As Vilnius rushes to polish its streets and historic halls before taking the helm of the Council of the EU in 2027, officials have admitted that deeper structural challenges — from building a “universal defence” system to integrating Russian speakers and avoiding a digital identity crisis — demand immediate attention.
A country prepares its house for guests
With Lithuania set to hold the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2027, the capital is undergoing a meticulous makeover. Parliament Speaker Juozas Olekas confirmed that the Seimas is refurbishing its premises, including the historic March 11 Hall, to welcome European dignitaries. “When guests come, you always put your house in order,” he remarked.
The main events in Vilnius will be hosted at the Litexpo exhibition centre, while the most disruptive street works are scheduled for completion before New Year’s Eve. Mayor Valdas Benkunskas struck a confident note on the city’s readiness: “Everything is on schedule, and there are no serious problems today.”
“We have yet to build it”: Push for universal defence
Beyond infrastructure, the government is wrestling with matters of national resilience. Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius stated bluntly that Lithuania needs an effective universal defence system — and that it does not yet exist. An initiative group has urged the government to assume a leading role by establishing a clear legal and organisational framework, including a dedicated Universal Defence Centre. “Lithuania needs an effective universal defence system. We have yet to create it,” the prime minister said.
Interior Minister Martynas Katelinas has taken a firm stance on Brussels policy, arguing that the new EU Pact on Migration and Asylum restricts the operational freedom of border guards and must not be allowed to compromise national security. He signalled that Lithuania might use its 2027 presidency to push for a revision of certain provisions. “The Pact on Migration and Asylum must not call state security into question,” the minister emphasised.
Language at home and on the street
In a related push for social cohesion, Katelinas also proposed that foreigners arriving in Lithuania should be required to reach a certain level of proficiency in the Lithuanian language within a fixed timeframe.
The minister noted a perceptible shift in the linguistic landscape of the capital. “I see for myself in Vilnius that there is indeed more Russian on the streets,” he said. He added that the country must simultaneously tackle the integration of residents who, despite 36 years of restored independence, still cannot speak Lithuanian fluently.
Cancer drugs and digital wallets
On the domestic policy front, the government is preparing to expand its list of compensated medicines from September 1. Nine new drugs will be covered for the treatment of various cancers, alongside medication for patients with severe cardiovascular conditions and high cholesterol, as well as a growth disorder treatment for children. The compensation scheme for these drugs is projected to cost approximately €13.3 million from September to December, with the treatments becoming available once contracts with manufacturers are finalised.
Meanwhile, a tight digital deadline looms. By December 22, all EU member states are required to offer citizens a digital identity document accessible via a dedicated app and recognised across the bloc. The system is later expected to accommodate driving licences, health insurance data, and electronic prescriptions. However, project preparation in Lithuania is running behind schedule, and the country risks failing to launch the system on time.
Festival season offers a break from politics
As the corridors of power hum with urgent policy talk, Vilnius is also preparing to unwind. The city will host the Vilniaus dienos festival from September 4 to 6. Gediminas Avenue and Vincas Kudirka Square will feature an art, craft, and food market, while Cathedral Square transforms into a literary hub.
A sports festival will animate Lukiškės Square and the area near the White Bridge, with concerts held across four stages. Among this year’s innovations is Vilniaus naktys, a programme dedicated to night-time culture. The full programme is yet to be unveiled, with up-to-date information published on vilniausdienos.lt and the festival’s social media channels.
