Individuals, businesses and other organisations purchased defence bonds for EUR 2.3 million during the second issue placement, where 369 transactions were concluded. The funds raised will be used for the acquisition of major weapons, such as various anti-drone systems. Following the launch of the distribution of defence bonds this year, buyers purchased these bonds for more than EUR 11 million in total through two issue placements.

The Ministry of the Economy and Innovation has allocated €15.34 million to 17 projects to encourage foreign investors to carry out research and experimental development (R&D) activities in Central and Western Lithuania.

The Ministry of the Economy and Innovation has submitted to the Seimas for consideration amendments to the Law on Accelerating the Development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Lithuania. They will help speed up the implementation of the European Union (EU) law on artificial intelligence.

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has assessed Lithuania’s progress in the area of state-owned enterprises and has decided to conclude the assessment process of Lithuania’s post-accession phase to the OECD. As noted by the OECD, Lithuania has consistently improved the governance and oversight of state-owned enterprises over the past few years in line with the recommendations made by experts and has made particularly strong progress in this area.

The Ministry of the Economy and Innovation has allocated an additional EUR 2.1 million for infrastructure projects in Lithuanian regions. A total of EUR 12.8 million in funding this year will allow 14 municipalities to install and improve infrastructure in free trade zones (FTZs), industrial parks, and other industrial areas.

The convenience and accessibility of services for residents are becoming more and more important every day. To meet this need, the Ministry of the Economy and Innovation is implementing digital solutions. Some of the modern actions taken are the digitisation of cemetery data and the creation of digital maps, which will make it much easier to find the graves of relatives in the future. In addition, services such as electronically obtaining permission to bury in a grave will also make it easier to handle paperwork. Today, as more and more of our lives move into the digital space, it is important to make even sensitive areas such as cemetery administration simpler and more accessible.

On Friday evening, the international credit rating agency DBRS Morningstar reaffirmed the long-term borrowing rating at A (high), stable outlook, previously assigned to Lithuania.

Defence bonds. The proceeds of defence bonds will be dedicated for the acquisition of major weapons, such as various drones and anti-drone systems.

Continuous improvement of the business environment and reduction of the administrative burden are making Lithuania one of the most attractive places to do business in the region. In three years, the administrative burden on businesses has been reduced by more than €33 million.

The European Investment Bank has welcomed the €42 million investment programme of the European Union's (EU) Modernisation Fund (EUMF), prepared by the Ministry of Economy and Innovation (EIMIN), to focus on the deployment of decarbonisation technologies in industrial companies. It is estimated that these investments will save around 2,607 GWh of energy and reduce around 489,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in our country by 2035.