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- Posted by - 17908(0) Comment2012-12-01+12%3A07%3A530df53x21http%3A%2F%2Fvilnews.com%2F%3Fp%3D17908

KAUNAS

IN FOCUS

Kaunas, Lithuania's second largest city and former capital, is receiving much attention in VilNews this winter. We focus on history, business, culture, innovation, tourism and more. We would also like to hear from you who have your personal Kaunas story to tell...

Send us your Kaunas story!
editor@VilNews.com

Visit Kaunas this winter!

Šančiai (Kaunas), Lithuania, 1925.
Kaunas happiness year 1925.
Photo: http://amberreunion.blogspot.com/2011/10/adorable-child-with-bow.html

Why not visit Kaunas this advent? Let’s give you some good reasons. See below.

Kaunas – the taste of real Lithuania!

By Arnas Menciūnas,
Kauno turizmo informacijos centras ir konferencijų biuras
arnas@kaunastic.lt

Welcome to Kaunas, the city which has mostly preserved the national character of the country, offering plenty of activities to everyone. Visit the heart of Lithuania and experience it‘s unique atmosphere:

Feast here! Kaunas is home to a variety of festivals and events, including the famous Kaunas Jazz festival, Hanza days, Operetta, Pažaislis Classical Music festival, Bike show, Kaunas city days, Songs festival (listed by UNESCO), International Modern Dance Festival and much more.

Visit! The remarkable Old Town which is a collection of ancient architectural monuments: the remnants of the 14th century with remains of Kaunas castle, the buildings of the Middle Ages in the Gothic and the Art Déco styles. The Kaunas Fortress is a valuable military heritage composed of a number of constructions that used to be a military complex. There are nine Forts around the city and the IXth Fort serves a museum. The macabre collection of nearly 3,000 devils at the Devils' Museum and the exhibitions showing the unique artistic styles of composer and painter M. K. Ciurlionis, as well as J. Maciunas initiator of the avant-garde Fluxus art movement.

Taste it! The centre-piece of Lithuanian cuisine is dark rye bread. It is shown a great respect and even called "holy" and Lithuanians link many beliefs and magic with it. The great opportunity to taste it is to have soup in a bread bowl. Lithuanian drinks have very old traditions, to get to know them the "Stumbras" museum offers a guided tour of the history and tasting of strong drinks. Among the multitude of things that make any Lithuanian swell with pride (rich history, amber, beautiful nature, basketball, etc.), there is one that has a special place in his heart. This source of pride is the Lithuanian Beer.

Make a wish! The beautiful confluence of two biggest Lithuanian rivers is well known for a magical saying - the Nemunas river is a male and the Neris is a female . The meeting of two rivers is considered as a marriage of a couple. Two rivers meet in Kaunas, they join and never split up! For those who want their dreams to come true it‘s a right place to go on rendezvous.

See it! The whole Lithuania in one place is in the open air museum in Rumšiškės, which is the biggest open air museum in Eastern Europe. The museum with its collection of authentic wooden villages represents different regions of Lithuania: Zemaitija, Aukstaitija, Dzukija, Suvalkija and Lithuania Minor.

Ride on it! The Funicular - a unique mean of transportation, is still in use today, including the genuine pre-war wagon, wooden seats, and stop platforms. Even today the funicular takes people up to the hill, from which the panorama of the Kaunas city centre and Old town is wide open. Kaunas is the only city among Baltic States, where such means of transportation is available.

Sail! The biggest man-made water basin in Lithuania, which is surrounded by a wonderful landscape. Kaunas Sea is a perfect place for water activities. So see you on the deck!

If you want to feel the real Lithuanian spirit, visit Kaunas and discover it.

The heart of Lithuanian culture, tradition and history is just waiting to be discovered.

Hotel news in 2012

IBIS KAUNAS CENTRE (opened in April, 2012)

The Ibis Kaunas Centre hotel is located in the centre of Kaunas, within walking distance to the historic Old Town, close to railway and bus station and easy access to the highway to International Kaunas Airport. Ideal for business and leisure stays where guests can explore the city of Kaunas. It has 125 air-conditioned rooms with free Internet access, conference facilities, a bar serving snacks 24/7 and onsite parking. Our restaurant, The Oopen will delight you with pasta & grill dishes.

Accor is the world’s number-one and Europe’s leading hotel operator. It has 440,000 rooms in nearly 3,500 hotels in 92 countries. Its extensive brand portfolio – encompassing Sofitel, Pullman, MGallery, Grand Mercure, Novotel, Suite Novotel, Mercur, Adagio, ibis, ibis Styles, Adagio Access, ibis budget and hotelF1 – provides a comprehensive range of options across the luxury to economy spectrum.

Hotel and Eco center BABILONAS

2012 years 22 th. of June renovated hotel "Babilonas" was opened and now it's not only hotel, but and eco-tourism center. The rooms radiate a feeling of coziness created by modern wooden windows, curtains made from Lithuanian linen and the breathtaking panoramas of the city and the surrounding landscape. We can offer 50 high-quality German and American bikes, which can travel in urban areas and long distances. In formed package are included active entertainment, meals, transportation.

Kaunas tourism information center and conference bureau offers original ways to get to know Kaunas. Unique guided tours allow you to glimpse the real charm of the city and see things that you never expected! Every visitor can choose These excurions: „Kaunas Compliments Women“, „The Old Town secrets in Kaunas”, „Strong alcohol degustation in Factory “Stumbras”, „Beer Route in Kaunas (excursion and degustation)”, „Basketball history in Kaunas“, „Sweet Kaunas",, „Spirit of Kaunas Catacombs”, „Kaunas – Provisional Capital“.

Category : Travel Lithuania!

- Posted by - 17905(0) Comment2012-12-01+12%3A01%3A510df53x21http%3A%2F%2Fvilnews.com%2F%3Fp%3D17905

