Accommodation reservation system Booking.com is increasing its presence in Lithuania.

When planning the future investments of the European Union, their effect in both economic and social aspects must be considered. Lithuanian Minister of Social Security and Labour Algimanta Pabedinskiene highlighted these aspects during the political debates of the ministers on the Annual Growth Survey held at the EU Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (EPSCO).

The Bank of Lithuania, jointly with the European Central Bank (ECB) and other central banks of the Eurosystem as of 9 March 3015 is undertaking an expanded asset purchase programme. Under this programme, the central banks of the Eurosystem will buy bonds issued by euro area governments, agencies and European institutions in the secondary market.

The number of Lithuanians, who accumulate pensions in the second and third pillar pension funds, grew to record heights in 2014.

Lithuanian airline company Air Lituanica is expanding its business in Germany - as of 30 April the city of Hamburg will be added to the regular flight schedule with flights operated three times a week.

Education plays an important role in empowering women and girls, but there are still a number of problems to overcome. The European Parliament wants to draw attention to this by dedicating this year's International Women's Day, which is held every 8 March, to the role played by education in achieving equality.

In 2014, 2.4 million of tourists stayed at Lithuanian accommodation establishments, or by 8.2% more than in 2013. The number of foreign tourist in accommodation establishments of the country increased to 1.3 million, the number of local tourists exceeded 1 million.

The Eurobarometer survey carried out in January revealed that 59% of the polled Lithuanians went on holiday abroad in 2014.

The Ministry of Agriculture has prepared draft rules for the setting-up of young farmers based on 2014-2020 Lithuania's Rural Development Programme. In 2015, farmers may claim EUR 20 million from the European Union Structural Support.

Last Thursday a Mass was celebrated in the Gates of Dawn during which citizens thanked for the good results of the Electoral Action of Poles in Lithuania in the elections of council members and mayors.