AGP Executive Report

Religious Influence: Opposition lawmakers have proposed denying state recognition to religious groups linked to sanctioned entities or seen as security threats, citing Moscow Patriarchate influence in Lithuania. The bills would also review church property rights. Border Security: Lithuania is extending heightened protection along its Kaliningrad border until mid-November, with about 100 soldiers deployed amid concerns over possible illegal crossings. Defence Cooperation: Lithuanian firm Pekkla and Ukraine’s December1 plan to produce Damba anti-drone systems in Lithuania from 2027, with supplies intended for Ukraine’s armed forces. EU Trade Policy: President Gitanas Nausėda backed giving the EU power to block market access in response to unfair trade practices, as leaders asked the Commission to develop proposals by year’s end. Belarus Opposition: At the Vilnius Freedom Summit, Nobel laureate Ales Bialiatski said there was no basis to speak of a thaw in Belarus and called for an end to repression and political persecution.

Ukraine Defence: Lithuania and Ukrainian firm December1 plan to produce Damba anti-drone electronic-warfare systems in Lithuania from 2027, with the equipment destined for Ukraine’s armed forces. Border Security: Vilnius is extending heightened military protection along its Kaliningrad border until mid-November, citing possible illegal crossings; about 100 soldiers have been deployed there since early October. EU Priorities: President Gitanas Nausėda wants stronger funding for the EU’s eastern border and military mobility, opposing proposed cuts to transport and defence spending. He also backs an EU-wide ban on Russian grain transit through Baltic ports to increase pressure on Moscow. Democratic Solidarity: The Vilnius Freedom Summit brought officials and democracy advocates together to coordinate support for people facing authoritarian rule.**

Democratic Solidarity: Vilnius hosted the Freedom Summit, where Lithuanian officials, activists and former political prisoners discussed resisting authoritarianism. Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya urged democracies to stay united, while also meeting recently released prisoners now rebuilding their lives in Lithuania. Russia Sanctions: Lithuania will keep asset freezes on Russian billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman in place through 2027, despite their removal from the EU sanctions list. Defence and Security: Lithuania is seeking to label Russia’s military intelligence agency a terrorist organisation and plans to extend enhanced border security. A new Lithuanian-Ukrainian venture will produce electronic-warfare systems for Ukraine from 2027; meanwhile, US rotational troops have arrived in Lithuania. EU Trade: President Gitanas Nausėda backed stronger EU powers to block imports in response to severe unfair trade practices, including a possible market-wide cutoff.

Russian Grain and Sanctions: Lithuania’s President Gitanas Nausėda urged EU leaders to consider blocking Russian grain exports through Baltic Sea ports, while Baltic leaders pressed for an EU-wide ban on Russian grain transit. Lithuania is also seeking to designate Russia’s military intelligence agency as a terrorist organisation and has frozen assets linked to oligarchs Mikhail Fridman and Alisher Usmanov. Border Defence: Up to 100 U.S. troops have arrived in Pabradė, with two battalions expected by mid-November. Lithuania is also proposing faster approval for strategically important private defence-industry projects. Vilnius Freedom Summit: Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya called on democracies to unite against authoritarian regimes at a summit hosted by Lithuania’s Foreign Ministry and Freedom House. EU Budget: Lithuania joined the Friends of Cohesion in opposing deep cuts to the bloc’s 2028–2034 budget, as leaders remained divided over its size and priorities.

US Military Presence: Lithuania has offered to cover the cost of a permanent U.S. base, with President Donald Trump saying he would consider the proposal. The offer comes as about 100 U.S. rotational troops arrive and Vilnius seeks to extend Lithuanian military support for border guards near Russia through early November. Russia Sanctions: Lithuania has frozen the assets of Mikhail Fridman and Alisher Usmanov after the EU removed them from its sanctions list; Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys said pressure on Russia and those supporting its war must continue. Ukraine Cooperation: Lithuanian Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas and Ukraine’s Kyrylo Budanov discussed joint weapons production as well as Russia’s attacks on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure. Lithuania is also seeking EU recognition of Russia’s military intelligence agency as a terrorist organisation.

