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 Six years later, the stakes are considerably higher, as Russia’s aggression has only become bolder. The United States is urging its friends to do more for themselves and strengthen their defenses. Lithuania, in its resolve to “never again” be dominated by Moscow, is seeking to do just that. James A. 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, Lithuania, on November 22, 2021. REUTERS/Janis Laizans. 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If refreshing the page doesn't resolve the issue you could try clearing the sites browser cache. with another dominant display by Rytas Vilnius MANISA (Türkiye) - For the second time in three years of the Youth Basketball Champions League Rytas Vilnius claimed their second title with a 109-76 win over Filou Oostende in the Final The win closed out a perfect 4-0 run through the field for the Lithuanian juggernauts It all started with a 101-71 triumph against Pallacanestro Reggiana on Gameday 1 The Semi-Finals saw them take on Youth BCL arch-rivals Tofas Bursa but they set their mark early on and cruised to a 126-59 win before defeating Oostende in the championship game Coach Gintaras Kadziulis saw a balanced effort by all his players but the tournament MVP was once again Ignas Urbonas "I'd say my game has improved a lot - a year is a long time and I think I've changed quite a bit over the year," Urbonas stated giving him an average efficiency rating of 26.8 Urbonas was also named to the All-Star Five of the event Joining him were his teammate Gabrielius Bubnys Filou Oostende's Daan Pieters and Tim Waerniers along with Pallacanestro Reggiana's big man Mame Samba Deme El Hadji Bubnys finished the season with 18.3 points and 5.8 rebounds to his name; Pieters scored 20.0 points with 6.0 rebounds and 5.5 assists; Waerniers had 18.3 points and 5.8 rebounds; while Deme El Hadji got 16.8 points Tofas Bursa defeated Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg 83-72 Pallacanestro Reggiana finished fifth after a 92-79 win over Telekom Baskets Bonn and Aliaga Petkimspor got seventh place with a 79-68 win over Spartak Office Shoes The third edition of the Youth Basketball Champions League was played at the Tarik Almis Sports Hall in Manisa and were won by Igokea m:tel and Rytas Vilnius 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 A month-long exhibition of the 10th International Artist’s Book Triennial Vilnius 2025 will be held at Reed Library throughout March Selected books from the triennial will be featured at the exhibition an ongoing international interdisciplinary art project that opened as the 10th International Artist's Book Triennial Vilnius 2024 when jurying and initial exhibitions began It will be located in the library’s exhibit/OSCAR hub and is free and open to the public from Sunday “It is a great honor to host the 10th International Artist Book Triennial,” said SUNY Distinguished Professor Timothy Frerichs “The selected artist books represent some of the finest works created internationally Artist books are interdisciplinary in nature and so it will benefit the campus community as well as the general population to see the creative works responding to the theme of ‘To Be’.” The theme is born out of a reflection on the current state of the world crises and pandemics that affect everyone personally An artist's book is not only a conceptual book but also an art object with a clearly expressed idea realized through employing various book forms and structures from the past centuries.” - Timothy Frerichs a visiting European Union Erasmus Plus Exchange Scholar will bring his significant expertise and knowledge as an Erasmus Plus Visiting Scholar to the campus and will also conduct artist book workshops with Department of Visual Arts and New Media (VANM) students during the week VANM students participating in his artist book workshops are fortunate to have this international opportunity to learn from a distinguished professor Vasiliūnas has led workshops at universities around the world “An artist's book is not only a conceptual book realized through employing various book forms and structures from the past centuries,” Frerichs explained “An artist's book combines words and images and traditional book design principles with interdisciplinary art.” an organizer of the triennial at SUNY Fredonia The aim here is not to illustrate the text an artist's book does not feature text at all but rather it conveys an idea through the relationship between different materials An artist's book is a unique one-off or limited-edition work For the 10th International Artist’s Book Triennial Vilnius 2025 an international jury selected 77 artists’ books from 29 countries for the exhibition out of 197 artists’ books from 41 countries.  