Environmental Sustainability
#18Key Findings
Lithuania falls into the sample’s lower-middle ranks (rank 18) with regard to environmental sustainability.
The National Climate Change Management Agenda targets a 30% emissions reduction by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, and net zero emissions by 2050. However, implementation gaps persist, with concerns that fossil fuels facilities are still viewed as strategic. Protests from farmers could also slow progress.
Water supply and sewage infrastructures have improved thanks to the use of EU funds, but challenges remain, particularly in rural areas. Observers have recommended better coordination between national and local governments on environmental issues. The county performs well on measures of biodiversity protection, but ecosystem services and fisheries are weaknesses.
Global environmental protection policy is not seen as a top government priority. The country is particularly active at the regional level, especially addressing Baltic Sea issues.
The National Climate Change Management Agenda targets a 30% emissions reduction by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, and net zero emissions by 2050. However, implementation gaps persist, with concerns that fossil fuels facilities are still viewed as strategic. Protests from farmers could also slow progress.
Water supply and sewage infrastructures have improved thanks to the use of EU funds, but challenges remain, particularly in rural areas. Observers have recommended better coordination between national and local governments on environmental issues. The county performs well on measures of biodiversity protection, but ecosystem services and fisheries are weaknesses.
Global environmental protection policy is not seen as a top government priority. The country is particularly active at the regional level, especially addressing Baltic Sea issues.
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How committed is the government to the goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050?
10
9
9
The government is clearly committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
8
7
6
7
6
The government is largely committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
5
4
3
4
3
The government is only somewhat committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
2
1
1
The government is not at all committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
The government is committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050. In 2016, Lithuania signed the Paris Agreement with other EU members and committed to reducing greenhouse emissions by 40% compared to 1990 levels. By 2030, Lithuania aims to reduce emissions by 9% compared to 2005, excluding sectors participating in the EU Emissions Trading System.
In 2022, the European Union (EU) set more ambitious emissions reduction targets as part of the European Green Deal, aiming to reduce emissions by 55% by 2030 – up from 40% – and reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Meeting these targets will require Lithuania and other EU members to review their climate policies to accelerate their decarbonization efforts. The European Commission has proposed a “Fit for 55” policy package intended to increase member states’ domestic climate policy ambitions to meet the EU’s 2030 emissions reduction target. The package, introduced in 2021, includes proposals to increase emissions reductions under the Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS), widen the scope of the program overall and increase member-state commitments in non-ETS sectors under the Effort Sharing Regulation (ESR).
The coalition government formed in late 2020 has expanded Lithuania’s domestic climate policy ambitions. The National Climate Change Management Agenda (NCCMA) adopted in June 2021 sets ambitious emission reduction targets with a view to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. Lithuania aims to reduce emissions by 30% by 2030 compared with 2005 levels, targeting a 50% reduction in the EU ETS sectors and a further 25% reduction in non-ETS sectors. As noted by the OECD (2023), this represents a significant increase from the previous target of a 9% emissions reduction in non-ETS sectors and even surpasses the 21% reduction proposed by the European Commission under the Fit for 55 package.
In 2023 the government began preparing an updated version of the National Energy and Climate Plan 2021 – 2030 (NECP). The draft plan examines the situation in Lithuania with reference to the common EU goals and the government’s own national ambitions. It presents proposed measures broken down into different sectors.
According to the draft NECP, the vision for 2050 is “an energy system that generates added value for the state and the consumer, uses smart low-greenhouse-gas technologies and zero-emission energy sources, and is resilient to cyber threats and climate change, providing reliable and competitive energy.” In line with the objectives set out in the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Paris Agreement, and the EU’s 2030 climate and energy policy goals, the goal is to enable Lithuania’s energy sector to produce 80% of its energy from zero-emission sources (low GHG and ambient air pollutants) by 2050. It is to provide energy to consumers safely and at a competitive price while contributing to the country’s modern economy, competitiveness and investment. Energy production is to use renewable energy sources and technologies that ensure energy is produced in a nonpolluting way. Consumers are also to have the capability to produce the energy they need to meet their needs.
The plan was updated and presented for public consultation in 2023. The Lithuanian government also benefited from policy recommendations provided by the OECD and the European Commission. It was slated to be finalized in the first half of 2024 and should provide a good basis for further policy actions and the monitoring of progress toward achieving the sectoral targets. It integrates a number of other strategic documents of Lithuania in the fields of energy, environment and other related areas.