Russia Sanctions: Lithuania froze the assets of Russian oligarchs Mikhail Fridman and Alisher Usmanov under national sanctions after their removal from the EU list, and barred them from entering the country. Security: Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys says Lithuania will seek to designate Russia’s military intelligence agency, the GRU, a terrorist organisation, pending investigations linking it to attacks on civilian infrastructure. Defence: The first US rotational troops have arrived, with two battalions expected to be fully deployed by mid-November. EU Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius also urged countries to protect the bloc’s defence budget ahead of a leaders’ meeting. Migration Policy: Interior Minister Martynas Katelynas proposed banning foreign students from working as self-employed, arguing some use study permits mainly to secure residence and work in Lithuania.

U.S. Deployment: The first troops in a new U.S. rotation have arrived in Lithuania, restarting deployments after a summer gap. President Gitanas Nausėda welcomed the move; the force is expected to grow beyond 1,000 personnel. Defence Readiness: Lithuania is spending more than €33 million to expand military fuel stations and storage for Lithuanian and allied forces, with most facilities due by 2027. Belarus Policy: The Seimas is considering new restrictions on Belarusians, as Lithuania reinforces security along its border with Kaliningrad. Ukraine Support: Lithuania has pledged €1 million to help restore Ukraine’s transport infrastructure and is pressing for faster EU accession talks. Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevicius also called the U.S.-Russia diesel deal shameful, while the EU says its Russia sanctions will remain in place.

Belarus Restrictions: Lithuania’s Seimas has taken up a bill barring Russian and Belarusian citizens and entities from buying property near key national-security sites and from certain public activities. Ninety-three lawmakers backed sending it to committee; debate resumes Nov. 19. Defence: Lithuania is investing more than €33 million in military fuel stations and storage to support its forces and NATO allies, with most new facilities due by 2027. Around 1,000 troops have also begun the Strong Shield exercise in southern Lithuania. Regional Security: Prime Minister Sinkevičius called for faster action on European defence commitments and closer cooperation with Norway, while stressing support for Ukraine. Lithuania also joined a 34-country statement condemning Iranian threats and attacks in Europe. Economy: The IMF forecasts Lithuania will lead Baltic growth this year, at 2.7%, but expects inflation to reach 5.4% before easing to 3.5% in 2027.

Ukraine’s EU Bid: Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys urged the EU to end “artificial delays” to Ukraine’s membership talks, after Kyiv passed legislation on education rights for minorities. Russia Policy: Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius called the reported US-Russia diesel arrangement “shameful” and said allies should ask Ukraine to strike more Russian data centres, responding to concerns about foreign interference in elections. AI Safeguards: Lithuanian lawmakers proposed Civil Code changes to protect people’s voices from being cloned or used without consent, with exemptions for non-misleading parody and satire.

Digital Rights: Lithuanian lawmakers have proposed changes to the Civil Code that would require consent to reproduce or use someone’s voice, including AI-generated imitations. Parody and satire would be exempt if they do not mislead or violate privacy and reputation. Russia Sanctions: Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys urged the EU to designate Russia’s military intelligence agency, the GRU, as a terrorist organisation. The bloc approved its 22nd sanctions package, adding nearly 1,600 Russian-linked listings. Hybrid Threats: Four men are on trial in Warsaw accused of carrying out arson attacks in Poland and Lithuania on Russian orders, including a fire at an IKEA store in Vilnius. Defence: Lithuania’s economy minister is in Italy to discuss joint projects in defence, cybersecurity, AI and counter-drone systems. Separately, NATO’s top commander said the alliance would fight back if attacked, while stressing that conflict is not imminent or inevitable. Public Finance: The Finance Ministry and Bank of Lithuania are developing a simpler way for residents to lend money to the state and earn market-based returns.

Nuclear Policy: Lithuania’s parliament has taken a first step toward allowing foreign military bases and weapons of mass destruction by advancing a constitutional amendment. It needs a second vote in January; leaders say there are no immediate plans to host nuclear weapons. EU Sanctions: Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia are urging the EU to ban Russian grain transit and tighten controls on grain taken from occupied Ukrainian territory. Border Security: Lithuania is sending troops to reinforce its border with Russia’s Kaliningrad region after an armed incursion from Belarus into Latvia raised alarm across the Baltics. Defence Spending: The government has earmarked €4.8 billion for defence in 2027, as Lithuania takes delivery of its first US-made Switchblade 600 drones. Domestic Safety: Lithuania’s Jewish community leader says repeated threats against a synagogue expose gaps in protection for community facilities.