PLACES TO SEE IN KAUNAS
	Kaunas Castle In the 14th century, a stone castle was built at the confluence of the Nemunas and Neris rivers to resist Crusaders’ attacks. It was the first stone castle in Lithuania which played a significant role in the city's defence system.
	Town Hall Often called the White Swan, the Town Hall’s construction was begun in 1542. The building encompasses Gothic, Baroque and early Classicism elements. In the Medieval Ages, the Town Hall, along with the main market place, was the centre of Kaunas. After its reconstruction in 1970, the Town Hall became the Wedding Palace with the Ceramics Museum in its basement.
	Arch-Cathedral Basilica It is the only church in Lithuania in the Gothic style of basilica design. After several reconstructions, it also acquired Renaissance and Baroque architectural features. The Cathedral has 9 altars; the sacristy has crystal-type arches.
	Vilnius Street It is the most beautiful street of the Old Town, meant for pedestrians. Most buildings have survived from the 16th century; some of which have been reconstructed. Even the unique telephone booths are a clear indication
	Historical Presidential Palace The history of the Presidents’ Palace in Kaunas begins in 1846. The building was renovated in 1998–2003 and is open to visitors as a branch of the National M. K. Čiurlionis Art Museum. The Palace is symbolically “guarded”
	Musical Theatre Originally the State Theatre, it was built in 1892. In 1940 the Musical Theatre was based in this building. Now, operas and operettas make up the largest part of the repertoire, with ballets and plays for children also staged here.
	St. Michael the Archangel Church (Sobor) A Neo-Byzantine-style building with all the architectural traits of a Russian Orthodox church. It was designed by Russian architects and built for the Kaunas Garrison. During the Soviet years, the church was turned into
	Pažaislis Monastery It ranks among the most beautiful Baroque-style buildings in Lithuania. The church and monastery were built for Camaldolese (Benedictine) monks in the 17th century under the supervision of Italian masters from Florence
	Kaunas Funiculars Kaunas is the only city in Lithuania with this type of transport. In the residential districts of Žaliakalnis and Aleksotas these "climbing cars" serve both as a means of transport and entertainment. The Aleksotas funicular links the old part of the city with the slopes of Aleksotas
	Kaunas Monumental Christ’s Resurrection Church It is the biggest basilica-type church in the Baltic states. The church was built in 1932–1940. After Lithuania proclaimed independence in 1918, the idea to build a church as a symbol of thanks to God appeared. Construction was stopped by the Soviet occupation. The building was confiscated and used as premises for the Radio factory after the war. In 1990 the church was returned to worshippers.
	House of Perkūnas is one of the most original and archaic Gothic secular buildings, located in the Old Town of Kaunas, Lithuania. Originally built by Hanseatic merchants and served as their office from 1440 till 1532, it was sold in the 16th century to the Jesuits who had established a chapel there in 1643. The Jesuits have also completed the Church of St. Francis Xavier at the Town Hall Square in 1722. Read more...

Category : Front page

- Posted by - 17896(1) Comment2012-12-01+11%3A52%3A310df53x21http%3A%2F%2Fvilnews.com%2F%3Fp%3D17896

PLACES TO SEE IN KAUNAS
	Kaunas Castle In the 14th century, a stone castle was built at the confluence of the Nemunas and Neris rivers to resist Crusaders’ attacks. It was the first stone castle in Lithuania which played a significant role in the city's defence system. Kaunas Castle is a Gothic building with two rows of protective walls and is the only castle of this type in Lithuania. A settlement started forming around the castle, growing into the present-day city. This castle was first mentioned in written records in 1361, when the Teutonic Knights were preparing to attack it. After a severe battle in 1362, the castle was rebuilt several times, but lost its significance in the 15th c. When Kaunas was granted Magdeburg rights in 1408, town activity started moving to the market place (later - Town Hall Square). The preserved remains of the castle reveal its original structure, shape, method of construction and provide important information about the development of Lithuanian architecture in the 14th century.
	Town Hall Often called the White Swan, the Town Hall’s construction was begun in 1542. The building encompasses Gothic, Baroque and early Classicism elements. In the Medieval Ages, the Town Hall, along with the main market place, was the centre of Kaunas. After its reconstruction in 1970, the Town Hall became the Wedding Palace with the Ceramics Museum in its basement.
	Arch-Cathedral Basilica It is the only church in Lithuania in the Gothic style of basilica design. After several reconstructions, it also acquired Renaissance and Baroque architectural features. The Cathedral has 9 altars; the sacristy has crystal-type arches. The tomb of Lithuanian priest and poet J. Mačiulis-Maironis is in the southern wall of the building. Vincentas Sladkevičius, the first cardinal of Lithuania, are also buried in the Cathedral.
	Vilnius Street It is the most beautiful street of the Old Town, meant for pedestrians. Most buildings have survived from the 16th century; some of which have been reconstructed. Even the unique telephone booths are a clear indication that you are walking along the street which connects the old and the new parts of the city.
	Historical Presidential Palace The history of the Presidents’ Palace in Kaunas begins in 1846. The building was renovated in 1998–2003 and is open to visitors as a branch of the National M. K. Čiurlionis Art Museum. The Palace is symbolically “guarded” by bronze sculptures of the three interwar presidents – Antanas Smetona, Kazys Grinius and Aleksandras Stulginskis.
	Musical Theatre Originally the State Theatre, it was built in 1892. In 1940 the Musical Theatre was based in this building. Now, operas and operettas make up the largest part of the repertoire, with ballets and plays for children also staged here.
	St. Michael the Archangel Church (Sobor) A Neo-Byzantine-style building with all the architectural traits of a Russian Orthodox church. It was designed by Russian architects and built for the Kaunas Garrison. During the Soviet years, the church was turned into an Art Gallery. Presently it is a Catholic church.
	Pažaislis Monastery It ranks among the most beautiful Baroque-style buildings in Lithuania. The church and monastery were built for Camaldolese (Benedictine) monks in the 17th century under the supervision of Italian masters from Florence (Michelangelo Palloni, Joan Merli, and Pietro Perti). Pažaislis music festivals are held here in summer.
	Kaunas Funiculars Kaunas is the only city in Lithuania with this type of transport. In the residential districts of Žaliakalnis and Aleksotas these "climbing cars" serve both as a means of transport and entertainment. The Aleksotas funicular links the old part of the city with the slopes of Aleksotas hill, offering a marvellous panoramic view of the city. The Žaliakalnis funicular provides an easy way of reaching the Resurrection Church from the city centre.
	Kaunas Monumental Christ’s Resurrection Church It is the biggest basilica-type church in the Baltic states. The church was built in 1932–1940. After Lithuania proclaimed independence in 1918, the idea to build a church as a symbol of thanks to God appeared. Construction was stopped by the Soviet occupation. The building was confiscated and used as premises for the Radio factory after the war. In 1990 the church was returned to worshippers. During the restoration of the church, some changes were made in the project. The space in the church is in the style of a basilica with three naves. The architecture is monumental and laconic. The tower is 70 meters high. Visitors have the possibility to go to the observation deck on the church roof to enjoy the panoramic view of the city.
	House of Perkūnas is one of the most original and archaic Gothic secular buildings, located in the Old Town of Kaunas, Lithuania. Originally built by Hanseatic merchants and served as their office from 1440 till 1532, it was sold in the 16th century to the Jesuits who had established a chapel there in 1643. The Jesuits have also completed the Church of St. Francis Xavier at the Town Hall Square in 1722. The ruined house was rebuilt in the 19th century and served as a school and theatre, which was attended by Polish-Lithuanian poet Adam Mickiewicz. At the end of the 19th Century it was renamed "House of Perkūnas", when a figure, interpreted by the romantic historians of that time as an idol of the Baltic pagan god of thunder and the sky Perkūnas was found in one of its walls. Today, the house of Perkūnas once again belongs to the Jesuits and houses a museum of Adam Mickiewicz.