Recent progress in this field is reflected in the Climate Change Performance Index 2024, in which Lithuania improved its ranking to reach 19th place. Lithuania fell into the middle ranks in the GHG emissions, renewable energy, and energy use categories, but was ranked low in the area of climate policy. The authors of the index report highlighted the gap between the country’s ambitious targets and poor record of implementation. They noted that while there are targets for reducing fossil fuel dependence, minimal action has been taken to achieve these goals. For example, the retention of oil refinery factories and gas pipe infrastructure as national strategic goals are concerning.
The authors also pointed out that, although the import of biomass from Belarus stopped after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, these imports have been replaced by increased local production and imports from other countries. They saw this as a missed opportunity to shift away from fossil fuels toward renewable, with a significant risk of missing reduction targets. Additionally, they emphasized the need for better collaboration between policymakers and utility companies, the development of short-term strategies aligned with the 1.5°C target, and the termination of biomass use.
In its draft updated National Energy and Climate Plan, the government highlighted the strengths of the country’s situation and acknowledged gaps in its policies. While noting the positive record in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and their absorption by forests, it observed that the country was lagging behind other EU members in the area of environmental taxation, particularly with transport taxes being among the EU’s lowest. External criticisms of the continued reliance on fossil fuels and the retention of environmentally harmful subsidies were also noted.
Overall, the NECP 2021 – 2030 provides a solid foundation for planning new policy measures and monitoring progress toward achieving them. However, it is unclear whether implementation efforts will stick to the plan, especially in light of recent protests by farmers against some environmental policy measures, and the potential impact of these policies on energy and transport prices for vulnerable households. The European Commission will continue to monitor progress, particularly in areas where Recovery and Resilience Fund money will be invested to advance the green transition.
According to the New Generation Lithuania plan, more than €800 million, or 37.8% of the funds from this EU funding source, are earmarked for climate projects. These projects include investments in solar and wind projects, the promotion of electric vehicles, renovations of buildings, and peatland restoration efforts.
Citations:
European Commission. 2023. “Lithuania – draft updated NECP 2021-2030.” https://commission.europa.eu/publications/lithuania-draft-updated-necp-2021-2030_en
OECD. 2023. Reform Options for Lithuanian Climate Neutrality by 2050. Paris: OECD Publishing.
https://doi.org/10.1787/0d570e99-en
Climate Change Performance Index. 2024. “Lithuania.” https://ccpi.org/country/ltu/
Lithuanian Ministry of Environment. “National energy and climate action plan 2021-2030 (in Lithuanian).” https://am.lrv.lt/lt/veiklos-sritys-1/klimato-politika/klimato-kaita/nacionalinis-energetikos-ir-klimato-srities-veiksmu-planas-2021-2030-m/
In 2022, the European Union (EU) set more ambitious emissions reduction targets as part of the European Green Deal, aiming to reduce emissions by 55% by 2030 – up from 40% – and reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Meeting these targets will require Lithuania and other EU members to review their climate policies to accelerate their decarbonization efforts. The European Commission has proposed a “Fit for 55” policy package intended to increase member states’ domestic climate policy ambitions to meet the EU’s 2030 emissions reduction target. The package, introduced in 2021, includes proposals to increase emissions reductions under the Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS), widen the scope of the program overall and increase member-state commitments in non-ETS sectors under the Effort Sharing Regulation (ESR).
The coalition government formed in late 2020 has expanded Lithuania’s domestic climate policy ambitions. The National Climate Change Management Agenda (NCCMA) adopted in June 2021 sets ambitious emission reduction targets with a view to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. Lithuania aims to reduce emissions by 30% by 2030 compared with 2005 levels, targeting a 50% reduction in the EU ETS sectors and a further 25% reduction in non-ETS sectors. As noted by the OECD (2023), this represents a significant increase from the previous target of a 9% emissions reduction in non-ETS sectors and even surpasses the 21% reduction proposed by the European Commission under the Fit for 55 package.
In 2023 the government began preparing an updated version of the National Energy and Climate Plan 2021 – 2030 (NECP). The draft plan examines the situation in Lithuania with reference to the common EU goals and the government’s own national ambitions. It presents proposed measures broken down into different sectors.
According to the draft NECP, the vision for 2050 is “an energy system that generates added value for the state and the consumer, uses smart low-greenhouse-gas technologies and zero-emission energy sources, and is resilient to cyber threats and climate change, providing reliable and competitive energy.” In line with the objectives set out in the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Paris Agreement, and the EU’s 2030 climate and energy policy goals, the goal is to enable Lithuania’s energy sector to produce 80% of its energy from zero-emission sources (low GHG and ambient air pollutants) by 2050. It is to provide energy to consumers safely and at a competitive price while contributing to the country’s modern economy, competitiveness and investment. Energy production is to use renewable energy sources and technologies that ensure energy is produced in a nonpolluting way. Consumers are also to have the capability to produce the energy they need to meet their needs.
