US pressures diplomats to drop conference critical of Trump
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Lithuania faces diplomatic pressure from the United States to withdraw support for a conference in Vilnius that included criticism of Donald Trump and discussions on US interference in other countries' politics. This comes as new findings in a "Kaunas incident" suggest dangerous connections leading to Russia, escalating concerns about national security and foreign influence.
Domestically, the government has approved the 2027 state budget, outlining projected increases in pensions, benefits, and salaries, although not all education sector employees are satisfied with the proposed wage hikes. Meanwhile, a scientist previously awarded by President Gitanas Nausėda is now under investigation by prosecutors for alleged sexual harassment.
In other news, Vilnius municipality plans tax breaks for businesses affected by ongoing city improvements, and a new law aims to limit the Moscow Patriarch's influence in Lithuania. The company Litilit has opened a new laser factory in Vilnius, set to double ultrafast laser production, while a Canadian firm has acquired a Lithuanian geospatial systems manufacturer.