton computed tomography-based device for scanning checked baggage Two such devices form the backbone of the baggage screening system security specialists can view 3D images of baggage contents with a four-tier security screening process implemented at Vilnius Airport Artificial Intelligence is employed to identify various items and substances in passenger luggage United Airlines has signed the industry’s largest agreement of its kind with SpaceX to provide Starlink connectivity onboard for free Connectivity, Up in the Air // Sep 2024 Singapore Airlines – a Headline Partner of FTE APEX Asia Expo 19-20 November 2024 – is investing S$1.1 billion to install its all-new long-haul cabin products across 41 Airbus A350-900s Cabin Design & Interiors, Up in the Air // Nov 2024 Embraer and Eve Air Mobility have signed an MoU focused on innovation and sustainable development aiming to prepare the future of low-carbon aviation in and around Paris-Le-Bourget Airport Mobility, On the Ground, Sustainability, Up in the Air // May 2024 around two million people joined hands to form a human chain of 690 km from Vilnius The largest unbroken human chain in history, the Baltic Way (or Baltic Chain) was a show of solidarity between Estonia Latvia and Lithuania in protest against Soviet occupation – timed to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact which divided eastern Europe into German and Soviet spheres of influence Marking the 35th anniversary of this monumental demonstration of unity the 650 KM of Freedom concert will be packed with performances with acts including Lithuania’s state folk ensemble ‘Lietuva’ and new wave electronic band Happyendless; Latvia’s state choir and folk-pop band Tautumeitas; and acclaimed Estonian singer and violinist Maarja Nuut In charge of the musical arrangements is Lithuanian trombonist who took part in the Baltic Way as a babe in arms “It is difficult to understand how it was possible to rally two million people for one common goal – freedom. I can only remember myself in a free Lithuania, and I feel extremely grateful to the people who fought to give us the freedom we have today,” he says. “The Baltic way was a beautiful and powerful way to start the independence story of the three Baltic states and fight what was happening at that time exactly 35 years ago. The concert gives us a chance to reflect but also to celebrate where we are today.”  The 650 KM of Freedom concert will take place on Cathedral Square in Vilnius on Friday 23 August at 7pm EEST. You don't have permission to access the page you requested. What is this page?The website you are visiting is protected.For security reasons this page cannot be displayed. They are now just one step away from a direct flight to the Round of 16 of the Basketball Champions League VILNIUS (Lithuania) - If you had a friend who hadn't already caught the bug and fallen in love with the Basketball Champions League and European basketball you couldn't find a much better club to show them what they have been missing than Rytas Vilnius Whether it's the pyrotechnics and rowdy home fans in the Twinsbet Arena whether it's the team stacked with domestic and hometown talent mixed in with carefully profiled import stars or whether it's the hardworking and entertaining brand of basketball put on the floor by head coach Giedrius Zibenas there is a lot to like about Rytas Vilnius right now Identity is a word commonly used by coaches when describing the way they want to play but the thing you really notice about Rytas is that not only does the team play with a clear identity the club also has also found a strong identity that marries with it perfectly You can see the clearest example of that identity in the performances of hometown heroes Gytis Radzevicius - who is having an MVP-caliber season - and star guard Margiris Normantas but you can also see it in the hustle and heart that Texan Savion Flagg puts out there on the defensive end night in and night out In case you have been living under a rock and missed Rytas' most recent thriller against Pallacanestro Reggiana Flagg made one of the shots of the season to send the game to OT Even the cheerleaders celebrated it like fans That is what it looks like when European basketball is at its best Pallacanestro Reggiana head coach Dimitris Priftis had this to say about that play: if you watch and you understand a little bit what they did we switched also the two guys on the baseline so we were there But it's (about) the ability of the player it wasn't the only time that Reggiana knew what Rytas wanted to do but weren't able to stop them from getting what they wanted anyway that is becoming a theme for Rytas' whole season we see two clips of Rytas executing the same Spain pick-and-roll action with Jayvon Graves on the ball and Radzevicius setting the back screen for Steven Enoch rolling to the rim we saw the