The plan was updated and presented for public consultation in 2023. The Lithuanian government also benefited from policy recommendations provided by the OECD and the European Commission. It was slated to be finalized in the first half of 2024 and should provide a good basis for further policy actions and the monitoring of progress toward achieving the sectoral targets. It integrates a number of other strategic documents of Lithuania in the fields of energy, environment and other related areas.
Recent progress in this field is reflected in the Climate Change Performance Index 2024, in which Lithuania improved its ranking to reach 19th place. Lithuania fell into the middle ranks in the GHG emissions, renewable energy, and energy use categories, but was ranked low in the area of climate policy. The authors of the index report highlighted the gap between the country’s ambitious targets and poor record of implementation. They noted that while there are targets for reducing fossil fuel dependence, minimal action has been taken to achieve these goals. For example, the retention of oil refinery factories and gas pipe infrastructure as national strategic goals are concerning.
The authors also pointed out that, although the import of biomass from Belarus stopped after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, these imports have been replaced by increased local production and imports from other countries. They saw this as a missed opportunity to shift away from fossil fuels toward renewable, with a significant risk of missing reduction targets. Additionally, they emphasized the need for better collaboration between policymakers and utility companies, the development of short-term strategies aligned with the 1.5°C target, and the termination of biomass use.
In its draft updated National Energy and Climate Plan, the government highlighted the strengths of the country’s situation and acknowledged gaps in its policies. While noting the positive record in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and their absorption by forests, it observed that the country was lagging behind other EU members in the area of environmental taxation, particularly with transport taxes being among the EU’s lowest. External criticisms of the continued reliance on fossil fuels and the retention of environmentally harmful subsidies were also noted.
Overall, the NECP 2021 – 2030 provides a solid foundation for planning new policy measures and monitoring progress toward achieving them. However, it is unclear whether implementation efforts will stick to the plan, especially in light of recent protests by farmers against some environmental policy measures, and the potential impact of these policies on energy and transport prices for vulnerable households. The European Commission will continue to monitor progress, particularly in areas where Recovery and Resilience Fund money will be invested to advance the green transition.
According to the New Generation Lithuania plan, more than €800 million, or 37.8% of the funds from this EU funding source, are earmarked for climate projects. These projects include investments in solar and wind projects, the promotion of electric vehicles, renovations of buildings, and peatland restoration efforts.
Citations:
European Commission. 2023. “Lithuania – draft updated NECP 2021-2030.” https://commission.europa.eu/publications/lithuania-draft-updated-necp-2021-2030_en
OECD. 2023. Reform Options for Lithuanian Climate Neutrality by 2050. Paris: OECD Publishing.
https://doi.org/10.1787/0d570e99-en
Climate Change Performance Index. 2024. “Lithuania.” https://ccpi.org/country/ltu/
Lithuanian Ministry of Environment. “National energy and climate action plan 2021-2030 (in Lithuanian).” https://am.lrv.lt/lt/veiklos-sritys-1/klimato-politika/klimato-kaita/nacionalinis-energetikos-ir-klimato-srities-veiksmu-planas-2021-2030-m/
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How committed is the government to protecting the public from environmental health risks?
10
9
9
The government is clearly committed to the goal of protecting environmental health.
8
7
6
7
6
The government is largely committed to the goal of protecting environmental health.
5
4
3
4
3
The government is only somewhat committed to the goal of protecting environmental health.
2
1
1
The government is not at all committed to the goal of protecting environmental health.
The government is largely committed to protecting environmental health. The Ministry of Environment is responsible for reducing and preventing air, water and soil pollution in Lithuania, with the Ministry of Health and other institutions, particularly the Department of Environmental Protection under the Ministry of Environment, also playing a role in policymaking and implementation.
In its 2021 report, the OECD noted that “Lithuania had a centralized environmental governance system with a modest role for local authorities. To implement the government’s ambitious environmental agenda, interinstitutional working groups collaborate on legislation and strategic documents, as well as on joint initiatives between relevant government stakeholders.” The report emphasized that “better coordination was necessary to integrate environmental considerations into sectoral policies and achieve a whole-of-government approach to environmental management. Municipalities should be more proactive in advancing the country’s agenda on climate change, circular economy and sustainable mobility.”
