The Ministry of the Economy and Innovation has signed a major investment project contract with UAB Narbutas International for the construction of a new furniture factory in Ukmergė district. The project will create 300 new jobs and involve an investment of at least EUR 110 million.

The Ministry of the Economy and Innovation is launching a €54.89 million call to support the sustainable transformation of Lithuanian industry. The call will enable industrial enterprises in the country to invest in improving energy efficiency, thereby reducing energy intensity and harmful gas emissions.

The international credit rating agency S&P Global Ratings published a report on Lithuania, in which it assessed the prospects of the country's economy. It is noted that the Lithuanian industry is more resilient than its Baltic neighbours, the implemented fiscal policy, stable and low level of the state debt are positively evaluated.

Lithuanian industry will be able to develop more innovative environmentally friendly products and meet international sustainability requirements more easily. The Ministry of the Economy and Innovation plans to allocate €10 million of European Union (EU) investment funds for this purpose.

Lithuania and Rheinmetall are beginning construction of a modern production plant for 155mm artillery ammunition. The necessary contracts, including a land lease agreement and a framework agreement for the procurement of 155mm ammunition, were signed at a ceremony held on 29 November 2024. The Prime Minister of Lithuania, Ms Ingrida Šimonytė, the Lithuanian Minister of the Economy and Innovation, Ms Aušrinė Armonaitė, and the Lithuanian Minister of National Defence, Mr Laurynas Kasčiūnas, attended the event.

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.