Society http://l24.lt Wed, 13 Nov 2024 10:28:10 +0200 Joomla! - Open Source Content Management en-gb Agreement signed for additional funding to continue Rail Baltica construction http://l24.lt/en/society/item/411221-agreement-signed-for-additional-funding-to-continue-rail-baltica-construction http://l24.lt/en/society/item/411221-agreement-signed-for-additional-funding-to-continue-rail-baltica-construction Agreement signed for additional funding to continue Rail Baltica construction

The Rail Baltica joint venture RB Rail AS has announced the signing of two new agreements under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), which will greatly accelerate the implementation of the Rail Baltica project. The funding provides 1.394 billion euros, including about 1.163 billion euros from the CEF and 231 million euros in co-financing from the three Baltic States, marking the largest funding awarded in this financial period and one of the most substantial amounts granted among EU infrastructure projects of comparable significance. This investment supports key activities to advance the Rail Baltica mainline construction. The results of the latest CEF call were announced in the summer of 2024.

“EU support has been instrumental for the three Baltic States in transforming Rail Baltica from an ambitious vision into a tangible reality, and this funding is not just an investment in infrastructure; it’s an investment in a more connected, resilient, and unified Europe,” said Marko Kivila, interim CEO at RB Rail AS. “The project is now preparing to apply for the final funding call for proposals within the current financial period (2021-2027) and will work closely with national partners across the Baltic region to secure a strong position in the upcoming EU budget negotiations.”

In Estonia, funding has been allocated for mainline construction, covering substructure work on sections such as Soodevahe to Kangru, Kangru to Saku, the Harjumaa area (including the Lagedi junction/viaduct), and Hagudi to Alu. Additional work is planned for the Saku to Harju/Rapla border and Alu to Kärpla and Kärpla to Selja sections. Estonia has received financing for approximately 58 kilometers of the mainline, with around 352 million euros from the CEF and 88 million euros from national sources, totaling about 440 million euros.

In Latvia, the main priority is the construction of the core route from Misa to the Latvian-Lithuanian border, with additional funding granted for a segment approximately 27 kilometers long. Funding has also been allocated for construction supervision, the establishment of a high-voltage connection point in Iecava, and an infrastructure maintenance facility in Skulte, which will serve as a construction logistics base for the development of the core route towards Estonia. Funds are also earmarked for property acquisition in the Skulte section and the relocation of the natural gas pipeline along the Vangaži-Misa section. Under this CEF funding agreement, Latvia has received approximately 337,6 million euros from the CEF and 59,5 million euros in national co-financing, amounting to 397 million euros.

In Lithuania, funding is directed at 36.7 kilometers of substructure works on the Ramygala to Berčiūnai and Berčiūnai to Joniškelis sections along the LT/LV border, including high-voltage connection points at Panevėžys, Išorai, and Liudvinavas Rail Baltica substations, as well as 69 kilometers of track laying in the Kaunas – Panevėžys – LT/LV state border section. Lithuania has received about 450 million euros from the CEF and 79 million euros in national contributions, totaling roughly 529 million euros for these construction activities.

Additionally, funding is allocated for the design of Rail Baltica’s electrification subsystems and various Railway System Generic Designs. Current activities also partly include supervision services and assessments of construction works, focusing on areas such as Notified Body (NoBo) and Assessment Body (AsBo) reviews, system engineering, risk management, progress reporting, and project management. For global project activities, a total of approximately 28.8 million euros has been allocated, including 24.5 million euros from CEF and 4.3 million euros from national contributions.