The main prize was awarded to the artist Jeong-Eun Lee from South Korea Honorary prizes were awarded to five artists: Barbara Beisinghoff (Germany) Ema Shin (Australia) and Yuko Wada (Japan) is Frerichs’ “Ice Out Lake Chautauqua,” featuring photographs on handmade recycled fiber and milkweed paper blowouts using Lake Chautauqua ice water and recycled rope SUNY Fredonia is one of only 10 locations hosting the exhibition There are two other United State host sites: Cleveland The exhibition began last March in Germany and will conclude in September in Spain The triennial exhibition is supported by a Carnahan Jackson Fund for the Humanities grant through the Fredonia College Foundation the Department of Visual Arts and New Media For more information, see the website Contact Us | 716-673-3111 © 2025 State University of New York at Fredonia - 280 Central Avenue - Fredonia 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 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 Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker 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 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] Following a hugely successful Showdown Voodoo Spring festival in Riga OlyBet is heading to Lithuania from May 17 for the OlyBet Showdown Vilnius series Running from May 17-25 at the Olympic Casino Lietuva the OlyBet Showdown Vilnius festival boasts 30 tournaments and satellites OlyBet was in the Lithuanian capital at the turn of the year. The OlyBet Showdown Vilnius Ace Breaker ran from January 25 through February 2 and saw bumper crowds throughout This latest series is more akin to the inaugural Kings of Vilnius festival in November 2024 due to the higher buy-in key events The €555 No-Limit Hold'em Championship is the first major event of the Vilnius schedule It runs May 19-22 and should see upwards of 300 entrants 297 players bought in and created a €142,560 prize pool American Scott Hall came out on top and banked €26,725 after a heads-up deal with Edvinas Grimalis The €2,200 High Roller is a one-day affair with a slightly higher buy-in than when OlyBet ran a €2,000 High Roller during Kings of Vilnius an anonymous player left 58 opponents in their wake on their way to scooping a €36,190 top prize The pièce de resistance is the €1,100 Main Event, running from May 21 until May 24. Again, looking back at the 2024 Kings of Vilnius, the €1,100 Main Event there attracted 365 entrants who built a €350,400 pot The tournament ended in a heads-up deal between eventual runner-up Paulius Kostickis and champion Aurimas Stanevicius Vilnius has plenty to offer travelers outside of the bustling tournament schedule and 24/7 cash games The Vilnius Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site while Gediminas Tower offers panoramic views of the city from a medieval fortress Then there's the Uzupis part of the city an independent republic often compared to Montmarte in Paris Remember that if you live in an area where OlyBet operates its online poker site satellites are available to the Showdown Vilnius events and other OlyBet live events and has worked in the poker industry since 2008 Matthew stepped away from live reporting duties in 2015 and now concentrates on his role of Senior Editor for the PokerNews + Get the Texas Hold'em Poker Cheat Sheet - FREE PokerNews.com is the world’s leading poker website visitors will find a daily dose of articles with the latest poker news Disclaimer: any promotions presented on this page were correct and available at the time of writing We encourage all users to check the promotion displayed matches the most current promotion available by clicking through to the operator welcome page Please read the terms and conditions carefully before you accept any promotional welcome offer modified or distributed without the express prior written permission of the copyright holder in partnership with the Crypto Economy Organisation (CEO) the event convened industry experts to explore the evolving regulatory landscape in Europe with a particular focus on the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR / MiCA) Bybit shared valuable insights into the challenges faced by crypto businesses as they navigate the complexities of MiCAR compliance Commitment to Compliance and Collaboration 2 underscores its compliance-first approach and dedication to working collaboratively with regulatory authorities and industry stakeholders The exchange sees MiCAR as a pivotal step toward a regulated and robust crypto market in Europe and aims to share its experiences to ease the transition for the broader industry “As MiCAR shapes the future of crypto regulation in Europe collaboration and proactive preparation are essential,” said Robert Macdonald Chief Legal & Compliance Officer at Bybit “Bybit is committed to maintaining the highest standards of compliance and supporting regulatory efforts to create a secure and thriving digital asset ecosystem Sharing our experiences at events like CRYPTO TALKS is part of our broader mission to contribute to a more cohesive industry approach.” Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume Bybit provides a professional platform where crypto investors and traders can find an ultra-fast matching engine Bybit is a proud partner of Formula One’s reigning Constructors’ and Drivers’ champions: the Oracle Red Bull Racing team For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press For media inquiries, please contact: media@bybit.com For more information, please visit: https://www.bybit.com For updates, please follow: Bybit's Communities and Social Media 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:"")+" 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 insight and analysis from our award-winning editors delivered to your inbox daily 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 By 2025-03-24T10:49:00+00:00 Georgian writer/director Dea Kulumbegashvili’s April won