Reggiana defense struggle with the timing of covering Radzevicius screening then popping for the shot and Enoch rolling to the rim Graves recognized the weakness and threw the lob for Enoch The second clip was Rytas' very next offense and this time Reggiana were more aggressive with the trap on the ball screen Rytas didn't blink and Radzevicius instantly recognized that his man needed to stay in the paint to cover Enoch rolling and popped to three-point line to knock down the shot When you watch Rytas play they will do this regularly where they go on short runs of executing different options of the same play several offenses in a row but it tells you this is a team that's fully in-tune with their system and trust it enough to stick to it when they need it most This next video we see the same thing again as Rytas used three completely different reads out of the same set in the second quarter The final clip may be the most telling as Graves recognized that the defense knew exactly what was coming and as soon as they shaped to execute their own defensive coverage Rytas sit third in the BCL for points scored at 88.8 and score them at a rate of 117 points per 100 possessions This team is absolutely rolling offensively Radzevicius and Normantas have been in and around the club most of their careers and Gytis Masiulis is now in his third season with the club and Flagg are still just at the beginning of their journeys in Vilnius and the team chemistry is only going to grow from here They are now twice Lithuanian champions under coach Zibenas but the Round of 16 being the furthest they have reached in the BCL is absolutely something that everyone at Rytas is surely driven to change "After today's terror attack by Russia against Sumy we have summoned a representative of the Russian Embassy in Vilnius Those behind this attack will not escape justice Responsibility is also shared by everyone working for the Kremlin's criminal regime including Russian diplomats," the ministry posted on X on Sunday Two ballistic missiles hit Sumy on Palm Sunday which is about 50 kilometres from the Russian border has been under growing pressure since Moscow pushed most of Ukraine's forces out of Russia's Kursk region The strike in Sumy came less than a day after the Russian and Ukrainian foreign ministers accused each other of violating a preliminary agreement – brokered by the United States – to halt attacks on energy infrastructure.On Monday Budrys called on the European Union to adopt the 17th sanctions package He also said the bloc should target sectors and companies that had previously escaped sanctions including the Russian state nuclear agency Rosatom State-owned radio and broadcast infrastructure company launches facilities as part of government migration project Lithuanian company Telecentras has launched two data centers in Vilnius The company – a state-owned owner and operator of broadcast infrastructure – recently had an opening ceremony near the Vilnius TV tower Both state data centers (VD3 and VD4) are located 20 kilometers apart within the capital city The company said it had invested more than €20 million ($21.5m) in the projects "These two new data centers will ensure our seamless secure storage of the state's information resources Considering the current geopolitical situation this is and will be extremely important for us this new centralized infrastructure will help save our state's resources," said Minister of Communications Marius Skuodis The company said the two facilities will get a large part of their electricity from the Telecentras' own solar power plants The waste heat of one of the two data centers is expected to be used for the preparation of hot water for the residents of Vilnius in apartment blocks This experimental project is reportedly the first in Lithuania and is carried out together with Vilnius heat networks (Vilniaus šilumos tinklai) "The new data centers are energetically more than four times more efficient compared to the average level of existing state servers they would allow savings of over 30 million kWh of electricity and reduce CO2 emissions by about 15 t/year,” added Telecentras manager Construction firm Viconas was involved in the project “During the implementation of this project we also grew – working with technological and data storage solutions and special security requirements I am glad that our team coped with this task perfectly The main challenges that we have also overcome are the deadlines and the compatibility of parts of the project," said Renatas Viršilas the Lithuanian Radio and Television Center (aka Telecentras) is owned by the state through the Ministry of Communications of the Republic of Lithuania The company owns radio and broadcast transmission infrastructure the 1,800 sqm (19,375 sq ft) VD3 offers 128 racks across 600 sqm (6,460 sq ft) of technical space the company