Rail Baltica is one of Europe's largest high-speed infrastructure projects, aiming to establish a modern and sustainable rail link that connects the Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania with the European rail network. It is also a part of the trans-European transport corridor.

www.sumin.lrv.lt

 

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[email protected] (Raimund) Society Mon, 11 Nov 2024 15:05:23 +0200
Data on interceptions of aircraft completed near the Baltic States' borders on October 28–November 3, 2024 http://l24.lt/en/society/item/411008-data-on-interceptions-of-aircraft-completed-near-the-baltic-states-borders-on-october-28-november-3-2024 http://l24.lt/en/society/item/411008-data-on-interceptions-of-aircraft-completed-near-the-baltic-states-borders-on-october-28-november-3-2024 Data on interceptions of aircraft completed near the Baltic States' borders on October 28–November 3, 2024

On October 28 – November 3 detachment of the NATO Air Policing Mission in the Baltic states were scrambled four times to intercept aircraft flying in violation of international aviation regulations.

On October 28 fighter aircraft of the NATO Baltic Air Policing Detachment were scrambled to intercept one IL-76 flying from the mainland of the Russian Federation to Kaliningrad via international airspace. It had no pre-filed flight plan, the onboard transponder was switched on, the crew was maintaining radio communication with the regional air traffic control centre.

On October 29 NATO fighter aircraft were scrambled to intercept assessed two SU-27 flying from Kaliningrad and back through international airspace. The aircraft returned to Kaliningrad before being identified. They had no flight plan, the onboard transponders were switched off, the crews were not maintaining radio communication.

On October 31 NATO Air Policing fighter jets were scrambled to identify an assessed SU-30. The aircraft was flying from Kaliningrad and back through international airspace. The identification was not successful. The aircraft had no flight plan, its onboard transponder was switched off, the crew was not maintaining radio communication.

On November 2 NATO fighter aircraft were scrambled to determine the nature of an identified aerial target breaching into Lithuania’s territory from Latvia. The target proved to be a sizable flock of birds.

www.kam.lt

 

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[email protected] (Raimund) Society Wed, 06 Nov 2024 08:57:33 +0200
The Lithuanian Armed Forces continues increasing truck fleet http://l24.lt/en/society/item/410699-the-lithuanian-armed-forces-continues-increasing-truck-fleet http://l24.lt/en/society/item/410699-the-lithuanian-armed-forces-continues-increasing-truck-fleet The Lithuanian Armed Forces continues increasing truck fleet

Double crew cab space and medlift role-capable Unimog U5000 trucks have been officially received at the Lithuanian Armed Forces Depot Service in Kaunas. Representatives of Austria’s EMPL Fahrzeugwerk and Germany’s Daimler Trucks AG have presented to the Lithuania Armed Forces the symbolic key as the truck acquisition project kicked off several years ago continues.

The Defence Materiel Agency under the Ministry of National Defence signed a contract in September this year on acquisition of additional 51 Unimog U5000 trucks through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA).

“We signed the Unimog U5000procurement contract this September and today we already welcome these modern trucks highly favoured by our troops here in Kaunas. The Lithuanian Armed Forces currently operates approx. half a thousand of such vehicles, however, the consistent provision for our troops must not halt at this,” said Minister of National Defence Laurynas Kasčiūnas.

The vehicles will be used to ensure logistical provision, personnel transportation, medical evacuation and special personnel tasks.

The contract supplement came based on the 2022 contract signed between the Defence Materiel Agency under the MoD and the German Daimler Trucks AG manufacturer via the NATO Support and Procurement Agency. In total, over 170 Mercedes-Benz Unimog U5000 trucks have been purchased on the basis of the supplemented contract since 2021. Lithuania’s contract is worth EUR 47 million.

“The leading NATO agency, NSPA, which is responsible for international support to acquisitions and their support, is proud to be able to complete this vital project with the Lithuanian Armed Forces and is prepared to collaborate again,” said NSPA representative Mr. Ozcan Gumustekin.

The Unimog U5000 trucks are robust all-terrain vehicles suitable for bitumen and gravel roads, as well as up to 1.2 depth fording. The ability of crossing water obstacles is particularly important in providing logistical supplies to difficult locations during exercises.