Category : Travel Lithuania!

- Posted by - 17891(1) Comment2012-12-01+11%3A35%3A190df53x21http%3A%2F%2Fvilnews.com%2F%3Fp%3D17891

Above: ID photo of 22-year old Dalia Grybauskaitė

Has the President introduced censorship of Lithuanian press?

Last week Lithuanian TV3 was expected to show its weekly documentary programme of investigative journalism produced by Ruta Janutienė. The programme was about the past of President Dalia Grybauskaitė and about her family roots.

The programme was not shown on TV 3, but soon appeared on lrytas TV (see below). Not many days later Ruta Janutienė was fired from her television job, and many started asking if President Grybauskaite may be behind. We asked our readers, and have received many comments in our

VilNews Forum
(click to read and
follow the debate)
From lrytas TV:
http://tv.lrytas.lt/?id=13536769321352934173

VilNews Forum comments:
__________________________

Welcome to the new Smetona times!

Vyto Be For those that favor the 'history repeats itself' theory, I'd say we are approximately at 'Lithuania 1938' right now...

It is called 'Freedom of the Press'. Lithuania doesn't have it. But no one seems to mind. Welcome to the new Smetona times!

I agree that Janutienė can vary as a journalist. But if someone of her stature was fired like this in America, guaranteed, her show would run on a competitor's channel, and would receive 10X the attention now. Let's see if that happens in Lithuania...
__________________________

This appears to be a non-story

Rimas Pileika All the main Lithuanian media analysts came to the conclusion that TV3 banned Janutienė’s documentary due to pressure from Grybauskaitė or due to its fear of such pressure. During the rule of previous Lithuanian presidents, such censorship was unimaginable.

This appears to be a non-story. No one has proof of anything. Maybe the TV station was correct in its assessment? What does the version on the internet accuse her of?
__________________________

I don't understand why TV3 didn't air it

Linas Johansonas Rimas Pileika: the "accusations" are written about in the above posted article. Nothing significant, thus why I don't understand why TV3 didn't air it.
__________________________

People like Janutiene shouldn't have freedom to do what they want

Ingrid Baronaite Hammoud ...it's all to do with ethics..try to remember "Pedophile scandal" she's been very supporting Venckiene and permitting herself to behave as a judge, brainwashing people on TV with the "right" facts, actually, I would like her to see in the court forthat!...She was supposed to be objective and more intelligent instead of behaving as a woman with the menopause syndrome...once upon a time I adored her courage, but now I see she needs rehabilitation.. seriously..these people like Janutiene shouldn't have freedom to do what they want, because they are crazy enough to make a mess in a big way, without realizing the consequences..and disaster they cause..

..very soon Janutiene is gonna face court case, because of her unethical behave during "Pedophile scandal", her reputation is down the drain...she lost popularity - even her participation in dancing competition didn't help to attract people's attention ..
__________________________

Janutienė may not always behave appropriately, but she is the one who dares to speak the truth, who finally started investigative journalism in Lithuania

Viktorija Ruškulienė Vyto, Lithuanian people are more than ready for democracy, it's the government and ex-communist leadership, that is not ready to give up their power.

..unethical is the entire state ruling and controlling, Janutienė may not always behave appropriately, but she is the one who dares to speak the truth, who finally started investigative journalism in Lithuania.

Category : Opinions

- Posted by - 17886(0) Comment2012-12-01+11%3A12%3A130df53x21http%3A%2F%2Fvilnews.com%2F%3Fp%3D17886

Lithuanian court clears late Andrius Ūsas in notorious paedophilia case

A Vilnius court acquitted late Andrius Ūsas who was charged with molesting a minor.
The court ruled on Friday that the small girl was not abused and that the only way she might have had any sexual experience was during a filmed testimony after being coached by her father, late Drąsius Kedys.

An appeal against the ruling may be filed within 20 days.
Both the prosecutor and the defense lawyer asked the court to clear the defendant of the charges, while representatives of the children's rights watchdog suggested that the ruling note a lack of conclusive evidence to uphold the charges. The lawyer representing the girl asked to find Ūsas guilty.

Read more…

Category : News

- Posted by - 17871(0) Comment2012-11-28+15%3A15%3A300df53x21http%3A%2F%2Fvilnews.com%2F%3Fp%3D17871

KAUNAS

IN FOCUS

24 NOV – 26 DEC 2012

Kaunas, Lithuania's second largest city and former capital, is receiving much attention in VilNews now as 2012 is coming to an end. We focus on history, business, culture, innovation, tourism and more. We would also like to hear from you who have your personal Kaunas story to tell...

Send us your Kaunas story!
editor@VilNews.com

Thinking of business?
Think Kaunas!

Kaunas is situated at the crossing of the main Lithuanian roads, where two European transport corridors intersect. Another important feature of Kaunas' transport infrastructure is its International Airport, located 15 kilometres northwards from the City. The Airport borders with Kaunas Free Economic Zone, forming excellent infrastructure for logistics.

Kaunas is a city with diversified industry, but the main industries are electronics, engineering, metal processing, construction materials, chemical, food processing and textile industries.

Category : Front page

- Posted by - 17856(0) Comment2012-11-28+15%3A10%3A590df53x21http%3A%2F%2Fvilnews.com%2F%3Fp%3D17856

Kitron to invest in Kaunas
instead of China, Norway

One of the leading electronics manufacturing services suppliers in Scandinavia – Kitron – will expand its manufacturing facility in Lithuanian city Kaunas, and invest almost six million euros into this project, the Invest in Lithuania reports now in November.

The expansion strategy of the Norwegian company in Lithuania encompasses an increase in its production capacity, the creation of 60 new job openings and an improvement to the company's revenue by 40%, writes LETA/ELTA.

In Kaunas, Kitron already produces electronic control systems for high-speed rail vehicles and electric grass mowers, electronic circuits for ultrasound devices, scientific equipment for seabed research, mobile blood test devices, smart grid/automatic meter reading systems and other electronic equipment.

"To win this expansion project, Lithuania competed with the US, Norway and China, all of which are well-known to Norwegian investors as countries where they have already established manufacturing facilities. Our country [Lithuania] was chosen because of its convenient location for logistics, the low costs of labor, and the resources to ensure production quality. Since the Norwegian company also supplies its goods to the defense and medical equipment industries, qualitative criteria were important to the decision on location," said the Managing Director of Kitron Lithuania, Mindaugas Sestokas.