has been working on a project to develop four state data centers – two in Vilnius and two in Kaunas – as part of a major government migration project The four sites will total 400 racks and see the IT hardware of 700 state institutions moved over Ground was broken on VD3 (the facility by the TV tower) and the other Vilnius facility Telecentras’s DC4 has been added to the list of state data centers – meaning it is authorized to host equipment of state institutions That 1.5MW facility offers capacity for 96 racks across 270 sqm (2,905 sq ft) of technical space Work on the 100-rack VDC5 in Kaunas is due to start next year; the 96-rack VDC6 in Sitkūnai (Kaunas district) starts up is due to launch in 2025 the Vilnius TV Tower (Vilniaus televizijos bokštas) is a 326.5m (1,071 ft) high tower in the Karoliniškės microdistrict of Vilnius A data center was installed underground at the TV Tower back in 2012 Data Centre Dynamics Ltd (DCD), 32-38 Saffron Hill, London, EC1N 8FH Email. [email protected]DCD is a subsidiary of InfraXmedia Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience A magical Winter Wonderland for both young and old Lithuania's Christmas Markets are a must this festive season when the switch is thrown and the lights of the Vilnius Christmas Tree burst into colour illuminating every falling snowflake and every wide smile the Lithuanian capital's Old Town will be transformed into a world of magical delight Centrally located in the city's Cathedral Square under the watchful eye of the ancient Gediminas’ Tower the tree becomes the glittering centrepiece of a bustling Christmas Market that will capture the hearts of visitors of all ages the Vilnius Christmas Tree has been widely recognised around the world as one of the most beautiful and most decorative to be found in Europe and beyond While the Lithuanian capital may not be as well-known as some of the other larger European festive destinations welcoming demeanour that draws people back again and again from the end of November until the end of December the Christmas Market becomes the city's central hub of festive entertainment and light the market – and the entire festive city – shines brightly waiting to be discovered by families wrapped snugly in warm winter woollens couples capturing the moment with a glass of steaming mulled wine and a selfie beside the lavishly decorated tree or by every grown-up child wishing to rekindle the magic of Christmas past The market itself is formed around the tree into a circular labyrinth of ornamentally decked out wooden stalls offering a Santa's sleigh brimming with festive goods warm handmade clothing and scented candles If you happen to be shopping for the perfect festive gift Lithuania offers a treasure trove of delightful discoveries – native amber jewellery If exploring starts to make you feel a little peckish the market stalls also serve an endless assortment of traditional and modern snacks and drinks to pick you up from hot chocolate and spiced wine to tasty meat-filled pastries (kibinai) and the Lithuanian festive favourite šakotis a deliciously sweet spit-cake made from butter You have to keep your energy levels high to get the full Christmas experience in Vilnius as there is more than just one Christmas market and one Christmas experience to savour in the city A firm favourite with children of all ages is the Christmas train that trundles its way musically from Cathedral Square along the cobbled pedestrian Pilies street churches and galleries towards the smaller more compact market located in the nearby Rotušė or Town Hall Square the swoosh of skates and joy-filled laughter can be heard from the Christmas ice rink backed by festive melodies played by musicians tasty treats and flaming braziers offer warmth to cold hands and feet while the tall columns of the city's old Town Hall add a burst of seasonal sparkle to the Old Town square the day after the official lighting of the tree in the Cathedral Square the Town Hall Square plays host to the annual International Christmas Charity Bazaar The Bazaar is run and overseen by residents from Lithuania's international community and offers a flavour of Christmas and seasonal delights from over 40 countries while raising money for local charities on the winding and ancient Stikliu and Savičiaus Streets tiny boutiques and artisanal workshops are bathed in the light of overhead festive decorations and miniature Christmas trees dripping in fairy lights guide your way from store to store From hand-bound notebooks and one-of-a-kind trinkets to traditional Lithuanian linen clothing and ceramics the tiny winding streets of the city's one-time Jewish ghetto are drawn from the illustrations of a child's book of fairy tales none of the city's other festive attractions are ever far away the city boasts a festival of illuminations and for those who like to get some