The Daimler Trucks AG and EMPL Fahrzeugwerk-manufactured vehicles are procured as modernization of the Lithuanian Armed Forces continues and truck fleet is updated. Trucks is one of the most used types of vehicles in the military and therefore in high demand. The batch of additional 5-ton payload Mercedes-Benz Unimog U5000 trucks is expected to be fully delivered still this year.

www.kam.lt

 

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[email protected] (Raimund) Society Mon, 28 Oct 2024 14:47:16 +0200
EU Cyber Rapid Response Team (CRRT) concludes deployment in support of Moldova’s cybersecurity http://l24.lt/en/society/item/410531-eu-cyber-rapid-response-team-crrt-concludes-deployment-in-support-of-moldova-s-cybersecurity http://l24.lt/en/society/item/410531-eu-cyber-rapid-response-team-crrt-concludes-deployment-in-support-of-moldova-s-cybersecurity EU Cyber Rapid Response Team (CRRT) concludes deployment in support of Moldova’s cybersecurity

The multinational EU Member States’ Cyber Rapid Response Team (CRRT) has finished its second mission in support of Moldova (and third since 2022) during the first round of presidential election and the referendum on anchoring EU accession in the constitution. The deployment follows a Request for Support from the Moldovan Information Technology and Cyber Security Service (STISC).

This was the largest CRRT mission to Moldova so far, conducted with two different teams covering a distinct range of tasks.

CRRT experts from 8 participating Member States (Belgium, the Netherlands, Croatia, Romania, Poland, Austria, Latvia and Lithuania) were deployed to Chisinau.

After familiarising with the IT infrastructure, the teams, together with Moldovan counterparts, conducted vulnerability assessments (including hardware assessments and penetration testing) of different governmental services, monitored the cyber security situation during the electoral process.

This support demonstrates the EU’s unwavering commitment to strengthen Moldova’s resilience, in particular on its path towards the European Union. It also reflects our collective effort under the Permanent Structured Cooperation in defence (PESCO) to build a more secure and resilient Europe, ensuring no country stands alone in the face of cyber threats.

The EU Cyber Rapid Response Teams remain committed to building up cyber resilience of partners and is open for a close cooperation in carrying out preventive measures as well as helping to respond to possible cyber incidents.

www.kam.lt

 

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[email protected] (Raimund) Society Thu, 24 Oct 2024 14:01:29 +0300
Baltic countries discussed cultural cooperation initiatives http://l24.lt/en/society/item/410541-baltic-countries-discussed-cultural-cooperation-initiatives http://l24.lt/en/society/item/410541-baltic-countries-discussed-cultural-cooperation-initiatives Baltic countries discussed cultural cooperation initiatives

On 3-4 October in Vilnius, the Baltic Culture Committee discussed joint cultural initiatives between Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia.

Deputy Minister of Culture Daina Urbanavičienė, together with the heads of the Estonian and Latvian delegations, General Secretary of the Estonian Ministry of Culture Kristiina Alliksaar and State Secretary of the Latvian Ministry of Culture Dace Vilsone presented information on current developments and trends in cultural policy in their respective countries.

The Committee discussed the development of the Baltic Culture Fund and outline the next three-year period when the Lithuanian Council for Culture will take over the administration of the Fund from the Latvian State Culture Support Fund.

The meeting also presented the activities of the Baltic Contemporary Music Network and discuss the Baltic Assembly (BA) Prize in Literature publications. The focus will also be on the Baltic cultural competence programmes.

National strategies on preparedness for the protection of cultural heritage in the event of armed conflicts and other emergencies was part of the agenda of the meeting.

This trilateral cooperation format is linked to the Baltic Council of Ministers, established in 1994.

https://lrkm.lrv.lt/

 

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[email protected] (Raimund) Society Wed, 23 Oct 2024 16:02:27 +0300
European Parliament approves more efficient and greener EU airspace http://l24.lt/en/society/item/410446-european-parliament-approves-more-efficient-and-greener-eu-airspace http://l24.lt/en/society/item/410446-european-parliament-approves-more-efficient-and-greener-eu-airspace European Parliament approves more efficient and greener EU airspace

On Tuesday, MEPs paved the way for improved management of European airspace, enabling more direct flights and fewer delays, and supporting climate neutrality.