Thinking of business?
Think Kaunas!

Kaunas is a city with diversified industry, but the main industries are electronics, engineering, metal processing, construction materials, chemical, food processing and textile industries.

Kaunas City is home to Kaunas University of Technology Regional Business Incubator, and two science and technology parks. Another exceptional feature of the City is a large number of small and medium enterprises and high-tech businesses. In year 2005 Kaunas City created 2318,6 million EUR of Gross Domestic Product (11,2 % of Lithuanian GDP). Moreover, Kaunas attracted 1082,6 million EUR of Foreign Direct Investments in year 2005. Such companies as Marzotto Group, Kraft Jacobs Suchard, YIT (Finnish construction company), Kesko Agro (Finland) have chosen Kaunas City as the best location for their investment.

Having a strong education basis such as Kaunas University of Technology, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas University of Medicine, etc., a number of colleges, and vocational schools, Kaunas City plays a major role in the economic development of the whole Region and the Country.

Kitron to invest in Kaunas
instead of China, Norway

Kitron is also looking to install a new production line and to set up a warehouse for Kitron group suppliers. Such a storage facility would be in line with LEAN system management principles, i.e., advancing the efficiency of the management of manufacturing processes.

Additional 290,000 euros will be dedicated to shared value investments, i.e., corporate practices that do not only enhance the company's competitiveness, but also contribute to the social welfare, such as cooperation with educational or other institutions. The development of innovative products and prototypes in the new production line would call for electronic engineering competencies that are still barely nurtured in Lithuania. Therefore, the company is ready to strengthen its ties with local universities, in particular with the Kaunas University of Technology. This cooperation foresees the reinforcement of study programs and the advancement of the university’s technological research facilities.

Under the scheme of the European Union's financial instrument Invest LT +, which promotes foreign investments in high value-added manufacturing and services, the company will receive 1.3 million euros in financial support.

Kitron delivers product solutions to some very well-known companies around the globe, including the Swedish vehicle manufacturer and supplier Volvo, the international Canadian aviation and transport company Bombardier, as well as the biggest supplier worldwide of forestry and horticulture equipment Husqvarna.

Category : Business, economy, investments

- Posted by - 17845(0) Comment2012-11-28+14%3A51%3A410df53x21http%3A%2F%2Fvilnews.com%2F%3Fp%3D17845

Kaunas FEZ – the ideal
place for new business

Kaunas FEZ (Free Economic Zone) is a 534 ha industrial
development area which offers tax incentives.

Key advantages include:
· Considerable tax incentives;
· Excellent geographic location, coupled with high quality road and railroad connections;
· Adjacent to Kaunas Airport (at present 17 flight directions to the Western European Countries) ;
· Close to ice-free Klaipeda Seaport;
· Stable and constantly growing Lithuanian economy;
· Highly skilled and inexpensive workforce;
· Well developed infrastructure;
· Inconsiderable cultural and linguistic barrier;
· Good investment climate;
· Safety of business in the FEZ.

Watch presentation of the Kaunas FEZ:

http://www.ftz.lt/index.php/presentation/183?vid=60

For more information, see: www.ftz.lt

Category : Business, economy, investments

- Posted by - 17846(0) Comment2012-11-28+14%3A51%3A380df53x21http%3A%2F%2Fvilnews.com%2F%3Fp%3D17846

Kaunas FEZ – the ideal
place for new business

Kaunas FEZ (Free Economic Zone) is a 534 ha industrial development area which offers tax incentives.

Watch presentation of the Kaunas FEZ:

http://www.ftz.lt/index.php/presentation/183?vid=60

For more information, see: www.ftz.lt

Category : Front page

- Posted by - 17837(0) Comment2012-11-28+14%3A43%3A140df53x21http%3A%2F%2Fvilnews.com%2F%3Fp%3D17837

Electric cars made
in Lithuania!

Kaunas electronics manufacturer ELINTA has come a long way in developing a new electric car here in Kaunas. These three gentlemen
are behind the success: Dr. Vytautas Jokužis, Laurynas Jokužis
and Dr. Vladas Lašas.

Elinta is a company that combines electronic with intellect. The company was established in 1991, as a research and production firm. From the start the company’s main hall mark was A highly skilled team, high quality goods and services. The business strategy, based on designing high-tech and consumer-friendly automated control systems, allowed the company to develop fast and surpass its competitors.

Electric cars made in Lithuania!

Kaunas electronics manufacturer ELINTA has come a long way in developing a new electric car here in Kaunas. These three gentlemen are behind the success: Dr. Vytautas Jokužis, Laurynas Jokužis and Dr. Vladas Lašas.

Since 1994 Elinta has also been selling products from some of the most advanced European companies. They were the first to bring the products of SIEMENS, PHOENIX CONTACT, and RITTAL to Lithuania.

With time Elinta gained significance in the field of Lithuanian industry automation. With the aim to optimise its performance ELINTA modernised its organisation by relocating different types of activities to secondary companies: UAB Elinvision, UAB Elintos matavimo sistemos, UAB Elinta VS.

As a mother company, UAB Elinta coordinates the activities of its subsidiaries. It is involved in scientific-research work, employee training and other fields, necessary for the activities of the Company Group. Currently Elinta has Sales Department which sells automation elements, and an Assembly Department which assembles automation and electricity cabinets.

UAB Elinta VS is a manufacturing company, involved in technological process automation. The main areas for automation activities include heat and electricity production, water supply and cleaning, waste disposal, production of sugar, artificial fertilizers, bio fuel, and etc. The company performs designing, programming, management systems implementation and maintenance work. One of the projects was Kaunas wastewater treatment plant.

UAB Elinvision designs and produces computer vision systems, signal measurement and processing systems. These systems can be successfully applied in automation of production quality inspection in a number of industries. The company produces three-dimensional scanners (3D) for production of orthopaedic and regular shoes and granule size monitoring systems for fertiliser industry. 3 D scanners are knownmore than in 30 countries around the world.

UAB Elintos MS supplies measurement and calibration equipment, process calibrators, testing and adjustment systems, data collection instruments and feeding sources for industrial enterprises.
Elinta has always been an inovative company, suggesting new ideas, solutions for interprises and society. Latest idea that has grown from a project to real creation is Elinta Electric vehicle. Elinta was the company that established the first electric vehicle charging point in Lithuania

Company CEO dr. Vytautas Jokužis and his colleague Vladas Lašas pays a lot of attention to ideas of young scientists, implementation and promotion of entrepreneurship. They inspire young people to create new technologies, innovative ideas.