In the 2022 Environmental Performance Index, Lithuania was ranked 31st among 180 countries, an improvement from 35th place in 2020. It was ranked 33rd in the area of air quality, 57th in sanitation and drinking water, 21st in heavy metals, and 16th in waste management.
Water supply and sewage infrastructure have improved substantially over the years thanks to the use of EU structural funds. However, providing adequate connections to the public water supply remains a challenge in some areas. Moreover, wastewater treatment is inadequate in some respects, with significant differences evident between rural and urban areas.
In 2020, 79.44% of households were connected to wastewater treatment plants. This figure has been increasing very gradually over the last decade. The government plans to raise this proportion to 85% by 2025 and to 95% by 2030. The OECD survey (2021) emphasized that “water pollution is worsening across the country.” In particular, mineral fertilizers in agriculture and “insufficiently treated wastewater” are causes for concern.
In its 2021 report, the OECD acknowledged the progress made in waste management. It noted that the country “moved from landfilling almost all its waste to recycling and composting most of it in less than a decade. This impressive progress is a result of increased separate waste collection; construction of sorting facilities; improved labeling requirements; near-complete service coverage; education and awareness campaigns; and expansion of deposit-refund schemes to cover glass, plastic and aluminum beverage containers.” The OECD advised Lithuanian authorities to focus on reducing waste generation and improving material productivity by adopting and implementing cross-sectoral circular economy policies.
Environmental regulation has been reinforced over the last 20 years through the alignment of the country’s environmental legislation with EU directives. According to the OECD (2021), “it could be further improved by using activity-specific standard environmental requirements (general binding rules) for low-impact installations. This would reduce the regulatory costs for competent authorities and the administrative burden for regulated entities.”
Citations:
OECD. 2021. “OECD Environmental Performance Reviews: Lithuania 2021.” Paris: OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/48d82b17-en
OECD. 2022. “Reform of Water Supply and Wastewater Treatment in Lithuania: Practical Options to Foster Consolidation of Utilities.” Paris: OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/f966a980-en
Environmental Performance Index 2022, Lithuania – Country Scorecard, https://epi.yale.edu/epi-results/2022/country/ltu
In its 2021 report, the OECD noted that “Lithuania had a centralized environmental governance system with a modest role for local authorities. To implement the government’s ambitious environmental agenda, interinstitutional working groups collaborate on legislation and strategic documents, as well as on joint initiatives between relevant government stakeholders.” The report emphasized that “better coordination was necessary to integrate environmental considerations into sectoral policies and achieve a whole-of-government approach to environmental management. Municipalities should be more proactive in advancing the country’s agenda on climate change, circular economy and sustainable mobility.”
In the 2022 Environmental Performance Index, Lithuania was ranked 31st among 180 countries, an improvement from 35th place in 2020. It was ranked 33rd in the area of air quality, 57th in sanitation and drinking water, 21st in heavy metals, and 16th in waste management.
Water supply and sewage infrastructure have improved substantially over the years thanks to the use of EU structural funds. However, providing adequate connections to the public water supply remains a challenge in some areas. Moreover, wastewater treatment is inadequate in some respects, with significant differences evident between rural and urban areas.
In 2020, 79.44% of households were connected to wastewater treatment plants. This figure has been increasing very gradually over the last decade. The government plans to raise this proportion to 85% by 2025 and to 95% by 2030. The OECD survey (2021) emphasized that “water pollution is worsening across the country.” In particular, mineral fertilizers in agriculture and “insufficiently treated wastewater” are causes for concern.
In its 2021 report, the OECD acknowledged the progress made in waste management. It noted that the country “moved from landfilling almost all its waste to recycling and composting most of it in less than a decade. This impressive progress is a result of increased separate waste collection; construction of sorting facilities; improved labeling requirements; near-complete service coverage; education and awareness campaigns; and expansion of deposit-refund schemes to cover glass, plastic and aluminum beverage containers.” The OECD advised Lithuanian authorities to focus on reducing waste generation and improving material productivity by adopting and implementing cross-sectoral circular economy policies.
Environmental regulation has been reinforced over the last 20 years through the alignment of the country’s environmental legislation with EU directives. According to the OECD (2021), “it could be further improved by using activity-specific standard environmental requirements (general binding rules) for low-impact installations. This would reduce the regulatory costs for competent authorities and the administrative burden for regulated entities.”
