Posts Tagged ‘Lithuania’
Lithuanian Lasers Power Space and Quantum Projects
The first Lithuanian laser in space, contributions to Mars atmosphere missions, and joint projects with the European Space Agency (ESA) in quantum technologies – these are among the achievements of Integrated Optics, a Lithuanian laser company. Its compact lasers have opened doors to space, supported by the Innovation Agency.
Compactness and proven reliability led a University of Vienna mission to choose an Integrated Optics laser.
“When we talk about space technologies, every extra gram of a device significantly increases costs, so extremely efficient and compact solutions are required. The same applies in the field of quantum computing – one of the barriers there is the size of optical instruments. Our laser, which is the smallest on the market, is perfectly suited for quantum computation experiments in space. In the future, if everything goes according to plan, another of our lasers will head to Mars to study its atmosphere using a special LiDAR instrument,” says Evaldas Pabrėža, CEO of Integrated Optics.
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Originally published on 6 Nov
Read MoreConstruction of the Rheinmetall ammunition plant in Baisogala launched with an official ceremony
The joint German-Lithuanian 155-mm artillery ammunition plant near Baisogala is scheduled to commence operations by the end of 2026. This strategic facility will bolster Lithuania’s defence industry capabilities and contribute to ensuring national security. Today, 4 November, Minister of Energy Žygimantas Vaičiūnas took part in the symbolic ceremony marking the commencement of construction of the plant.
During the ceremonial launch, President of the Republic of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda, Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė, Minister of Economy and Innovation Edvinas Grikšas, Minister of Energy Žygimantas Vaičiūnas, EPSO-G Group CEO Mindaugas Keizeris, and Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger symbolically marked the start of construction work on the facility.
“Energy goes beyond the boundaries of this sector. Today, energy security and national security are two inextricably linked areas. The EPSO-G Group has demonstrated its leadership by implementing strategic energy projects, such as the synchronisation with the continental European network, and is now doing so again by participating in a project of significance for both Lithuania’s and Europe’s security, while also integrating renewable energy,” says Minister of Energy Žygimantas Vaičiūnas.
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Originally published on 4 Nov
Read MoreLithuania secures €300 million EIB loan to boost defence on EU’s eastern border
In yet another major step to reinforce European security, the European Investment Bank (EIB) is providing €300 million to the Lithuanian government for investments in military infrastructure. The loan marks a strategic milestone in reinforcing the EU’s eastern border, where Lithuania plays a key role in NATO’s collective defence and rapid-response capabilities.
The financing will help Lithuania strengthen its defence capabilities through investments in key areas: harbour boats for piloting and towing, medical transport and equipment, and new infrastructure for residential, administrative, training, transport and logistics needs. The upgrades will support the Lithuanian Armed Forces and help meet North Atlantic Treaty Organization commitments.
The signed loan is part of a broader €500 million investment package approved by the EIB for this operation. It complements a €540 million loan approved earlier this year for the NATO military base in Rūdninkai, along with advisory support. Together, this brings EIB Group support for Lithuania’s defence to over €1 billion in 2025.
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Originally published on 7 Nov
Read MoreFrom Vilnius to Europe: How Fleet Digitalization Is Shaping the Future of Mobility
The strength of modern mobility and logistics lies in its ability to efficiently move goods, services, and data. Europe’s competitiveness relies on this kind of innovation, but it currently faces the challenges of fragmented technology, rising operational expenses, and a shrinking workforce.
Modern transport and logistics operations, from supply chains to digital platforms, are drowning in data. Yet integration remains limited, leaving many systems and teams working in isolation. Fleet digitalization — the transformation of traditional, manual fleet management into a connected, data-driven system through technologies like telematics, software, and AI — is becoming a key process for restoring control and efficiency by connecting data, systems, and people into one coordinated ecosystem.
Lithuania is leading this charge as one of the fastest-moving hubs for logistics and telematics. Many of these pain points were echoed at the Telematics & Connected Mobility Conference 2025 in Vilnius, hosted by Gurtam, where international industry leaders and engineers explored how smarter integration of devices, software, and data strategies can enhance Europe’s competitiveness.
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Originally published on 5 Nov
Read MoreInvestment Highway takes effect: Lithuania opens Europe’s fastest development track
Lithuania is transforming the timelines for strategic investment development in Europe. The country’s Investment Highway initiative, entering into force on November 1, 2025, enables large-scale projects to progress from initial decision to active construction in as little as three months, thus positioning Lithuania as one of Europe’s most agile investment destinations.
Accelerating pre-construction timelines
The Investment Highway removes traditional bureaucratic bottlenecks in territorial planning and construction permitting processes. Qualifying investors can begin building immediately after publishing a construction notice, while permitting proceeds in the background. The framework also enables phased construction, allowing work to commence on completed sections of the technical project while other components remain in design. These changes deliver substantial time savings compared to previous timelines, where the journey from site selection to construction could stretch up to three years.