Now Elinta has grown to company that has about 80 employees, always active in taking part in different innovative projects, collaborates with universities, always open to the society.

Dr. Vytatuas Jokužis and Dr. Vladas Lašas with one of the company’s new intelligent products, a three-dimensional scanner (3D) for production of orthopaedic and regular shoes

Category : Business, economy, investments

- Posted by - 17830(0) Comment2012-11-28+14%3A28%3A060df53x21http%3A%2F%2Fvilnews.com%2F%3Fp%3D17830

The Visaginas power station must be built!

By Mindaugas Gedgaudas
Newhall, California

Read this article from the recent issue of World Nuclear News.

The campaign to thwart the construction of a nuclear power plant in Lithuania was and continues to be orchestrated by Russia; Russia is, and has been throughout history, determined to absorb the Baltic Nations, particularly Lithuania into their imperium.

Today, Lithuania is nearly 100% dependent on Russia for sources of fuels to generate electricity; if a new nuclear power station is not built in Lithuania, all electricity will soon be coming from Russian plants, and then we will not only be totally dependent on Russia's whims, but will also be paying them - as we already do - to continue lulling us to eventually accept the imposition of their imperial dominance.    What wars, terrorism, subjugation, murder, brainwashing, denial of human rights failed at, the simple matter of control of electric power just may lead to success.   It is not for nothing that Russia demanded to remain as occupants of the Kaliningrad region and eventually annexed it; it is not goodwill towards the Baltic States that caused them to build a large power station next door to Lithuania; that was done with the clear intent of drawing Lithuania into their hegemony and so obliterating it as a sovereign people.

Nuclear power is the only method available to Lithuania to have a non-polluting, nearly inexhaustible and cheap source of electricity without dependence on the governments of the surrounding states.    The Visaginas power station must be built and interference with its progress must be countered.

Mindaugas Gedgaudas
Newhall, California

Category : Opinions

- Posted by - 17824(0) Comment2012-11-28+13%3A58%3A130df53x21http%3A%2F%2Fvilnews.com%2F%3Fp%3D17824

Kaunas may become European Green Capital of 2015

One only city in Lithuania – Kaunas – has applied for the award of the European Green Capital in 2015. Kaunas will be competing with 7 other European cities for the title.

The competition for the prestigious award in 2015 will involve two cities of the United Kingdom – Bristol and Glasgow, also Brussels (Belgium), Bydgoszcz (Poland), Dublin (Ireland), Kutahya (Turkey) and Ljubljana (Slovenia), writes LETA/ELTA.

"The idea was initiated several years ago by Tallinn and it soon gained momentum. Every year the European Capital of Culture is announced, and now in addition to that we have a different European Green Capital elected every year. Several representatives of different European cities in a meeting in Brussels urged Kaunas to seek the award of the greenest capital in Europe. What is more, foreign guests often note that Kaunas is a very green city," said Kaunas Mayor Andrius Kupcinskas.

The title of the European Green Capital is given to a city leading environment-wise. An international commission of experts technically evaluates the candidates according to 12 criteria: climate change and energy efficiency, sustainable local transport, air quality and noise-pollution, green urban areas and sustainable use of land, nature and biodiversity conservation, waste management, water consumption and sewerage, eco-innovations and sustainable employment, as well as environmental management practice of the local government.

Category : News

- Posted by - 17801(0) Comment2012-11-24+14%3A40%3A110df53x21http%3A%2F%2Fvilnews.com%2F%3Fp%3D17801

KAUNAS IN FOCUS
24 NOV – 26 DEC 2012

Send us your Kaunas story!
editor@VilNews.com

Kaunas – the feel of
traditional Lithuania

Vilniaus gatve (above), the Kaunas Old Town’s main street, was back in the 13th century a highway linking the city with Vilnius.

KAUNAS OLD TOWN has a lot of surviving Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque buildings. Many notable buildings and facilities are located here, such as the Kaunas Town Hall, the Kaunas Castle and the Historical Presidential Palace, House of Perkūnas, also the Kaunas Cathedral, the Church of St. Gertrude, Vytautas' church and many other churches. Great variety of museums, such as Museum of the History of Lithuanian Medicine and Pharmacy, Povilas Stulga Museum of Lithuanian Folk Instruments, Maironis Lithuanian Literature Museum, Communication History Museum, Museum of Gemology and Kaunas City Museum. The largest seminary in Lithuania - Kaunas Priest Seminary is located at the westernmost part of the Old Town.
Read more at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centras_(Kaunas)

Text and photos: Aage Myhre

It was in 1408 that Lithuania’s Grand Duke Vytautas the Great granted Magdeburg rights to Kaunas, and after that point in time this settlement at the confluence of the Neris and Nemunas rivers began to grow as an important centre and main port for Lithuanian trade with Western Europe.

The original settlement, where today’s Kaunas old town is located, was first mentioned by the chroniclers in 1361, and it was here in the old town the first brick castle was built by the end of the 14th century, to defend Kaunas from the Crusaders’ attacks.

Read more…

Category : Front page

- Posted by - 17800(0) Comment2012-11-24+14%3A40%3A090df53x21http%3A%2F%2Fvilnews.com%2F%3Fp%3D17800

KAUNAS IN FOCUS

24 NOV – 26 DEC 2012

Send us your Kaunas story!
editor@VilNews.com

Kaunas – the feel of
traditional Lithuania

Vilniaus gatve (above), the Kaunas Old Town’s main street, was back in the
13th century a highway linking the city with Vilnius.

Text and photos: Aage Myhre

The original settlement, where today’s Kaunas old town is located, was first mentioned by the chroniclers in 1361, and it was here in the old town the first brick castle was built by the end of the 14^th century, to defend Kaunas from the Crusaders’ attacks.

Kaunas castle is the oldest masonry castle in Lithuania. It was first mentioned in documents in year 1361 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaunas_Castle

In 1441, Hansa merchants opened an office in Kaunas, and this marked the beginning of a very dynamic growth for the town. By the end of the 16th century, Kaunas had its first school, public hospital and chemist shop, and was fast becoming one of the most developed towns in all the huge Grand Duchy of Lithuania.

However, during the 17th and 18th centuries, Kaunas was to travel through a long period of hardship and hostility, not least because of attacks by the Russian army in 1655, the Swedish march to Russia in 1701, plagues in 1657 and 1708, as well as devastating fires in 1731 and 1732.

At the end of the 18^th century, the fortunes of Kaunas revived a little but only until 1812, the year that saw Napoleon's army cross the Nemunas River in Kaunas on their path to Vilnius and later Russia. Heading towards the end of the 19^th century, Kaunas experienced several major developments that helped it back onto a path of prosperity and growth; developments such as the opening of the Oginsky canal connecting the Nemunas and Dnieper rivers; the railway connecting the Russian Empire and Germany that was built in 1862, and the opening of the first power plant in 1898.