Citations:
OECD. 2021. “OECD Environmental Performance Reviews: Lithuania 2021.” Paris: OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/48d82b17-en
OECD. 2022. “Reform of Water Supply and Wastewater Treatment in Lithuania: Practical Options to Foster Consolidation of Utilities.” Paris: OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/f966a980-en
Environmental Performance Index 2022, Lithuania – Country Scorecard, https://epi.yale.edu/epi-results/2022/country/ltu
Graph View
How committed is the government to preserving ecosystems and protecting biodiversity?
10
9
9
The government is clearly committed to protecting ecosystems and biodiversity.
8
7
6
7
6
The government is largely committed to protecting ecosystems and biodiversity.
5
4
3
4
3
The government is only somewhat committed to protecting ecosystems and biodiversity.
2
1
1
The government is not at all committed to protecting ecosystems and biodiversity.
The government is largely committed to protecting ecosystems and biodiversity. The Ministry of Environment is responsible for overseeing the preservation of biodiversity and preventing its loss, including efforts to increase the pace of afforestation, which are closely monitored by environmental NGOs (Lithuanian Ministry of Environment, 2024). The policy of biodiversity protection is coordinated by the Ministry’s group of environmental protection policy. The Department of Environmental Protection, under the Ministry of Environment, is responsible for implementing biodiversity protection policy.
According to Lithuanian authorities, protected territories make up 17.64% of the country’s territory, with 13% falling under the Natura 2000 program and 1% designated as reserves (Lithuanian Ministry of Environment 2024). The area covered by forests increased slightly over the last decade to a total of 2,064.6 thousand hectares in 2022, or 33.8% of the country’s territory. In the Environmental Performance Index, Lithuania ranked 31st among 180 countries in 2022 – an improvement from 35th place in 2020. It was ranked particularly well in the area of biodiversity, in which it placed 13th, but fared significantly worse in the areas of ecosystem services (112th) and fisheries (107th).
In 1992, Lithuania signed the Convention on Biological Diversity, which was ratified by the Seimas in 1995. It also participates in other international agreements on topics such as the protection of migrating species and the regulation of whale hunting. Additionally, Lithuania has been part of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), which was established by states to enhance interactions between policymakers and scientists in support of biodiversity, ecosystem services, conservation, long-term human well-being and sustainable development. Lithuania also participates in the implementation of the EU biodiversity strategy for 2030.
Several laws regulate the protection of wildlife, plants and various species in Lithuania. The most recent National Protection of Environment strategy was adopted in 2015. In the same year, an action plan for the protection of landscape and biodiversity for 2015 – 2020 was introduced. This plan provided concrete policy measures and procedures for their implementation, along with specific target indicators and monitoring and reporting mechanisms. However, there is no information on the Ministry of Environment’s website regarding a new strategy or action plan for ecosystem and biodiversity protection policies beyond 2020 that are aligned with the EU biodiversity strategy for 2030.
Citations:
Lithuanian Ministry of Environment. “Protection of biodiversity (in Lithuanian).” https://am.lrv.lt/lt/veiklos-sritys-1/gamtos-apsauga/biologines-ivairoves-apsauga-1/
Environmental Performance Index 2022. “Lithuania – Country Scorecard.” https://epi.yale.edu/epi-results/2022/country/ltu
According to Lithuanian authorities, protected territories make up 17.64% of the country’s territory, with 13% falling under the Natura 2000 program and 1% designated as reserves (Lithuanian Ministry of Environment 2024). The area covered by forests increased slightly over the last decade to a total of 2,064.6 thousand hectares in 2022, or 33.8% of the country’s territory. In the Environmental Performance Index, Lithuania ranked 31st among 180 countries in 2022 – an improvement from 35th place in 2020. It was ranked particularly well in the area of biodiversity, in which it placed 13th, but fared significantly worse in the areas of ecosystem services (112th) and fisheries (107th).
In 1992, Lithuania signed the Convention on Biological Diversity, which was ratified by the Seimas in 1995. It also participates in other international agreements on topics such as the protection of migrating species and the regulation of whale hunting. Additionally, Lithuania has been part of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), which was established by states to enhance interactions between policymakers and scientists in support of biodiversity, ecosystem services, conservation, long-term human well-being and sustainable development. Lithuania also participates in the implementation of the EU biodiversity strategy for 2030.