the best film award at the 29th Vilnius International Film Festival known locally as Kino Pavasaris The drama about an ob-gyn specialist in a small hospital in rural Georgia who risks herself to care for her female patients picked up €8,000 for the prize established by Vilnius City Municipality and took home a statuette designed by Lithuanian artist Vilius Dringelis specially commissioned as part of the festival’s 30th anniversary celebrations The Georgia-France-Italy project premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2024 The international jury was comprised of Polish film critic and programmer Adam Kruk producer and founder of Reason8 Films Denis Krupnow senior programmer of the Sundance Film Festival Heidi Zwicker and Iranian director Mania Akbari It described Kulumbegashvili’s film as uncompromising while deploying “transcendently beautiful and frequently unsettling imagery to examine the way cultural oppression imperils and controls people’s rights and bodies” April came from an eight-strong field of first or second feature-length films by European directors The jury also gave a special mention to Romanian director Bogdan Mureșanu’s debut The New Year That Never Came which impressed “with a precise and witty depiction of the dual reality of fear and absurdity that shapes lives within a totalitarian system while also depicting the strength of resistance and hope” Mohammad Rasoulof’s The Seed Of The Sacred Fig won the audience award while the best Lithuanian feature film prize went to Giedrė Beinoriūtė’s documentary On Sacred And Profane.  established by the Vida Ramaškienė Foundation to celebrate an artist whose experience includes work on film sets was presented to film editor Ignė Narbutaitė The awards ceremony brought the curtain down on 17 days of screenings and events a record number of almost 130,000 people visited the festival,” said festival director Algirdas Ramaška “It is good to know that we have so many like-minded people 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 Oscar winner proposing federal tax incentives ‘Ish’ and ‘Learning To Breathe Under Water’ will also feature 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 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 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.  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 A DHL cargo plane flying from Germany to Lithuania crashed close to Vilnius Airport killing a crew member and injuring three others which took off from the eastern German city of Leipzig went down close to a residential home in the Lithuanian capital at about 5:30 a.m Fourteen people were evacuated from a damaged building as firefighters put out the blaze Authorities in the Baltic nation said an investigation was under way to determine what caused the crash which occurred about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from the runway The pilot who was killed was a Spanish national The police pushed back on an earlier DHL assessment that there was an emergency landing Preliminary information from one survivor also suggested that there was no smoke or fire inside the aircraft that could have caused the incident German and Spanish experts will be joining the investigation The authorities urged calm and signaled that there is no initial information suggesting an act of sabotage Lithuanian officials are in touch with foreign partners as they investigate every scenario according to the nation’s intelligence chief foreign partners have also spoken about it publicly speaking about threats of sabotage acts,” Jauniskis said after meeting with Lithuania President Gitanas Nauseda “We can’t reject this scenario but so far we can’t make any attributions or point fingers at anyone because there’s no such information.” European and US intelligence officials had previously warned that Russia may be plotting to plant incendiary devices on planes Poland arrested four people linked to a sabotage group whose activities included sending parcels containing camouflaged explosives and dangerous materials via courier companies to countries in the European Union and the UK we don’t see any indications that the accident was caused by external factors,” Paulauskas said “After reviewing a number of video recordings the preliminary assessment is that the plane was not falling and there are no visible signs of external damage.” German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said German and Lithuanian authorities are investigating “in all directions,” including a possible hybrid attack together with our Lithuanian and Spanish partners now have to seriously ask ourselves whether this was an accident or even in the middle of Europe,” Baerbock said in the Italian town of Fiuggi at the sidelines of a Group of Seven foreign minister meeting Vilnius Airport said operations aren’t currently disrupted The Boeing first entered service in Australia as a passenger aircraft in 1993 according to data by tracking website planespotters.com The jet was converted into a cargo plane in 2015 Swiftair operates both freight and smaller passenger planes and is a contractor to DHL Photograph: Emergency services at the DHL cargo plane crash site near Vilnius International Airport on Nov Photo credit: Petras Malukas/AFP/Getty Images Please tell us what we can do to improve this article 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 