Napoleon's Army Crossing the Nemunas at Kaunas 24 June 1812
Wood carving. Artist: Dž. Bagetti. Carver: I. Klauberis

The First World War stemmed the further development of Kaunas mainly because of the Tsar occupation, which meant Kaunas lost its independence until 1919. With Vilnius occupied by Russia in the same year, the State Council and Cabinet of Ministers moved and established themselves in Kaunas. The following years, with Poland occupying Vilnius, Kaunas became the capital and the most important city of Lithuania governed by its first Burgomaster, Jonas Vileisis; a period considered by many as the golden age of the city. In 1920, the national parliament (Seimas) gathered in Kaunas and laid the basis for the country's legal and parliamentarian system. Over the next few years Kaunas once again experienced rapid economic and industrial growth and a significant increase in population. In 1924 the first buses appeared in Kaunas, and in 1928 plumbing was installed in most of the city's buildings.

After the Second World War, Kaunas suffered further during the forty years of Soviet occupation, as many buildings and signs of Lithuanian independence were demolished or removed. One of the world’s first public protests against the Soviet rule was in 1972, when a young man, Romas Kalanta, set himself on fire in the square in front of the Musical Theatre of Kaunas. In 1988, upon the rising of the liberation movement, many city sights were revived: streets and museum names were returned, and many monuments of independence times were restored.

1972, the event has attracted high-profile across the Atlantic.
One of the world’s first public protests against the Soviet rule was in 1972, when a young man, Romas Kalanta, set himself on fire in the square in front of the Musical Theatre of Kaunas. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romas_Kalanta

Since independence, Kaunas has established close links to western countries and companies, and with Lithuania having one of the fastest economic growth rates of the new EU member states, Kaunas has most certainly been one of the powerhouses of industry that has helped produce such an impressive economic climate in the country today. Kaunas has come a long way and it shows no signs of slowing down!

The excellent location of Kaunas in the very centre of Lithuania is certainly one of its main advantages, situated as it is on the crossroad of the main Lithuanian transport flows. Two main highways cross the city - Via Baltica, which connects Helsinki and Warsaw, and the highway that connects Vilnius and the port city of Klaipeda. A more an more important international airport is contributing to Kaunas’ attractiveness as the point that connects Lithuania to the world.

The long traditions of higher education is today being actively utilised as a base for Kaunas new profile as “the intelligent city” with special focus on areas like IT and development of companies, research institutions and programmes that support a dynamic and innovative economy.

The basketball team Žalgiris with its famous player Arvydas Sabonis, as well as other baskeball and other sports have put Kaunas on the world map

Kaunas is the second biggest city in Lithuania with the total area of 155.5 sq. km. and a population of approximately four hundred thousand.

The today’s Kaunas old town is a fascinating combination of archaeology, architecture and history. Here one finds the remains of a castle dating back to the 13th to 16th centuries standing as evidence of the ancient battles between Lithuania and the knights of the Teutonic Order. Numerous other buildings crowd together in a stimulating mixture of the arts and architecture of different eras. The 15th century produced the church of Vytautas, Saint George's church and the reconstructed Cathedral. City Hall, dating from the 16th to 18th centuries, is surrounded by charming old houses; the Perkūnas (Thunder) House dates back to the 15th century. Some of the city's structures are recognized as representing a distinct variation of the Northern European Renaissance style, notably the Church of the Holy Trinity and the Masalskis Manor complex (16th to 18th century).

The most outstanding baroque monument is the Paxaislis monastery, a collection of buildings dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. This is among the most lovely examples of ecclesiastical architecture in Northern Europe, unified architecturally by its hexagonal design and a majestic cupola, with its façade proportioned according to the principles of Italian baroque, and its interior decorated with subtly coloured frescoes and statues.

Kaunas is a city of very old and established cultural traditions and a place where generations of Lithuanian artists, composers and writers lived and have left their imprint. Their works are on display in various museums and galleries, of which two are especially notable. The Art Gallery of M. K. Čiurlionis displays the work of this great painter and composer, who earned his place in the history of art.

It is possible to review Lithuania's history from its prehistory to the present day, at the Military Museum of Vytautas the Great. Among the most interesting exhibits is a memento of an early transatlantic flight - a wreck of the "Lituanica." In this plane, two pioneering Lithuanian aviators, Steponas Darius and Stasys Girėnas, flew non-stop from New York in 1933, sadly crashing in German territory, not far from their final destination in Lithuania.

Kaunas is Kaunas!

Some Kaunas images

Photos: Aage Myhre

The Town Hall of Kaunas (Lithuanian: Kauno rotušė) in the Town Hall Square, also called "The white swan". The structure dates from the 16th century. Today used for wedding ceremonies and official events.
Read more at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Town_Hall,_Kaunas

Category : Lithuania today

OPINIONS

Have your say. Send to:
editor@VilNews.com

By Dr. Boris Vytautas Bakunas,
Ph. D., Chicago

A wave of unity sweeps the international Lithuanian community on March 11th every year as Lithuanians celebrated the anniversary of the Lithuanian Parliament's declaration of independence from the Soviet Union in 1990. However, the sense of national unity engendered by the celebration could be short-lived.

Human beings have a strong tendency to overgeneralize and succumb to stereotypical us-them distinctions that can shatter even the strongest bonds. We need only search the internet to find examples of divisive thinking at work:

- "50 years of Soviet rule has ruined an entire generation of Lithuanian.

- "Those who fled Lithuania during World II were cowards -- and now they come back, flaunt their wealth, and tell us 'true Lithuanians' how to live."

- "Lithuanians who work abroad have abandoned their homeland and should be deprived of their Lithuanian citizenship."

Could such stereotypical, emotionally-charged accusations be one of the main reasons why relations between Lithuania's diaspora groups and their countrymen back home have become strained?

* * *

Text: Saulene Valskyte

In Lithuania Christmas Eve is a family event and the New Year's Eve a great party with friends!
Lithuanian say "Kaip sutiksi naujus metus, taip juos ir praleisi" (the way you'll meet the new year is the way you will spend it). So everyone is trying to spend New Year's Eve with friend and have as much fun as possible.

Lithuanian New Year's traditions are very similar to those in other countries, and actually were similar since many years ago. Also, the traditional Lithuanian New Years Eve party was very similar to other big celebrations throughout the year.

