On Wednesday a round-table discussion on the Lithuanian-German defence cooperation took place in Vilnius. Retired Generals of the Bundeswehr, experts and specialists of the Ministry of National Defence discussed changes in Germany’s security and defence policy, links with Lithuania and geopolitical challenges. The discussion focussed extensively on the deepening Lithuanian-German cooperation in a practical sense, primarily the decision to station a German brigade in Lithuania.

The European Parliament released today its Parlemeter 2023 survey showing citizens’ continued support for the EU and a higher interest in the upcoming European elections.

The rules aim to ensure the EU-wide protection of journalists, media organisations, activists, academics, artists and researchers against unfounded and abusive legal proceedings.

President Gitanas Nausėda, currently in Dubai for the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28), participated on Saturday in a high-level panel of world leaders to present Lithuania’s climate change agenda.

The High-level Seminar held for a decade by the Ministry of National Defence for the Eastern Partners and their engagement in the EU Common Security and Defence Policy takes place in Vilnius today. It is attended by senior officials on behalf of Lithuania, Moldova, Georgia and Ukraine.

Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė attended the Lithuanian Defence and Security Industry Awards, the first-ever event of its kind in the Baltic region.

On Friday, President Gitanas Nausėda met with the Commander of NATO’s Multinational Corps Northeast, Lieutenant General Jürgen-Joachim von Sandrart. The meeting discussed the implementation of NATO’s regional defense plans agreed upon at the NATO Summit in Vilnius, namely, the development of tactical plans and the assignment of military capabilities to them.

Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen, Speaker of the Seimas, extends her congratulations on behalf of the Seimas and on her own behalf on the 105th anniversary of the restoration of the Lithuanian Armed Forces. In her words, this occasion offers a great opportunity to thank all the soldiers, officers, veterans, volunteers, riflemen, and the staff of the national defence system for ensuring the country’s safety.

With next year’s EU budget, MEPs secured better and more effective support to address global challenges and support young people and research.

Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen, Speaker of the Seimas, has extended her congratulations on behalf of the Seimas and on her own behalf to Szymon Hołownia on his election as Marshal of the Polish Sejm, and to Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska on her election as Marshal of the Polish Senate.