Vilnius public transport operator UAB Vilniaus viešasis transportas (VVT) has announced the procurement of 145 new electric buses to modernize the city’s transport fleet The buses will be purchased in four types: 8 m small-capacity The information are released by the city government […] The information are released by the city government itself with a press note In parallel, the city is also upgrading its trolleybus network. All 91 new Škoda 32 Tr trolleybuses awarded in May 2023 have now been delivered featuring a battery range of up to 20 km for autonomous operation The release also mentions that a second phase of the renewal project has already begun with plans to acquire an additional 73 trolleybuses The new buses will be low-floor and equipped with advanced passenger information and safety systems These vehicles will not only replace aging diesel buses but also expand the public transport network and improve service frequency buses will run every 6–10 minutes in the city center and every 15 minutes in outer districts The total value of the procurement is estimated at €89 million reaching €97 million with maintenance services Contracts with selected suppliers are expected to be signed in Q3 2025 © Copyright 2012 - 2025 | Vado e Torno Edizioni | All rights reserved | P.I By 2025-03-17T11:42:00+00:00 the annual industry event that takes place during Lithuania’s Vilnius International Film Festival (VIFF) kicks off today (March 17) with the annual works-in-progress project showcase of Baltic titles Filmmakers from 21 projects are presenting to an audience of international execs and decision makers A good proportion of these are from leading film festivals They include: Venice Film Festival programmers Paolo Bertolin Beatrice Fiorentino and Andrei Tănăsescu; Locarno Film Festival artistic director Giona A Nazzaro and programmer Stefan Ivančič; Barbara Wurm - the head of Berlinale’s Forum section; Natalia Kozáková - programmer at Karlovy Vary International Film Festival and the new programme director of the Warsaw Film Festival Bartłomiej Pulcyn Also in town are Sundance Film Festival senior programmer Heidi Zwicker director of the Film Festival Cottbus’s co-production market Bernd Buder; and Freddy Olsson senior programmer of Göteborg Film Festival.     Spain’s Bendita Film Sales and the UK’s Reason8 Film are also attending Scroll down for full list of projects  The programme includes a location tour for international producers hosted by Vilnius Film Office producers’ presentations on co-production policies in different countries who took up this year’s MPV programming duties after last year’s head Ena Rahelić departed the dedicated Lithuanian industry focus and how the MPV works with the festival to platform local filmmakers internationally.  the work in progress section will not only showcase projects in production but also those in development offering an opportunity for filmmakers to present their ideas at an earlier stage Have any themes emerged from the 21 projects being showcased looking at what fresh ideas the creators can offer There is no single dominating theme – we focus on new perspectives and the unique visions of the filmmakers This year’s selection includes two animation projects for the first time Among all the selected projects there are seven documentary films This reflects the growing international recognition of Lithuanian films with more countries expressing interest in co-productions with us We have a Lithuania-Taiwan-Poland-Czech Republic co-production China Sea, directed byJ urgis Matulevičius. As in previous years we will also feature co-productions with Ukraine and Armenia as well as projects from the Czech Republic It highlights our openness to collaboration and the desire to expand creative partnerships across borders Why have you created the Lithuanian Film Forum It brings together our local film community for two days  to discuss pressing topics such as cinema financing How does MPV work with the Vilnius festival Our collaboration with VIFF is built on a shared commitment to supporting exceptional talent and MPV and the festival have a close and dynamic relationship  Some of the films presented as works in progress at MPV are already being considered for further editions of the VIFF and some previous MPV entries have been selected for the competition while several have their national premieres at the festival Crime drama La Palisiada by Ukrainian director Philip Sotnychenko (MPV 2021) debuted in the Tiger Competition at the International FIlm Festival Rotterdam where it won the Fipresci prize in 2023 It was crowned best film at the VIFF later that year We’re also proud to present the national premiere of Lithuanian film Toxic which took part in the works in progress session in 2024 A Song Without Home  (Georgia)Director: Rati TsiteladzeProducer Olga Slusareva Amanita (Lithuania)Director: Antanas SkučasProducer: Antanas Skučas Cabo De Hornos (Lithuania)Director: Ramūnas GreičiusProducer: Kęstutis Drazdauskas DNA Of A Nation (Ukraine-Lithuania)Director: Ivan SautkinProducers: Ivanna Khitsinska Hold Me Closer (Lithuania-France-Latvia)  Director: Irma PužauskaitėProducers: Rūta Petronytė Smart Casual;  Claire Chassagne; Dolce Vita Films;  Alise Rogule I Am Going To Change The World (Lithuania) Director: Inesa KurklietytėProducer: Živilė Gallego