The New Year's Eve table is quite similar to the Christmas Eve table, but without straws under the tablecloth, and now including meat dishes. A tradition that definitely hasn't changes is that everybody is trying not to fell asleep before midnight. It was said that if you oversleep the midnight point you will be lazy all the upcoming year. People were also trying to get up early on the first day of the new year, because waking up late also meant a very lazy and unfortunate year.

During the New Year celebration people were dancing, singing, playing games and doing magic to guess the future. People didn't drink much of alcohol, especially was that the case for women.

Here are some advices from elders:
- During the New Year, be very nice and listen to relatives - what you are during New Year Eve, you will be throughout the year.

- During to the New Year Eve, try not to fall, because if this happens, next year you will be unhappy.

- If in the start of the New Year, the first news are good - then the year will be successful. If not - the year will be problematic.

New year predictions

* If during New Year eve it's snowing - then it will be bad weather all year round. If the day is fine - one can expect good harvest.
* If New Year's night is cold and starry - look forward to a good summer!
* If the during New Year Eve trees are covered with frost - then it will be a good year. If it is wet weather on New Year's Eve, one can expect a year where many will die and dangerous epidemics occur.
* If the first day of the new year is snowy - the upcoming year will see many young people die. If the night is snowy - mostly old people will die.
* If the New Year time is cold - then Easter will be warm.
* If during New Year there are a lot of birds in your homestead - then all year around there will be many guests and the year will be fun.

* * *

VilNews
Christmas greetings
from Vilnius

* * *

Ukraine won the historic
and epic battle for the
future

By Leonidas Donskis

Kaunas
Philosopher, political theorist, historian of
ideas, social analyst, and political
commentator

Immediately after Russia stepped in Syria, we understood that it is time to sum up the convoluted and long story about Ukraine and the EU - a story of pride and prejudice which has a chance to become a story of a new vision regained after self-inflicted blindness.

Ukraine was and continues to be perceived by the EU political class as a sort of grey zone with its immense potential and possibilities for the future, yet deeply embedded and trapped in No Man's Land with all of its troubled past, post-Soviet traumas, ambiguities, insecurities, corruption, social divisions, and despair. Why worry for what has yet to emerge as a new actor of world history in terms of nation-building, European identity, and deeper commitments to transparency and free market economy?

Right? Wrong. No matter how troubled Ukraine's economic and political reality could be, the country has already passed the point of no return. Even if Vladimir Putin retains his leverage of power to blackmail Ukraine and the West in terms of Ukraine's zero chances to accede to NATO due to the problems of territorial integrity, occupation and annexation of Crimea, and mayhem or a frozen conflict in the Donbas region, Ukraine will never return to Russia's zone of influence. It could be deprived of the chances to join NATO or the EU in the coming years or decades, yet there are no forces on earth to make present Ukraine part of the Eurasia project fostered by Putin.

* * *

Watch this video if you
want to learn about the
new, scary propaganda
war between Russia,
The West and the
Baltic States!

* * *

90% of all Lithuanians
believe their government
is corrupt

Lithuania is perceived to be the country with the most widespread government corruption, according to an international survey involving almost 40 countries.

* * *

Lithuanian medical
students say no to
bribes for doctors

On International Anticorruption Day, the Special Investigation Service shifted their attention to medical institutions, where citizens encounter bribery most often. Doctors blame citizens for giving bribes while patients complain that, without bribes, they won't receive proper medical attention. Campaigners against corruption say that bribery would disappear if medical institutions themselves were to take resolute actions against corruption and made an effort to take care of their patients.

* * *

Doing business in Lithuania

By Grant Arthur Gochin

California - USA

Lithuania emerged from the yoke of the Soviet Union a mere 25 years ago. Since then, Lithuania has attempted to model upon other European nations, joining NATO, Schengen, and the EU. But, has the Soviet Union left Lithuania?

During Soviet times, government was administered for the people in control, not for the local population, court decisions were decreed, they were not the administration of justice, and academia was the domain of ideologues. 25 years of freedom and openness should have put those bad experiences behind Lithuania, but that is not so.

Today, it is a matter of expectation that court pronouncements will be governed by ideological dictates. Few, if any Lithuanians expect real justice to be effected. For foreign companies, doing business in Lithuania is almost impossible in a situation where business people do not expect rule of law, so, surely Government would be a refuge of competence?

Lithuanian Government has not emerged from Soviet styles. In an attempt to devolve power, Lithuania has created a myriad of fiefdoms of power, each speaking in the name of the Government, each its own centralized power base of ideology.

* * *

Greetings from Wales!

By Anita Šovaitė-Woronycz
Chepstow, Wales

Think of a nation in northern Europe whose population is around the 3 million mark a land of song, of rivers, lakes, forests, rolling green hills, beautiful coastline a land where mushrooms grow ready for the picking, a land with a passion for preserving its ancient language and culture.

Doesn't that sound suspiciously like Lithuania? Ah, but I didn't mention the mountains of Snowdonia, which would give the game away.

I'm talking about Wales, that part of the UK which Lithuanians used to call "Valija", but later named "Velsas" (why?). Wales, the nation which has welcomed two Lithuanian heads of state to its shores - firstly Professor Vytautas Landsbergis, who has paid several visits and, more recently, President Dalia Grybauskaitė who attended the 2014 NATO summit which was held in Newport, South Wales.

MADE IN WALES -
ENGLISH VERSION OF THE
AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF
VYTAUTAS LANDSBERGIS.

* * *

IS IT POSSIBLE TO
COMMENT ON OUR
ARTICLES? :-)

Read Cassandra's article HERE

Read Rugile's article HERE

Did you know there is a comment field right after every article we publish? If you read the two above posts, you will see that they both have received many comments. Also YOU are welcome with your comments. To all our articles!

* * *

Greetings from Toronto

By Antanas Sileika,
Toronto, Canada

Toronto was a major postwar settlement centre for Lithuanian Displaced Persons, and to this day there are two Catholic parishes and one Lutheran one, as well as a Lithuanian House, retirement home, and nursing home. A new wave of immigrants has showed interest in sports.

Although Lithuanian activities have thinned over the decades as that postwar generation died out, the Lithuanian Martyrs' parish hall is crowded with many, many hundreds of visitors who come to the Lithuanian cemetery for All Souls' Day. Similarly, the Franciscan parish has standing room only for Christmas Eve mass.

Although I am firmly embedded in the literary culture of Canada, my themes are usually Lithuanian, and I'll be in Kaunas and Vilnius in mid-November 2015 to give talks about the Lithuanian translations of my novels and short stories, which I write in English.