exercise when they travel they can don a cheerful Santa hat and take part in the great Vilnius City Christmas Run Christmas Eve is the big event for almost all Lithuanian families who gather together on the evening of the 24th and indulge in an age-old dining tradition – kūčios This special Yuletide meal originates from both Pagan and Christian traditions and consists of 12 different dishes – all without meat – that symbolise the months of the year and diners should sample each one to ensure success in the following 12 months you'll find poppy seed milk; kūčiukai (tiny Christmas Eve cookies made from dough and poppy seeds); a drink or dessert called spanguolių kisielius starch and water; pickled herring; mushroom dumplings; and other simple but traditional dishes If you happen to be invited to kūčios in a Lithuanian's home be prepared to try some unusual tastes and combinations If pickled herring and poppy seed milk isn't your bag the Lithuanian capital is also home to a selection of Michelin Guide restaurants bistros and eateries where you can dine in luxury and be assured of sampling the finest ingredients and served in a range of unique environments a delectable little restaurant that you'll fall in love with at any time of year the chef has conjured all of the tastes of 'nonna'-style cooking that can usually only be found in the Italian backstreets but for the best experience a seat at the counter will bring the whole experience to life a designer boutique hotel which sits beside the aforementioned restaurant Nineteen18 From sampling delicious treats and warming beverages at Cathedral Square's Christmas Market to donning your skates and taking to the ice Vilnius at Christmas really is a magical winter wonderland waiting to be enjoyed by everyone who loves the magic of the season but it’s not the only place worth visiting on your festive break Christmas is a very special time in the city Kaunas boasts a magnificently unique festive atmosphere and cosy backstreet cafés serving up warming glasses of mulled wine and cider hot chocolate or steaming mugs of coffee overflowing with marshmallows a chic spot serving contemporary Nordic style dishes that is both laid-back and lively at the same time if you’re planning on visiting Vilnius this Christmas why not leave a little time to travel to Kaunas and enjoy the Holiday season in a smaller The airports at both Vilnius and Kaunas are only three hours or less from most major European cities easy-to-get-to Christmas stocking filler – and the perfect place to fill your stockings too If you can't make it before the year's end The Vilnius Holiday festivities – including a grand New Year celebration in the Cathedral Square – continue right up until 7th January with the final procession of the Three Kings winding through the city's Old Town streets wrapping up a magical experience for another year Merry Christmas!Hero Image: © Krivinis/iStock From listening bars to neighbourhood restaurants explore all the top recommendations from Chishuru’s Adejoké Bakare One of the most prominent chefs serving Indian cuisine talks India and his New York these splurge-worthy hotels have the design and prestige to rival even that most historic of city landmarks The first hotel on this list is just 20 minutes from Florence From vineyards to infinity pools and farm-to-table restaurants every one of these 14 Tuscan classics is within two hours of the city What the MICHELIN Guide Inspectors Saw in 2025 The Mexican capital takes center stage alongside the culinary world's top talents the best hotel rooftops are a go-to when you touch down From Texas Barbecue to Mexico City's cutting-edge dining these new MICHELIN Guide hot spots promise unforgettable vacations and world-class cuisine These are the best lake vacations for a summer break from Lake Tahoe in the US to Lake Como in Switzerland and the MICHELIN-recommended restaurants and bolt holes to bed down in when you visit The MICHELIN Guide Inspectors have already added hundreds of hotels to the MICHELIN selection in 2025 we’re highlighting a special list of 10 that thrive in the sunny season where do fashion’s biggest names retreat for a bite and a bed We imagine the post-Gala sanctuaries of the chicest attendees these iconic chefs mentor professional chefs who have an ego ​13 new restaurants receive their first MICHELIN Star ​Three new establishments are awarded the MICHELIN Green Star Who knew brisket and biscuits could be so good Non-members can add the privileges at checkout through our 30 day free trial By continuing I accept the Terms & Condition and Privacy Policy. I would like to receive Newsletter from MICHELIN Guide Save lists of your favorite restaurants & hotels under the watchful eye of the ancient Gediminas\u2019 Tower the market \u2013 and the entire festive city \u2013 shines brightly Lithuania offers a treasure trove of