On March 2 a bilateral agreement on cooperation in the area of cybersecurity was signed in Jerusalem between the Ministry of National Defence of Lithuania and the Israel National Cyber Directorate.

Parliament’s Environment Committee agrees to an ambitious reduction of fluorinated greenhouse gases emissions, to further contribute to EU’s climate neutrality goal.

On 27 and 28 February 2023, Minister of Energy of the Republic of Lithuania Dainius Kreivys took part in the informal meeting of the EU transport, telecommunications and energy ministers in Stockholm (Sweden). The ministers discussed the planned reform of the market in electricity and preparations for the next winter season in order to ensure access to energy resources and security of supply.

In mid-February, construction work for the aircraft de-icing fluid recycling plant at Vilnius Airport began. According to representatives of Lithuanian Airports, the plant, which will be operational in the second half of this year, will enable the airport to carry out the necessary aircraft preparation procedures in a more advanced manner, which at the same time are more environmentally sustainable. The construction of the building and the installation of the necessary technological equipment will be carried out by “Arionex LT”, with a total project investment of EUR 2.9 million (excluding VAT).

Minister of Transport and Communications Marius Skuodis left for a three-day visit to Sweden to attend an informal meeting of European Union (EU) transport ministers in Stockholm, he will also meet with Swedish Minister for Infrastructure Andreas Carlson.

Lithuania will be a candidate for the Executive Council of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (WTO) for the period 2023-2027. This decision of the Ministry of the Economy and Innovation was approved today by the Government.

A new public space is planned in Pilaitė neighbourhood of the capital, next to the newly built St. Joseph’s Church and the Pilaitė Gymnasium opened up last year. The square will be open to everyone – parishioners and residents of Pilaitė living nearby will be welcome to come here to relax, meet and organise events in the square.

The Vilnius City Council approved new provisions for the infrastructure development levy –builders and developers of real estate will be exempted from paying the levy when the building which they build is of public use, i.e. it meets the criteria for social infrastructure, but is funded with other than municipal funds. This means that the exemption from the infrastructure development levy would apply to private developers for the construction of public libraries, museums, schools, kindergartens, hospitals, clinics, sports halls, stadiums and other sports facilities. To qualify for the exemption, the developer will have to commit to not changing the purpose of the object for five years.

A new Entry - Exit System (EES) is planned to be launched at border posts this year. This will directly affect third-country citizens entering the European Union (Schengen area) for the first time, who will have to undergo an additional registration procedure before crossing the border. This upcoming change will also require new infrastructure and space at border crossing points, and all Lithuanian airports are among the first in Europe to have already made these necessary changes to prepare for the start of the system.

The capital of the country will apply to become the European Green Capital in 2025 as the Vilnius City Council approved the idea today. The European Commission awards the title for excellence in 7 areas that are important for the quality of life of citizens, from air and water quality to biodiversity and adaptation to climate change.