Several laws regulate the protection of wildlife, plants and various species in Lithuania. The most recent National Protection of Environment strategy was adopted in 2015. In the same year, an action plan for the protection of landscape and biodiversity for 2015 – 2020 was introduced. This plan provided concrete policy measures and procedures for their implementation, along with specific target indicators and monitoring and reporting mechanisms. However, there is no information on the Ministry of Environment’s website regarding a new strategy or action plan for ecosystem and biodiversity protection policies beyond 2020 that are aligned with the EU biodiversity strategy for 2030.
Citations:
Lithuanian Ministry of Environment. “Protection of biodiversity (in Lithuanian).” https://am.lrv.lt/lt/veiklos-sritys-1/gamtos-apsauga/biologines-ivairoves-apsauga-1/
Environmental Performance Index 2022. “Lithuania – Country Scorecard.” https://epi.yale.edu/epi-results/2022/country/ltu
Graph View
To what extent is the government committed and credible in designing and promoting global environmental protection regimes and policies?
10
9
9
Government policy and institutions are fully aligned with efforts to achieve global environmental sustainability.
8
7
6
7
6
Government policy and institutions are largely aligned with efforts to achieve global environmental sustainability.
5
4
3
4
3
Government policy and institutions are somewhat aligned with efforts to achieve global environmental sustainability.
2
1
1
Government policy and institutions are not at all aligned with efforts to achieve global environmental sustainability.
Lithuanian policymakers contribute to international efforts to strengthen global environmental protection regimes, but this policy area is not perceived as a government priority. Lithuania has demonstrated commitment to existing regimes – especially those promulgated by the EU or promoted by its institutions – by incorporating international or European environmental provisions into national legislation or strategic documents and implementing them.
In 2012, the Lithuanian parliament approved a national policy strategy on climate-change management to further carry out Lithuania’s commitments in the areas of climate change and energy. Although Lithuanian policymakers typically do not actively advance global environmental strategies, Lithuania contributed to the Warsaw Climate Change Conference in 2013 as part of its European Council presidency. Additionally, Lithuania successfully initiated the 2013 UN resolution on cooperative measures to assess and increase awareness of environmental effects related to waste from chemical munitions dumped at sea.
The country’s institutions are most active at the regional level, addressing issues related to the Baltic Sea. In recent years, concerns about the safety of the Astravyets nuclear power plant, constructed in neighboring Belarus, have become significant. Lithuania has outlawed the use of electricity generated by the Belarusian nuclear power plant.
Environment protection is among the main strategic directions of Lithuania’s development cooperation policy for 2022 – 2025 (Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2024). According to Lithuanian authorities, the country has been assisting Moldova, Armenia and Georgia in drafting legal norms on recycling, supporting the design and installation of modern waste sorting facilities and solar power plants. Lithuania’s effective deposit-refund system for recycling beverage packaging has been showcased to various recipients of development assistance, with some countries adopting it. Since 2022, however, the primary focus of developmental cooperation has shifted to humanitarian and financial support for Ukraine. This has included helping to maintain the functioning of state institutions, ensuring the provision of public services during the war and rebuilding civilian infrastructure.
Citations:
Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “Official Development Assistance.” https://ltaid.urm.lt/en/official-development-assistance/42
In 2012, the Lithuanian parliament approved a national policy strategy on climate-change management to further carry out Lithuania’s commitments in the areas of climate change and energy. Although Lithuanian policymakers typically do not actively advance global environmental strategies, Lithuania contributed to the Warsaw Climate Change Conference in 2013 as part of its European Council presidency. Additionally, Lithuania successfully initiated the 2013 UN resolution on cooperative measures to assess and increase awareness of environmental effects related to waste from chemical munitions dumped at sea.
The country’s institutions are most active at the regional level, addressing issues related to the Baltic Sea. In recent years, concerns about the safety of the Astravyets nuclear power plant, constructed in neighboring Belarus, have become significant. Lithuania has outlawed the use of electricity generated by the Belarusian nuclear power plant.
Environment protection is among the main strategic directions of Lithuania’s development cooperation policy for 2022 – 2025 (Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2024). According to Lithuanian authorities, the country has been assisting Moldova, Armenia and Georgia in drafting legal norms on recycling, supporting the design and installation of modern waste sorting facilities and solar power plants. Lithuania’s effective deposit-refund system for recycling beverage packaging has been showcased to various recipients of development assistance, with some countries adopting it. Since 2022, however, the primary focus of developmental cooperation has shifted to humanitarian and financial support for Ukraine. This has included helping to maintain the functioning of state institutions, ensuring the provision of public services during the war and rebuilding civilian infrastructure.
Citations:
Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “Official Development Assistance.” https://ltaid.urm.lt/en/official-development-assistance/42