The reform of Single European Sky rules, already agreed upon in negotiations with the Council last March, strengthens national performance plans for air navigation services and will help to improve EU airspace management. These plans will have binding targets and incentives to make flights more efficient and environmentally friendly. An independent advisory Performance Review Board would be set up to help the Commission and EU member states in taking decisions on implementing these plans.

In addition, the Commission will adopt EU performance targets on capacity, cost efficiency, climate and environmental factors for air navigation services, to be reviewed at least every three years.

Greener air navigation charges

MEPs secured a provision that tasks the Commission with assessing how charges levied on airspace users (airlines or private planes operators) for providing air navigation services could encourage them to become more environmentally friendly, for example by using the most fuel-efficient available routing or alternative clean propulsion technologies.

More competition

Another key demand of MEPs during the negotiations was to encourage competition in the air navigation services market. The new bill includes the possibility for air-traffic service providers to procure other air navigation services, such as communication, meteorological or aeronautical information services, under market conditions.

Quotes

“The reform is a step forward in removing bottlenecks, creating more efficient air traffic control and management, and reducing costs and emissions through shorter and safer flights, from which all European airlines, and especially European citizens, will benefit. The creation of a truly single European airspace, however, has been blocked by member states, unwilling to give up national powers for the greater good. I now call on member states to constructively implement this reform”, said EP co-rapporteur Jens Gieseke (EPP, DE).

“Today, Europe’s airspace is like a big jigsaw puzzle where each country has its own piece, but unfortunately not all the pieces fit together. This leads to detours, waiting times and unnecessary costs. In 2023, almost three out of ten flights were delayed by more than 15 minutes. The new rules will make aviation safer, more punctual and more climate-friendly”, added EP co-rapporteur Johan Danielsson (S&D, SE) and also thanked former rapporteurs Marian-Jean Marinescu (EPP, Romania) and Bogusław Liberadzki (S&D, PL) for their work.

Next steps

Both co-legislators have now approved the new rules– the Council did so on 26 September. They will enter into force 20 days after publication in the Official Journal of the EU. While most of the provisions will apply from that date, other provisions (e.g. penalties for infringing the new rules; national supervisory authority’s independence) will only take effect two years later.

Ref.: 20241017IPR24734
www.europarl.europa.eu

 

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[email protected] (Raimund) Society Tue, 22 Oct 2024 15:55:45 +0300
Ministry of National Defence to purchase CBRN protection equipment and power generators for hospitals of Lithuania http://l24.lt/en/society/item/410449-ministry-of-national-defence-to-purchase-cbrn-protection-equipment-and-power-generators-for-hospitals-of-lithuania http://l24.lt/en/society/item/410449-ministry-of-national-defence-to-purchase-cbrn-protection-equipment-and-power-generators-for-hospitals-of-lithuania Ministry of National Defence to purchase CBRN protection equipment and power generators for hospitals of Lithuania

The Ministry of National Defence is buying different capacity power generators for hospitals across Lithuania for approx. EUR 4.3 million, as well as gas masks and CBRN protection equipment worth of approx. EUR 300 thousand for medical personnel. Acquisitions mapped out for 2024-2025 shall strengthen medical institutions’ resilience and readiness for looming threats thus preventing disruptions in provision of medical services in case of emergencies.

Proper readiness for likely crises makes one better equipped to effectively respond in case they come. Undisrupted operation of our hospitals in the event of crisis or Day X is critical to every citizen. Medical personnel is the backbone of the society that saves lives in times of crises, therefore their ultimate equipment for crisis response is a national priority,” said Minister of National Defence Laurynas Kasčiūnas.