Russian Grain: Lithuania and its Baltic neighbours are urging the EU to ban Russian grain transit, arguing the bloc must not help Moscow profit from its invasion of Ukraine. Ukraine welcomed the initiative. Rising Antisemitism: Lithuania’s Jewish community leader says it has received three threats to blow up a synagogue and kill Jews, warning that community sites lack adequate security. Border Security: Lithuania has deployed troops near the Kaliningrad border after masked men entered Latvia from Belarus and damaged surveillance equipment. The government has also earmarked €4.8 billion for defence in 2027. Political Violence: A trial has begun in Lithuania over an alleged plot to assassinate political figures; a Belarusian is among the defendants.

Community Safety: Lithuania’s Jewish community leader Faina Kukliansky says synagogues and other Jewish institutions have received three bomb threats and lack adequate security, urging authorities to act before anyone is harmed. Russia and Security: Lithuania plans to send up to 100 troops to strengthen its border with Kaliningrad after an armed breach from Belarus into Latvia. The government has also earmarked €4.8 billion for defence in 2027. Nuclear Policy: The Seimas has backed, in a first reading, a constitutional amendment that would lift Lithuania’s ban on nuclear weapons on its territory, drawing warnings from Moscow. EU and Russia: Lithuania is pressing the EU to ban Russian grain transit through European ports, arguing that Russia attacks Ukrainian ports while exporting grain through the Baltic states.

Crypto Oversight: Lithuania’s tax authority has aligned reporting rules for crypto platforms with EU standards, requiring them to collect users’ identity, tax-residency and transaction data. Russian Grain: Lithuania and its Baltic neighbours are urging the EU to ban Russian grain transit, arguing Moscow should not profit from EU routes while attacking Ukraine’s ports and export infrastructure. Border Security: Lithuania has sent troops to reinforce its border with Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave amid heightened regional tensions. Defence Policy: The Seimas has advanced, at first reading, a constitutional change that would lift the ban on stationing nuclear weapons in Lithuania. The government has also earmarked €4.8 billion for defence in 2027, while Vilnius says it could pay for a permanent US military base. Disinformation Dispute: Lithuania’s Foreign Ministry withdrew support for the Vilnius Disinfo2026 conference after a panel examining the US as a source of foreign information interference drew US objections.

Disinformation Debate: Lithuania withdrew its support for the Disinfo2026 conference in Vilnius after a panel questioned whether the US could be a source of foreign information interference, adding to controversy over pressure from Washington. Russian Grain: Lithuania’s president joined Estonia’s and Latvia’s leaders in urging the EU to ban Russian grain transit, arguing Moscow should not profit from trade routes while attacking Ukrainian exports. Border Security: Lithuania is sending troops to strengthen its border with Russia’s Kaliningrad region after armed men crossed from Belarus into Latvia and damaged surveillance equipment. Defence: The armed forces received their first US-made Switchblade 600 drones, while the 2027 budget earmarks €4.8 billion for defence. Separately, the Seimas has backed the first step towards lifting the constitutional ban on nuclear weapons being stationed in Lithuania, drawing warnings from Moscow. Press Freedom: Culture Minister Lukas Alsys condemned intimidation of investigative journalists following a campaign targeting 15min staff after their reporting on crypto-finance firm Bankera.

Russian Grain: Lithuania will urge the EU to ban Russian grain transit and sanction agricultural figures backing the war. Baltic leaders say Russia is attacking Ukrainian export routes while using European infrastructure to ship its own grain; Vilnius is tightening checks on grain origins. Defence: Lithuania has received its first Switchblade 600 loitering munitions and plans about €4.8 billion for defence in 2027. Border Security: Up to 100 troops are set to reinforce the border with Russia’s Kaliningrad region after masked men crossed from Belarus into Latvia and damaged surveillance equipment. Nuclear Policy: Lithuania’s parliament has advanced a constitutional change that could allow nuclear weapons on its territory, drawing warnings from Moscow. Disinformation Conference: Lithuania, Canada and the EU withdrew sponsorship from a Vilnius conference after controversy over a panel examining US disinformation; the EU says its decision was based on the programme, not US pressure.