Lithuanian artist Lion Ceccah has taken to the stage in Vienna for his first technical rehearsal ahead of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. The session marks a key milestone in the country's preparations for the international music competition, as delegations begin fine-tuning their performances at the host venue.
The Port of Klaipėda in Lithuania has officially received a construction completion certificate for its inaugural green hydrogen production facility. This milestone marks a significant step toward the port's goal of decarbonizing maritime operations and integrating sustainable energy solutions into its infrastructure, moving the project closer to full operational status.
The European Innovation Council and the Research Council of Lithuania held an information session in Vilnius to detail funding opportunities for innovators. The event provided guidance on EIC programs, including Pathfinder, Transition, and Accelerator schemes, aimed at supporting high-risk, high-impact research and deep-tech startups in Lithuania and across Europe.
The U.S. State Department has approved a potential $214 million foreign military sale of AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder missiles to Lithuania. This acquisition is designed to bolster Lithuania's national security and enhance its existing NASAMS air defense capabilities, strengthening the Baltic nation's defensive posture within the NATO alliance.
Lithuania and Latvia have reportedly denied Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico permission to transit their airspace for a planned trip to Moscow to attend Victory Day celebrations. The decision highlights ongoing diplomatic tensions regarding travel to Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung has reaffirmed commitment to deepening economic ties with Lithuania. The proposed action plan focuses on strengthening collaboration in strategic sectors, including semiconductors, lasers, and biotechnology, building on the growing partnership between the two sides.
Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė visited Azerbaijan for high-level talks with President Ilham Aliyev. The visit focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation, exploring economic opportunities, and discussing regional developments between the two nations. The meetings aimed to deepen political dialogue and expand partnerships in key sectors.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda has declared that any potential dialogue with Belarus is contingent upon Minsk halting state-sponsored illegal migration and smuggling. The statement underscores Lithuania's firm stance on border security amid ongoing tensions between the two nations, emphasizing that goodwill gestures from Belarus are a prerequisite for normalizing relations.
The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe has issued a report recommending that Lithuania enhance local self-government. The body calls for clearer allocation of responsibilities between state and local levels to ensure effective governance and greater financial autonomy for municipalities across the country.
Latvia's Ministry of Defense has identified a coordinated Russian disinformation campaign targeting Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. The effort focuses on spreading false narratives regarding alleged airspace violations, aiming to undermine regional security and public trust in the Baltic states.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda has confirmed that the country will not change the name of the Taiwanese Representative Office in Vilnius. The office, which opened in 2021, has been a point of diplomatic contention with China. Nauseda emphasized that the government maintains its current position regarding the office's designation.
Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene has publicly questioned the economic performance of the country's representative office in Taiwan. The statement highlights ongoing discussions within the Lithuanian government regarding the tangible trade benefits resulting from the diplomatic initiative, which has previously strained relations with Beijing.
Lithuania has officially revealed an ambitious and technologically advanced staging concept for its upcoming Eurovision 2026 performance in Vienna. The design aims to push the boundaries of visual storytelling through innovative use of lighting, projection mapping, and interactive elements, marking a significant creative shift for the nation's entry.
Vilnius Mayor Valdas Benkunskas has highlighted rising social tensions in Lithuania attributed to an influx of Russian-speaking individuals. The mayor emphasized the challenges of integration and the impact on local communities, calling for increased attention to the social dynamics resulting from the demographic shift in the capital city and across the country.
Lithuanian venture capital firm FIRSTPICK has officially launched a new 25 million euro fund. The initiative is dedicated to supporting early-stage startups across the Baltic region, providing essential capital and acceleration programs to foster innovation and growth in the local technology ecosystem.
Lithuanian singer-songwriter Lion Ceccah, also known as Tomas Alenčikas, has been confirmed as Lithuania's representative for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. He secured the spot by winning the national selection show, Eurovizija.LT 2026, with his song 'Sólo quiero más'. The contest will take place in Vienna, Austria, with the Grand Final scheduled for May 16, 2026.
Nøra Blu has won the Eurovizija.LT 2026 wildcard round with her song 'Hold My Own', earning the eleventh and final spot in Lithuania's national selection final for the Eurovision Song Contest. The wildcard winner was determined by online public voting, and Nøra Blu will now compete in the Grand Final on February 27 in Vilnius.
Lithuania has finalized the acquisition of 500 American-made Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs) from Oshkosh Defense, with the final units delivered on February 18, 2026. This significant procurement, initiated in 2019, enhances the nation's military mobility, protection, and combat power, strengthening NATO's eastern flank.
Lithuania is considering a direct critical minerals agreement with the United States, driven by concerns over the European Union's slow progress in finalizing a joint partnership. This strategic move aims to secure vital resources for Lithuania's growing defense and engineering sectors and reduce reliance on China.
Ryanair has announced a new direct flight route linking Zadar, Croatia, with Kaunas, Lithuania. Operating from June to September, the service will provide seven flights per week, with a flight duration of approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes, utilizing Boeing 737 aircraft.