delightful discoveries \u2013 native amber jewellery from hot chocolate and spiced wine to tasty meat-filled pastries (kibinai) and the Lithuanian festive favourite \u0161akotis more compact market located in the nearby Rotu\u0161\u0117 or Town Hall Square on the winding and ancient Stikliu and Savi\u010diaus Streets who gather together on the evening of the 24th and indulge in an age-old dining tradition \u2013 k\u016b\u010dios This special Yuletide meal originates from both Pagan and Christian traditions and consists of 12 different dishes \u2013 all without meat \u2013 that symbolise the months of the year you'll find poppy seed milk; k\u016b\u010diukai (tiny Christmas Eve cookies made from dough and poppy seeds); a drink or dessert called spanguoli\u0173 kisielius If you happen to be invited to k\u016b\u010dios in a Lithuanian's home but it\u2019s not the only place worth visiting on your festive break bus or train \u2013 and like all of Lithuania and cosy backstreet caf\u00e9s serving up warming glasses of mulled wine and cider if you\u2019re planning on visiting Vilnius this Christmas easy-to-get-to Christmas stocking filler \u2013 and the perfect place to fill your stockings too The Vilnius Holiday festivities \u2013 including a grand New Year celebration in the Cathedral Square \u2013 continue right up until 7th January Merry Christmas!Hero Image: \u00a9 Krivinis/iStock Planning a trip to the Baltics? Good news, as travelling between Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia just got easier thanks to this new rail agreement Vivi and Elron have been working to coordinate their rail schedules to allow customers to travel between Vilnius and Tallinn in one day You can now travel the route using one ticket You will be able to ride the train from Vilnius to Riga where you will need to change to a train on the same platform to finish your journey to Tallinn The reverse route leaves Tallinn at 10.25am before ultimately arriving in Vilnius at 9.03pm an infrastructure project that will create a rail link between Tallinn this journey will take less than four hours That project is expected to be completed in 2030 “Even before the European-gauge railway is built together with partners from Latvia and Estonia we have agreed to offer the most optimal solutions for train travel between the three Baltic states we have jointly coordinated the schedules of three routes so that it is possible to travel between Vilnius and Tallinn in one day we offer passengers to travel with one transfer conveniently purchasing one ticket at a more attractive price The ultimate goal of all three carriers for the future is a direct route with the maximum reduction in travel time.” More information: ltglink.lt 10 top things to do in Kaunas, Lithuania 9 things you must do in western Latvia 8 reasons to visit Estonia Sign up to our newsletter for free with the Wanderlust Club Discover the first restaurants to be added to the selection from Michelin Stars and great value Bib Gourmands to sustainable Green Stars Michelin is pleased to present the debut edition of The MICHELIN Guide Lithuania whose launch completes The MICHELIN Guide trilogy to the Baltic Countries The Michelin Inspectors have spent the past year scouring the country in search of its best restaurants the inaugural MICHELIN Guide Lithuania recommends 34 restaurants including four awarded One Michelin Star; four highlighted with a Michelin Bib Gourmand for their great quality great value cooking; and one recognized with a Michelin Green Star for being a role model when it comes to sustainable gastronomy Young Chef Award – Tadas Eidukevičius of Demo Service Award – Gaspar Fernandes of Gaspar’s in Vilnius Sommelier Award – Kamilė Bartusevičiūtė of Pacai in Vilnius Congratulations to all those selected as part of The MICHELIN Guide Lithuania 2024 based on what's freshest at his local farm Her fully Italian wine list is farmer first and blends perfectly with rustic Italian cooking The general manager of the nearly 20-course tasting menu can make time stand still A host of new wallet-friendly spots join the Florida selection From tartan fabrics and stag antler furnishings to rare Scotch whiskies and castle views you'll have no doubt which country you're in when staying at these Michelin-Key hotels she has championed America’s farm-to-table movement for 54 years The self-proclaimed “unofficial talent scout” shares his local favorites from the city he calls home When you want to dress up and enjoy a night out on the town By continuing I accept the Terms & Condition and Privacy Policy. Young Chef Award \u2013 Tadas Eidukevi\u010dius of Demo Service Award \u2013 Gaspar Fernandes of Gaspar\u2019s in Vilnius Sommelier Award \u2013 Kamil\u0117 Bartusevi\u010di\u016bt\u0117 of Pacai in Vilnius Congratulations to all those selected as part of The MICHELIN Guide Lithuania 2024!