If you have the Lithuanian language, come by to one of the talks listed in the links below. And if you don't, you can read more about my work at
www.anatanassileika.com

http://www.vdu.lt/lt/rasytojas-antanas-sileika-pristatys-savo-kuryba/
https://leu.lt/lt/lf/lf_naujienos/kvieciame-i-rasytojo-59hc.html

* * *

As long as VilNews exists,
there is hope for the future

Professor Irena Veisaite, Chairwoman of our Honorary Council, asked us to convey her heartfelt greetings to the other Council Members and to all readers of VilNews.

"My love and best wishes to all. As long as VilNews exists, there is hope for the future,"" she writes.

Irena Veisaite means very much for our publication, and we do hereby thank her for the support and wise commitment she always shows.

You can read our interview with her

HERE.

* * *

EU-Russia:
Facing a new reality

By Vygaudas Ušackas

EU Ambassador to the Russian Federation

Dear readers of VilNews,

It's great to see this online resource for people interested in Baltic affairs. I congratulate the editors. From my position as EU Ambassador to Russia, allow me to share some observations.

For a number of years, the EU and Russia had assumed the existence of a strategic partnership, based on the convergence of values, economic integration and increasingly open markets and a modernisation agenda for society.

Our agenda was positive and ambitious. We looked at Russia as a country ready to converge with "European values", a country likely to embrace both the basic principles of democratic government and a liberal concept of the world order. It was believed this would bring our relations to a new level, covering the whole spectrum of the EU's strategic relationship with Russia.

* * *

The likelihood of Putin
invading Lithuania

By Mikhail Iossel

Professor of English at Concordia University, Canada
Founding Director at Summer Literary Seminars

The likelihood of Putin's invading Lithuania or fomenting a Donbass-style counterfeit pro-Russian uprising there, at this point, in my strong opinion, is no higher than that of his attacking Portugal, say, or Ecuador. Regardless of whether he might or might not, in principle, be interested in the insane idea of expanding Russia's geographic boundaries to those of the former USSR (and I for one do not believe that has ever been his goal), he knows this would be entirely unfeasible, both in near- and long-term historical perspective, for a variety of reasons. It is not going to happen. There will be no restoration of the Soviet Union as a geopolitical entity.

* * *

Are all Lithuanian energy
problems now resolved?

By Dr. Stasys Backaitis,

P.E., CSMP, SAE Fellow Member of Central and Eastern European Coalition, Washington, D.C., USA

Lithuania's Energy Timeline - from total dependence to independence

Lithuania as a country does not have significant energy resources. Energy consuming infrastructure after WWII was small and totally supported by energy imports from Russia.

First nuclear reactor begins power generation at Ignalina in 1983, the second reactor in 1987. Iganlina generates enough electricity to cover Lithuania's needs and about 50%.for export. As, prerequisite for membership in EU, Ignalina ceases all nuclear power generation in 2009

The Klaipėda Sea terminal begins Russia's oil export operations in 1959 and imports in 1994.

Mazeikiu Nafta (current ORLEAN Lietuva) begins operation of oil refinery in 1980.

* * *

Have Lithuanian ties across
the Baltic Sea become
stronger in recent years?

By Eitvydas Bajarunas

Ambassador to Sweden

My answer to affirmative "yes". Yes, Lithuanian ties across the Baltic Sea become as never before solid in recent years. For me the biggest achievement of Lithuania in the Baltic Sea region during recent years is boosting Baltic and Nordic ties. And not because of mere accident - Nordic direction was Lithuania's strategic choice.

The two decades that have passed since regaining Lithuania's independence can be described as a "building boom". From the wreckage of a captive Soviet republic, a generation of Lithuanians have built a modern European state, and are now helping construct a Nordic-Baltic community replete with institutions intended to promote political coordination and foster a trans-Baltic regional identity. Indeed, a "Nordic-Baltic community" - I will explain later in my text the meaning of this catch-phrase.

Since the restoration of Lithuania's independence 25 years ago, we have continuously felt a strong support from Nordic countries. Nordics in particular were among the countries supporting Lithuania's and Baltic States' striving towards independence. Take example of Iceland, country which recognized Lithuania in February of 1991, well in advance of other countries. Yet another example - Swedish Ambassador was the first ambassador accredited to Lithuania in 1991. The other countries followed suit. When we restored our statehood, Nordic Countries became champions in promoting Baltic integration into Euro-Atlantic institutions. To large degree thanks Nordic Countries, massive transformations occurred in Lithuania since then, Lithuania became fully-fledged member of the EU and NATO, and we joined the Eurozone on 1 January 2015.

* * *

It's the economy, stupid *

By Valdas (Val) Samonis,

PhD, CPC

n his article, Val Samonis takes a comparative policy look at the Lithuanian economy during the period 2000-2015. He argues that the LT policy response (a radical and classical austerity) was wrong and unenlightened because it coincided with strong and continuing deflationary forces in the EU and the global economy which forces were predictable, given the right policy guidance. Also, he makes a point that LT austerity, and the resulting sharp drop in GDP and employment in LT, stimulated emigration of young people (and the related worsening of other demographics) which processes took huge dimensions thereby undercutting even the future enlightened efforts to get out of the middle-income growth trap by LT. Consequently, the country is now on the trajectory (development path) similar to that of a dog that chases its own tail. A strong effort by new generation of policymakers is badly needed to jolt the country out of that wrong trajectory and to offer the chance of escaping the middle-income growth trap via innovations.

* * *

Have you heard about the
South African "Pencil Test"?

By Karina Simonson

If you are not South African, then, probably, you haven't. It is a test performed in South Africa during the apartheid regime and was used, together with the other ways, to determine racial identity, distinguishing whites from coloureds and blacks. That repressive test was very close to Nazi implemented ways to separate Jews from Aryans. Could you now imagine a Lithuanian mother, performing it on her own child?

But that is exactly what happened to me when I came back from South Africa. I will tell you how.

* * * Click HERE to read previous opinion letters >

Author Archive

Thinking of business? Think Kaunas!

Kitron to invest in Kaunas instead of China, Norway

Thinking of business? Think Kaunas!

Kitron to invest in Kaunas instead of China, Norway

Kaunas FEZ – the ideal place for new business

Kaunas FEZ – the ideal place for new business

Electric cars made in Lithuania!

Electric cars made in Lithuania!

Kaunas – the feel of traditional Lithuania

Kaunas – the feel of traditional Lithuania

OPINIONS

Thinking of business?
Think Kaunas!

Kitron to invest in Kaunas
instead of China, Norway

Thinking of business?
Think Kaunas!

Kitron to invest in Kaunas
instead of China, Norway

Kaunas FEZ – the ideal
place for new business

Kaunas FEZ – the ideal
place for new business

Electric cars made
in Lithuania!

Kaunas – the feel of
traditional Lithuania

Kaunas – the feel of
traditional Lithuania