Indholdsfortegnelse for Summer-Autumn 2025 i The Baltic Times

What sets BCP apart is its distinct focus: attracting high-net-worth individuals from Australia and New Zealand who are seeking a strategic entry point into the European Union. Through its flagship “Gateway to Europe” program, BCP facilitates rapid EU residency for clients while simultaneously introducing them to the many new economic advantages of the Baltic region. “Our clients are generally retired, or successful professionals and angel investors looking to expand their footprint,” explains Aaron Banks, founder and CEO of Baltic Capital Partners. “They come here for residency, but often branch out to invest, partner, and build. Given the competitive tax rates in Lithuania, many clients also report significant savings in their global tax liability which often makes BCP's services not only effectively self-funded, but profitable. It's a win-win for them, the…

From academic roots to a commercial mission Caszyme's origin story begins in the lab, not the boardroom. It was built on groundbreaking research by renowned Lithuanian scientists Professor Virginijus Siksnys and Dr. Giedrius Gasiunas, both are the other co-founders of the company - among the first in the world to demonstrate programmable DNA editing using CRISPR systems. CRISPR stands for clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats. It refers to a natural genetic system found in bacteria, which they use as a kind of immune defense against viruses. Scientists adapted this system to develop CRISPR-Cas gene-editing technology, which allows precise and targeted changes to DNA in plants, animals, and humans. “Recognizing its revolutionary potential beyond academia, we decided to commercialize this technology by founding Caszyme,” Paule told The Baltic Times Magazine.…

Russia's most bitter enemies, such as Poland, the Baltic and Nordic countries, are also increasing its influence by shaping an image of Russia that flatters president Putin's vanity. Russia is portrayed as a powerful state bidding its time before a possible attack on a NATO, perhaps in three, perhaps in seven years. It is as if Putin were in a position similar to that of Hitler in the autumn of 1940, when the Nazi dictator was pondering which country to attack next after the conquest of much of western Europe. The comparison is grossly misleading. Russia's armed forces are underwhelming. Their “blitzkrieg” against Pokrovsk, launched in July 2024, has still not led to the capture of the city. It took more than six months to evict Ukrainian forces from the…

Located in the heart of the city, Victoria Hotel Klaipeda offers more than just upscale accommodation. It's a fully equipped business hub, tailored for professionals who need flexibility, reliability, and top-tier amenities under one roof. Built for business As one of the most versatile modern conference centres in western Lithuania, Victoria Hotel Klaipeda is a popular choice by many corporations. The hotel features 5 conference rooms and whether you're hosting an intimate board meeting or a 120-person seminar, the hotel's meeting rooms deliver not just smart layouts and the latest audiovisual tech but also provide a dedicated event staff that will cater to your tight schedule - whether it's a short coffee break or a corporate lunch and/or dinner. All rooms are equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi, wireless presentation tools, and…

Founded by a team of defense veterans and tech innovators with real-life operational experience, Vegvisir was inspired by the challenges its team faced in conflict zones. That's why we're proud to have veterans from the British Royal Marines Commandos and the Estonian military as part of our team. Many of our key personnel have also been involved in developing advanced simulation and situational awareness technologies. Their mission: build tools that directly respond to the needs of operators in high-pressure environments, where seconds and visibility matter. At the core of Vegvisir's technology is a ‘see-through-armor’ capability, offering a 360-degree field of view from within armored vehicles. Traditional periscope systems or small-screen displays offer limited visibility. Vegvisir's MR solution connects cameras mounted around the vehicle to a head-mounted display, giving soldiers a…

This successful integration is underscored by a 10% increase in cargo traffic in 2024. In this context, Strike Aviation LT plays a key role as a General Sales and Services Agent (GSSA), providing professional airline representation and efficient cargo flow management across the Baltic States. Operating since 1997, the company has significantly expanded its route network, reaching markets in Europe, Asia, and North and South America. “The air freight sector has faced several challenging years. The COVID-19 pandemic and sudden economic disruptions caused by geopolitical events have made it difficult for businesses to adapt,” says Andrius Antanaitis, Director of Business Development for Europe at Strike Aviation. “Strike Aviation's strength lies in its flexibility and the strategic geographic diversification of its cargo destinations. This enables the company to withstand market fluctuations…