According to Minister of Health Aurimas Pečkauskas, provision of equipment and supplies for healthcare institution will significantly contribute to their resilience and readiness for possible emergencies and different threats.

Equipment supply and improved readiness of healthcare institutions is very welcome, yet it is even more important that the investment is accompanied by more consciousness about medical institutions being an element of critical infrastructure and corresponding attention to them. I am certain that the successful cooperation will be continued and result in more than one successfully completed project, thus integrating national healthcare institutions into the defence system,” Minister of National Defence said.

In preparation for potential threats, the Ministry of Health is drafting a norm for fitting the infrastructure against different threats, methodological institution readiness guidelines and other measures which will help institutions in developing their own emergency management plans and improve their readiness.

One of the elements of strengthening readiness for mobilization and war is training courses for healthcare specialists. 6 thousand medical personnel are planned to be trained by 2026, as well as including critical competencies in medical studies syllabuses to ensure an operative and coordinated provision of healthcare services in case of mobilization or war.

The Ministry of Health and healthcare sector are regularly training with the Lithuanian Armed Forces, three have taken place this year already and three more are scheduled by the end of the year. Mechanisms of cooperation and coordination in the event of mobilization or war are refined in meetings with representatives of the Ministry, healthcare institutions and municipalities.

www.kam.lt

 

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[email protected] (Raimund) Society Mon, 21 Oct 2024 12:02:41 +0300
Key requirements of the Anti-Deforestation Regulation presented at a remote seminar http://l24.lt/en/society/item/410301-key-requirements-of-the-anti-deforestation-regulation-presented-at-a-remote-seminar http://l24.lt/en/society/item/410301-key-requirements-of-the-anti-deforestation-regulation-presented-at-a-remote-seminar Key requirements of the Anti-Deforestation Regulation presented at a remote seminar

The Ministry of the Environment held a webinar for companies supplying food, timber, and other products to discuss the specifics of the new European Union Anti-Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). The event was attended by around 300 representatives of Lithuanian companies.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 90% of global deforestation is caused by the expansion of agricultural land, which leads to the deforestation associated with various raw materials and the products made from them. The European Commission estimates that the European Union is the largest global importer of such products, meaning that by importing them, the EU indirectly contributes to worldwide deforestation.

To reduce the EU’s impact on deforestation, the European Union adopted the Anti-Deforestation Regulation (Regulation (EU) No 2023/1115 of the European Parliament and of the Council). This regulation introduces strict requirements regarding the trade of products that have a significant impact on deforestation.

The EUDR will affect many companies and applies to different groups of products sold. It specifically targets companies dealing with the commodities listed in Annex I of the Regulation, which include products derived from wood, soy, coffee, cocoa, olive oil, cattle, and rubber. Before selling these products, companies must ensure they are free from deforestation, that they have been produced legally, and they must submit a notification to this effect in an information system set up by the European Commission for this purpose.

In the notification, companies must not only confirm that the products comply with EUDR but also provide documentation or other reliable evidence to prove it. The notification will also need to include specific geographical coordinates of the location where the raw materials were sourced, to verify that no deforestation has occurred. Implementing this requirement poses significant challenges due to the diverse range of products and the complexity of supply chains.

With the Regulation set to take effect at the beginning of next year, time is running out for companies to prepare for its proper implementation, and several of its requirements have raised concerns.

Many businesses, EU Member States, and countries worldwide have expressed doubts about their ability to comply with these strict requirements within the given timeframe. They have called on the European Commission to delay the implementation of the Regulation. However, the European Commission has no plans to postpone the Regulation and does not intend to introduce any amendments.

One of the most pressing concerns regarding the timely implementation of the EUDR is the information system being developed by the European Commission. This system is intended to help monitor compliance with the Regulation. The European Commission plans to present this system to the competent authorities of EU Member States in late September and will provide remote training for all system users in October. The Ministry of the Environment will inform Lithuanian companies about the schedule for this training.