Independence Child (Lithuania)Director: Greta GriniūtėProducers: Rūta Jekentaitė Me-Greta (Georgia)Director: Miranda NamicheishviliProducers: Mariam Bitsadze Night Mayor ((Ukraine)   Director: Kate TiuriProducer: Hanna Burdina Zako (Armenia-France)Director: Tigran ArakelyanProducers: Susanna Khachatryan Rust And Power (Lithuania) Director: Andrius LekavičiusProducer: Andrius Lekavičius Barracuda (Lithuania-Estonia-Germany-Itay)  Director: Tomas VengrisProducer: Emilija Sluškonytė Heimathafen; Leonardo Barrile; Samarcanda film Call Me Calendar (Latvia-Lithuania)Director: Juris PoškusProducers: Madara Melberga China Sea  (Lithuania -Taiwan- Poland-Czech Republic)Director: Jurgis MatulevičiusProducers: Ieva Cern Ma Studios; Marta Gmosinska,Lava Films; Jakub Kostal,Bionaut Hermann (Lithuania-Italy) Director: Šarūnas MikulskisProducer: Ringailė Leščinskienė L’Enfant Terrible (Estonia-Lithuania)Director: Tatjana Mühlbayer-ParkProducers: Artur Veeber Oblivion (Lithuania) Director: Danielius MinkevičiusProducer: Ieva Norvilienė Revival (Armenia-Lithuania-Cyprus)Director: Jivan AvetisyanProducers: Jivan Avetisyan Aikštės filmai; Constantinos Nikiforou,Caretta Films Scarecrows (Latvia-Lithuania)  Director: Laila PakalninaProducers: Uldis Čekulis Solommama (Norway-Lithuania-Latvia)Director: Janicke AskevoldProducers: Rebekka Rognøy Three Weeks Under The Sea  (Czech Republic Lithuania)Director: Martin KubaProducers: Miloš Lochman 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 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 Concerns over terrorism in Europe heightened this morning after an ageing 737-400F Local police said the cause of the crash was under investigation but said terrorism could not yet be ruled out as Lithuania had been touted as one of the origin countries of recent unsafe shipments Weak demand across Europe road freight ate into DHL’s freight forwarding division profits over the .. IATA director general Willy Walsh has slammed Europe’s clean energy targets for the aviation sector .. Chinese ecommerce seller Temu looks as if it is already diversifying away from the US .. This story was amended on 4 April to remove a sentence claiming DHL CEO Tobias .. Logistics suppliers appear increasingly unfazed by the chaos emanating out of the White House and .. DHL Express is pointing optimistically towards European growth despite continuing uncertainty surrounding global trade in .. appears optimistic about the possibility of the US ending the de minimis .. “Best practice” advice to shippers considering shifting sourcing is to consider India Forwarders more focused on airfreight will fare better this year than those with a higher .. email: [email protected] email: [email protected] email: [email protected] email: [email protected] email: [email protected] Since its establishment under the Russian empire Lukiškės Prison has transformed from a bleak place of torture and murder to a bastion of culture People attend a Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Lukiskes Prison in Vilnius Once a high-security prison complex for criminals and political dissidents it now serves as a multi-purpose cultural hub.Photograph by Mindaugas Kulbis Lukiškės Prison stands as a stark reminder of the country’s horrific past this fortress of brick and stone has borne witness to some of Eastern Europe’s darkest historical moments who had fallen afoul of shifting political regimes—from Russian Tsars to Soviet authorities Since then, the prison has undergone a transformation that would have been unimaginable to its former occupants. Today, known as Lukiškės Prison 2.0 it is an epicenter of culture and creativity and music festivals take place within its once formidable walls Lukiškės Prison offers a journey into the unexpected—a testament to the resilience of a place and the people determined to repurpose it the infamous prison was thrust into the spotlight when it became a filming location in the fourth season of the Netflix series Stranger Things used as a Soviet prison where Chief Jim Hopper is held captive the story of Lukiškės Prison began during the rule of the Russian Empire Tsarist authorities constructed the prison to quell resistance in Vilnius known for its cultural and political diversity It was a crossroads of political empires for centuries and it grew to become a place where Lithuanians A safe haven for a melting pot of ethnicities Lithuania ultimately rebelled against Russian rule Lukiškės Prison became a bleak home to political dissidents and criminals alike cementing its reputation as a place of dread and murder occurred in this prison that housed both men and women Their screams could be heard not only by other prisoners (as a warning) but to Lithuanians walking nearby The penitentiary offered no privacy or care but prisoners were allowed to shower once a week this photo may have been the first to capture Lukiškės Prison after it was built in the early 20th century It shows two prison buildings with adjacent exercise yards and a portion of the prison wall.Photograph Courtesy Vinogradov Putievoditel ́po gorodu Vil ́nie i iego okriesnostiVilna: Tipografiia Shtaba Vilenskogo Voiennogo OkrugaBefore the Electronic Age (the 1940s) guards kept an extra tight watch on prisoners and its high walls and maze-like layout made escape nearly impossible By the time the Soviet Union took over in 1940 and those