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December 13, 2019             

POLITICS
L. Linkevičius: EU has to be more active in the field of human rights


On 9 December in Brussels, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Linas Linkevičius attended the Foreign Affairs Council, which focused on human rights issues and the EU-Africa relationship.

“We support the adoption of an EU human rights sanctions regime, which enables the EU to contribute more effectively to the fight against impunity, thus ensuring a safer environment for human rights defenders and journalists”, said the Minister L. Linkevičius.

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The President: climate policy needs sustainable funding


President Gitanas Nausėda met with leaders of the Nordic and Baltic countries before the first working session of the European Council. The meeting focused on climate change policy, multiannual financial framework, implementation of the EU strategic agenda and Brexit.

The President highlighted Lithuania’s determination to shift to a climate-neutral policy by 2050 and support the implementation of innovative and environmentally friendly technologies to achieve this target.

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Minister Linas Linkevičius
Doors wide shut? Tales from our neighbourhood

In a few months, the leaders of the European Union are to return to the question of opening negotiations on EU membership with Albania and North Macedonia. Make no mistake: as we discuss the matter, our credibility is on the line. We already missed an opportunity in October this year. Further, delay could lead to a downward spiral reversing the reform and integration progress achieved in the Western Balkans. Such a turn of events would be against our common interest of a prosperous, secure and united Europe.


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BUSINESS & SCIENCE

The world’s first digital collector coin is on its way!
 Credits @ Lietuvos Bankas

Lithuania's only seaport set to expand


The Lithuanian Cabinet approved on Wednesday a general development plan for the seaport of Klaipėda.

The port will be able to develop its southern part, deepen its navigation channel to 17 metres and, if needed, expand northwards, the government said in a press release.

Total investments in the port's development projects are estimated to be around 635.4 million euros in the short-term and 1.2 billion euros in the long-term.


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World’s first digital collector coin to feature signatories of the Act of Independence


The world‘s first blockchain-based digital collector coin created by the Bank of Lithuania is dedicated to the 16 February 1918 Act of Independence of Lithuania and its 20 signatories. The coin is expected to be issued in spring 2020.

“This innovative coin will feature the signatories due to their significant role in the country’s history and contribution to the restoration of our independence. Quite a few of them could be called innovators of their time, as they created and brought progress to Lithuania,” said Marius Jurgilas, Member of the Board of the Bank of Lithuania.

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Lithuania’s GovTech Lab receives European award



Lithuania’s GovTech Lab initiative won in the 'Prosperity' category at the European Innovation in Politics Awards, according to a press release.

The initiative by Lithuanian Economy and Innovation Ministry aims to encourage the public sector to use startups and new technologies in the private sector to tackle various issues. This, in turn, will help commercialise experimental technology.



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Baltics Have Outperformed Nordics in Terms of per Capita Startup Funding


Baltics are reported to have more than 2000 active startups in total in 2019, despite the small size of the region having around only 6 million inhabitants. The total amount raised by Baltic startups in 2018 is 597.17M eur with Mobility, Blockchain, Fintech, SaaS and Fashion being the most active verticals. Year 2018 brought Estonia the fourth unicorn – Bolt (ex-Taxify), whereas end of 2019 has brought Lithuania it’s first one – Vinted that just raised 128M in late November.

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CULTURE & HISTORY
Spanish documents tell story of Lithuania's striving for recognition after WW1


An exhibition of diplomatic correspondences from Spanish archives documents Lithuania's efforts to be recognised as an independent state after World War One.

The exhibition, hosted by the Lithuanian Central State Archive, opens on Wednesday. The opening is attended by Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevičius, and the document will be handed to the archive's director Dalius Žižys by Spanish Ambassador to Lithuania José María Robles Fraga.

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Christmas fairs in Kaunas: from sustainable living to traditional crafts


There’s more than one festive fair or bazaar going on every weekend in December, and we’ve selected the most interesting and cosy ones in Kaunas.

Christmas shopping is great fun but it can also be tiring, especially if you’re in a new city. There’s more than one festive fair or bazaar going on every weekend in December, and we’ve selected the most interesting and cosy ones. Happy shopping – don’t forget to treat yourself, too. Oh, and don’t forget the Christmas Market at the Town Hall Square is open every single day.

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History of Lithuania published in Hindi



A book on the history of Lithuania has been translated and published in Hindi, a language spoken by some 400 million people in India. Several translators had turned down the job because they didn't know how to translate many Lithuanian place names.

The translation and publication of ‘History of Lithuania’, written by historians Alfonsas Eidintas, Alfredas Bumblauskas, Antanas Kulakauskas and Mindaugas Tamošaitis, was taken up by the Lithuanian embassy in
India.

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Contemporary art show in Paris celebrates centenary of Franco-Lithuanian ties


An exhibition of contemporary Lithuanian artists opened in Paris on Saturday to mark the 100th anniversary of Lithuanian-French diplomatic relations.

The exhibition at the Espace Commines exhibition space includes works by 17 Lithuanian painters, sculptors and photographers.

Edvidas Žukas, the exhibition's curator, says famous French art critic Christian Noorbergen helped him select the pieces for the show.

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December 14
Little Christmas Fair at City Laboratory

Sapiegos park is changing the concept of Christmas fairs this year - instead of a single grand fair City Laboratory is hosting three smaller in scale, with 10 artists from the district of Antakalnis and around to present and share their work in each of the fairs.


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December 19
Match your talent 2019

Let your talent shine brighter! ⭐️
If your talent shines, there is someone who will notice it.

We invite you to participate to the Match Your Talent event.


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December 17 - 22
Holiday Design Square

On a look out for an original, artistic, unique gift for your loved-ones? Holiday Design Square is the right place to start. Numerous artists and creators will present their works at Kudirkos square until Christmas.

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GLOBAL LITHUANIA


 Credits @ Destination Lithuanian America

Destination - Lithuanian America

DESTINATION LITHUANIAN AMERICA interactive online map of the Lithuanian heritage has been created by volunteers of „Global True Lithuania“ who visited all that heritage, marked its locations, took its pictures and heard the stories.

The Lithuanian sites of the USA range from century-old churches to equally-old lavish clubhouses, from monuments and memorial plaques to Lithuanian museums and graves of famous Lithuanians.

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Highlight of the Week
Minister Linas Linkevičius in the discussion "From Renewing Sakharov‘s Hearings To Reviving The Helsinki Spirit Across Europe“

Brussels, Belgium
Photo credits @ Tomas Razmus

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