However, the system is not expected to be fully operational until December, leaving very little time to resolve any potential issues and train users effectively.

During the webinar, Ministry of the Environment specialists assured companies that they will provide written answers to their questions and offer guidance in case of any uncertainties.

https://am.lrv.lt/

 

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[email protected] (Raimund) Society Fri, 18 Oct 2024 16:40:14 +0300
Lithuania purchases extra Vilkas Infantry Fighting Vehicles http://l24.lt/en/society/item/410239-lithuania-purchases-extra-vilkas-infantry-fighting-vehicles http://l24.lt/en/society/item/410239-lithuania-purchases-extra-vilkas-infantry-fighting-vehicles Lithuania purchases extra Vilkas Infantry Fighting Vehicles

The Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) signed a contract with the German ARTEC consortium on behalf of Lithuania last week on acquisition of additional 27 pieces of the Boxer-Vilkas Infantry Fighting Vehicle for the Lithuanian Armed Forces to successfully complete the first phase of IFV acquisition.

“The Lithuanian Armed Forces have been upgrading at a quick pace over the past four years: we have significant improvements to land maneuver and combat power, indirect fire support and air defence capabilities. The new batch of the “Wolves” dedicated for the Infantry Brigade Iron Wolf will not only raise the quality of task implementation but will also add possibilities for IFV driver training, command and control and demining,” said Minister of National Defence Laurynas Kasčiūnas.

The Lithuanian Armed Forces have already accepted the previously purchased 89 Boxer-Vilkas Infantry Fighting Vehicles which have been used to fully equip the Lithuanian Grand Duke Algirdas Infantry Battalion and the Grand Duchess Birutė Uhlan Battalion of the Infantry Brigade Iron Wolf. The vehicles are intensely used in support of combat readiness activities.

The additional purchase will cost up to EUR 370 million covering also the logistical enablers besides the IFV –spare parts, maintenance equipment, training courses, etc. The purchase is planned to be delivered in 2027-2029.

The Vilkas Infantry Fighting Vehicles are produced by the German ARTEC consortium. In line with the requirements provided by the Lithuanian Armed Forces, the vehicles are equipped with Israeli-made remote weapon station turrets, U.S.-made 30 mm MK-44S cannons and Israel’s Spike LR anti-tank missiles, as well as other integrated specialized equipment and electronic systems. The contract is implemented under supervision of the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation.

Lithuania is a member of the international OCCAR BOXER Programme. The Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation manages and im0plements procurements, represent the buyers in negotiations with the manufacturers and in further contacts over the production period. The OCCAR BOXER Programme includes Lithuania, Germany, Netherland sand the United Kingdom.

www.kam.lt

 

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[email protected] (Raimund) Society Thu, 17 Oct 2024 16:23:23 +0300
Data on interceptions of aircraft completed near the Baltic States' borders on October 7–13, 2024 http://l24.lt/en/society/item/410206-data-on-interceptions-of-aircraft-completed-near-the-baltic-states-borders-on-october-7-13-2024 http://l24.lt/en/society/item/410206-data-on-interceptions-of-aircraft-completed-near-the-baltic-states-borders-on-october-7-13-2024 Data on interceptions of aircraft completed near the Baltic States' borders on October 7–13, 2024

On October 7 – 13 detachment of the NATO Air Policing Mission in the Baltic states were scrambled twice: once to intercept aircraft violating aviation regulations, and also to patrol the international airspace over the Baltic Sea.

On October 11 NATO fighter aircraft conducted patrolling of the international airspace over the Baltic Sea.

On October 11 NATO fighter jets were also scrambled to intercept an unidentified object. The search did not result in any aerial target to be identified and the NATO aircraft proceeded to a training status scramble.

www.kam.lt

 

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[email protected] (Raimund) Society Wed, 16 Oct 2024 15:53:06 +0300