In practice, this means pre-construction timelines shrink by up to 50% for all large-scale projects – from 36 months down to around 19 months. Projects establishing operations in Lithuania’s seven Free Economic Zones, where territorial planning is already complete, can break ground even faster, reducing timelines from 24 months to just 9 months. Defence sector projects benefit from the most dramatic acceleration: timelines compress from 36 months to just 3 months in non-urbanised areas and from 36 months to 10 months in urbanised locations.
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Originally published on 3 Nov
Read MoreThe Baltic states must move towards a unified economic and political identity
On Thursday, October 30, Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa and Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene met with representatives of the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and the Lithuanian Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Crafts (ALCCIC), as well as representatives of entrepreneurs from both countries, focusing on the conclusions of the study “Baltic Tiger” and the idea of a joint global brand for the Baltic States.
During the meeting, the main conclusions of the study “Baltic Tiger” conducted by the Latvian Institute for Strategic and Economic Studies “LaSer” were presented. The author of the study, Professor Daunis Auers, pointed out that in order for the Baltic countries to maintain their growth rate and security stability, deeper integration is needed in four areas: defense, diplomacy, functional cooperation, and joint branding. The study shows that the potential of the Baltic region increases when the countries act as a single player rather than three separate economies. Closer integration and a shared economic vision can become the main drivers of growth in the region. The author also emphasized the importance of the Nordic countries’ experience—close cooperation and joint solutions have helped to strengthen economic and political stability.
“The economies of Latvia and Lithuania are closely linked, and we have ample opportunities to deepen cooperation, especially in the defense industry and the digital sector. With a more favorable environment for entrepreneurs, closer economic cooperation, and fewer bureaucratic obstacles, we can increase the international competitiveness of the Baltic region,” said Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa.
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Originally published on 30 Oct
Read MoreAlfonso Faubel re-elected as Ignitis grupė supervisory board chair
Second term as the chair for experienced executive and board member
Alfonso Faubel has been elected to a second term as chair of the Ignitis grupė supervisory board.
Alfonso brings 36 years of experience in the energy and automotive industries and digitalisation to the position. He is valued for his skills in business turnaround, improving operations and working with teams in various cultural environments on assignments worldwide.
He has spent the past decade gathering experience in the energy sector, focusing in particular on wind energy, while working at the leading global players in the market.
Alfonso has held executive responsibilities at Siemens Gamesa and Alstom/GE, where he was senior vice-president responsible for launching in 16 new markets.
Connect with Alfonso on LinkedIn
Read MoreThe Baltic Pavilion at EXPO 2025 Osaka: Recognised Among the Best
The Baltic Pavilion at EXPO 2025 Osaka has already welcomed around 800,000 visitors — a strong sign of its growing popularity. Its success has also been confirmed on the international stage: at the TEDA Awards, organised by the Experience Design Association, the pavilion won 2nd place in the Visitor’s Choice category and 5th place for Best Mascot.
The TEDA “Expolympics” competition highlights the most creative, innovative and impactful experiential design solutions at EXPO. This year, more than 160 countries and organisations are taking part.
“Visitor interest in the Baltic Pavilion has been strong from the very first days of the Expo, and we are delighted that the way we present Lithuania and the Baltic region has also been recognised by the international jury. Our aim was not only to capture attention, but also to build lasting connections — combining modernity and innovation with elements that reveal our identity and uniqueness. Standing out among so many participating countries is no easy task, and we are proud that Lithuania has succeeded,”
– Lina Antanavičienė, Commissioner General of the Lithuanian Pavilion at EXPO 2025 and Ambassador
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Originally published on 24 Sep
Read MoreNIB backs infrastructure upgrades at Lithuanian airports
NIB and Lithuanian Airports have agreed on a loan of EUR 20 million for the company’s 2025–2028 investment plan. The investments aim to enhance operational efficiency and strengthen Lithuania’s aviation sector’s long-term development.
A significant share of the financing will go towards constructing a multi-level parking facility at Vilnius Airport, which will help ease passenger flow and improve accessibility. In addition, the company will upgrade its ground transport fleet by acquiring new loaders, tractors, snow removal vehicles, sweepers, and other equipment to ensure smooth operations in all weather conditions.
The investment plan also includes the purchase of electric buses and charging infrastructure, making passenger transfers more sustainable.
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Originally published on 17 Sep
Read MoreKlaipėda Port Prepares for Lithuania’s Offshore Wind Ambitions
Work is underway at the Port of Klaipėda on a major project that supports Lithuania’s plans to develop offshore wind farms. In the area of the former International Ferry Terminal, quays are now being constructed.
“Klaipėda Port is moving with Lithuania’s ambitions to build offshore wind parks in the Baltic Sea. We’re preparing to become a key base for this project – setting up areas where turbine components can be assembled, handled and stored. Right now, in the southern part of the port at the former International Ferry Terminal, the constructor Tilsta is carrying out the first stage of infrastructure works – reconstructing quays,” says Algis Latakas, CEO of the Klaipėda State Seaport Authority.
Back in May 2022, the Klaipėda Port Authority and cargo handling company Klasco signed an investment agreement, launching the development of port infrastructure needed for Lithuania’s future offshore wind projects.
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Originally published on 22 Sep
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