who refused to conform to Soviet ideology—were arrested and incarcerated here the Gestapo used the prison was used by the Gestapo to corale thousands of Jews and members of the Polish resistance before they were moved to Ponary (on the outskirts of Vilnius) where they were executed during World War II Lukiškės continued its function as a high-security prison until its closure in 2019 when Lithuania was well into its independence from the Soviet Union and the prison was seen as a relic of an era best left behind its conditions were subpar; cells were overcrowded But instead of demolishing this bleak monument Recognizing the prison’s historical significance and unique structure Martynas Butkevičius and Povilas Oželis won a public tender lease of the prison and reopened it as Lukiškės Prison 2.0 It was an opportunity to breathe new life into its empty halls into a space for creativity and self-expression This approach echoed the country’s desire to remember its past while embracing a future rooted in innovation and cultural exploration “Lithuanians are happy about the transformation. Not only is it unlike anything else for tourists to experience, but our cultural heritage has been immortalized and reimagined in a spectacular way,” says Milisenta Miseviciute guests can explore the labyrinthine cell blocks and feel the chill of history in the air  Guides (some former prison guards) lead visitors through dark corridors and rows of cells with barred windows—each a stark confining space barely wide enough for a simple bunk and small desk but guests taking a tour have the opportunity to view a room which shows what it may have looked like after a prisoner took their life—not an uncommon occurrence in this home of horrors and psychological tortures prison guides describe how isolation was used as a form of punishment enhancing the oppressive atmosphere that grips visitors in this part of the prison “Prisoners were living in extremely small cells Each person on average had only from 1.81 to 2.71 square meters of personal space and only one hour of outdoor time in an enclosed yard,” explains Martynas Butkevičius Lukiškės reopened its doors—this time as a cultural venue from art exhibits to live music performances from local artists such as Aklì and King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard Many of the prison’s cell blocks are now transformed into makeshift galleries showcasing modern art that often draws inspiration from Lithuania’s history Lukiškės Prison was transformed in 2021 which included turning cell blocks into makeshift galleries Now known as Lukiškės Prison 2.0. the former prison hosts art exhibitions and live music performances like this concert featuring the Doncaster-born rock star Yungblud.Photograph Courtesy LunatikaiThe complex is currently home to over 550 resident artists working across various creative disciplines “As an artist who transforms everyday objects and gives them new meaning; Lukiškės Prison 2.0 is a perfect place for me to create which will give this building new functions and change its story,” says Lithuanian artist and Vilnius resident Jolita Vaitkutė “When I first came to my current studio space it has no other meaning than my studio — it’s already been converted into a bright and inspirational place.”  Lukiškės Prison became a filming location for the hit Netflix series Stranger Things Gothic aesthetic proved the perfect replica of what a Soviet prison would be like allowing viewers to experience the sense of dread that Lukiškės once inspired in real life this was more than just a cameo; it became a pivotal moment in its reinvention Americans who want to visit the famous prison will have to make a stop in Europe where there are direct flights to Vilnius International Airport via airlines such as British Airways Travelers can fly to a nearby city like Frankfurt and then catch a short flight to Vilnius from there Visitors can grab a taxi or rideshare from downtown Vilnius to get to the prison. It’s only two miles away. Visitors interested in a guided tour of the prison can purchase tickets in advance on the Lukiškės Prison 2.0 website Two-hour tickets start at $16 (15 euros) for a day tour and $21 (20 euros) for a night tour guests can grab a beer and a snack at one of the food trucks stationed outside of the prison and contemplate the history and stories revealed during the guided tour Visit this Facebook page for more information about upcoming scheduled events hosted at the prison. The works of renovating common spaces on the second floor of Akropolis Vilnius The process of significant modernisation of common spaces will be organised so as not to cause inconvenience to visitors or tenants and allow the shopping and entertainment centre to continue to operate as usual The amount to be invested into the interior design upgrade is about EUR 800,000 The renovation is expected to be completed by summer The common spaces with the area of 1,500 sq m will see the renovation of floors and ceilings also elements of small architecture for even greater convenience for visitors of the shopping and entertainment centre “The planned renovation of the common spaces on the second floor is in line with Akropolis Group’s strategy to develop modern convenient and visitor-friendly shopping centres the second floor of Akropolis Vilnius will become cosier and lighter offering new amenities for visitors of the shopping and entertainment centre,” says Dominykas Mertinas Head of Marketing and Communications at Akropolis Group The renovation works will be organised so that visitors of the shopping and entertainment centre do not suffer any inconvenience – the noisiest work will be carried out at night while Akropolis as such and its stores will work as usual The renovation works are expected to be completed by summer Beside the renovation of the interior design of the common spaces visitors of Akropolis Vilnius will also be welcomed in a new entertainment area – MaryMaris an active leisure and entertainment centre which is expected to open on the second floor of the shopping and entertainment centre in spring will become a centre of attraction for families who will find not only various fun spots and children’s birthday rooms here but also a restaurant for families “By expanding the mix of operators of shops we seek not only to ensure the widest possible choice but also to meet our visitors’ expectations Our particular focus is on families that visit Akropolis,” says Dominykas Mertinas The shopping and entertainment centre Akropolis which started its operation in Vilnius in 2002 The largest renovation project “AKROPOLIS Redresses” was completed in 2019 which involved revamping of almost a half of the building’s area – 49,000 sq Then all the common spaces and sanitary facilities on the first floor of the shopping and entertainment centre were renovated a big number of new and revamped shops were opened the interior design renovation of Akropolis Klaipėda expansion and renovation of sanitary facilities 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 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 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. 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.” 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 By 2024-12-09T17:35:00+00:00 Lithuanian investigators have commenced analysis of flight-recorder information following the Swiftair Boeing 737 freighter crash outside Vilnius on 25 November German authorities extracted the data from the cockpit-voice and flight-data recorders according to the Lithuanian prosecutor general’s office The office is leading a pre-trial investigation – conducted by the criminal police bureau – into the accident while a parallel safety probe is underway by the ministry of justice’s transport accident investigation department Around 30 people have been questioned for the pre-trial investigation “No charges have been filed against anyone at this time,” the prosecutor’s office states Four occupants had been on board the 737 when it crashed short of Vilnius’s runway While no version of the accident sequence has been ruled out the office says it has not found any reason to reclassify the articles under which the pre-trial investigation is being conducted – namely those centred on ‘improper maintenance’ and ‘violation of international flight rules’ the 737-400 freighter had been descending towards runway 19 when it collided with terrain resulting in one fatality from among the four occupants The safety inquiry will use the recorder data to reconstruct the aircraft position and flight characteristics “Additional calculations will be performed to reconstruct the entire flight and its ending scenario as accurately as possible,” the office states Polish air navigation service PANSA appears to have undertaken checks of the navigation and guidance systems at Vilnius airport following a fatal Boeing 737-400 accident during final approach the fleet of which includes a Beechcraft King Air 350 which has been conducting multiple flights over .. Preliminary information from Lithuanian police indicate one crew fatality from the four occupants of a Swiftair Boeing 737 cargo aircraft which crashed north of Vilnius airport early on 25 November after the jet came down near a main highway about 0.6nm .. Electric aircraft propulsion specialist Wright Electric is preparing to begin ground testing with the M2500 electric engine it is developing to power commercial aircraft having completed construction of a test stand that will accommodate the trials controllers temporarily lost ability to ”see hear or talk to” pilots flying jets to and from Newark Republican lawmakers have proposed a plan to provide the Federal Aviation Administration with $15 billion to fund air traffic control (ATC) modernisation a move coming several weeks after US transportation chief Sean Duffy committed to such an effort Indian investigators state that the crew of an ATR 72-600 experienced “unusual” vibrations and felt the aircraft sink on final approach just before it landed short of the runway at Bhubaneswar last October The Alliance Air aircraft (VT-RKF) had been inbound from Rourkela FlightGlobal is the global aviation community’s primary source of news analytics and advisory services to connect the aviation community globally and help organisations shape their business strategies identify new opportunities and make better decisions faster member-first insights and commentary on the global aviation industry By 2025-03-21T15:54:00 Lithuanian filmmakers are riding high on the local box-office success of ‘Southern Chronicles’ SIGN IN if you have an account Access premium content Subscribe today If you have an account you can SIGN IN now