Gone are the days when small wind was dismissed as inefficient or unreliable. Today, a combination of technological advancement, better planning tools, and expert-driven design has allowed small wind turbines to deliver serious returns. One standout example comes from Estonia: the Freen-H15 turbine, developed by Freen OU. Precision engineering for real-world efficiency Freen's H15 is a 15-kW horizontal-axis small wind turbine for home and commercial applications, designed for optimized energy production in low to moderate wind environments. The turbine is distinguished by its low starting speed of just 2.5 m/s, allowing it to begin generating electricity when many competitors remain idle. With a cut-out wind speed of 25 m/s and a swept area of 76.5 m2, the H15 is capable of delivering reliable power across diverse geographic settings. But performance…

The Parcel Revolution Not long ago, sending a parcel meant dealing with slow, fragmented processes. Comparing offers meant calling different couriers, waiting, and manually checking delivery times and prices. Siųsk pigiau changed that. Now you can view live offers from trusted couriers in one place. Whether shipping across town or internationally, logistics is becoming faster, clearer, and more user-friendly. Siuskpigiau.lt - a brand trusted in Lithuania for over 14 years, and increasingly recognized globally as Sendparcel. It was the first platform in Lithuania to offer online parcel shipping services, setting the standard for what modern delivery should feel like. Today, it's evolving into a powerful cross-border logistics hub with growing reach across Latvia, Estonia, and the United States. With its own sorting centers in Lithuania and the U.S., Siųsk pigiau…

A next-gen platform for financial services SDK.finance is more than just a software provider - it's a launchpad for digital wallets, neobanks, embedded finance, crypto-to-fiat solutions, and super apps. The platform enables clients to skip multi-year development cycles by providing a modular, ready-to-integrate core that supports a full spectrum of financial operations from day one. At the heart of SDK.finance lies a powerful ledger-first architecture that supports any asset - fiat, crypto, loyalty points, or custom units - allowing users to build truly multi-asset financial systems. With support for over 2,700 transactions per second and more than 470 RESTful API endpoints, the platform delivers enterprise-grade performance with start-up-level agility. Modular by design, built for scale Where traditional fintech stacks often come with scaling constraints or closed - ecosystems, SDK.finance solves…

When life gets busy and the days feel too full, Tartu is the perfect place to slow down. Life here moves at a gentler pace. Mornings smell of fresh coffee and pastries, days unfold in parks, cafés and galleries, and evenings offer endless ways to unwind. There's space here - to think, to breathe, to simply be. You don't have to choose between a city break, a nature escape or a relaxing spa day - in Tartu, you'll find it all in one place. You don't just visit Tartu. You feel it. Come recharge, feel inspired, and create those memories you'll look back on for years. Getting here is easy too, whether by car, bus, or now more comfortably than ever, by train. A smooth journey brings you straight into…

These include: the summer reading room of the Martynas Mazvydas Library (architect Albinas Cepys), which preserves a centuries-old oak growing at its center; the “Kupeta” exhibition pavilion (also by Cepys) near the historic Birute Park, harmoniously blending into its natural surroundings; and the “Zilvinas” holiday complex (architect Algimantas Leckas), whose creative design allows visitors to experience architecture in close connection with the surrounding trees. One of the world's leading contemporary architecture events Since 1980, the Venice Architecture Biennale - held every two years - has been one of the most significant events in global contemporary architecture. This year, Lithuania's participation is organized by the Lithuanian Council for Culture, with Dr. Jurate Tutlyte serving as the Pavilion Commissioner. The Biennale runs from May 10 to November 23, 2025, at the historic…

“My main task is to strengthen German-Latvian ties - building bridges, developing projects and activities, particularly in the fields of economy, culture, science, tourism and social relations.” Dr. Sabine Sommerkamp-Homann tells The Baltic Times Magazine proudly. She has carved an extraordinary path not only as diplomat, but also as a philologist, journalist, poet, painter. Her CD album Back in Time - Songs from the 1930s to the ‘60s supports SOS Children's Villages in Latvia, and her painting “Latvia” was turned into an official postcard during Latvia's EU Council Presidency in 2015. A diplomatic mission rooted in heart and heritage It was in the 1990s, a few years after Latvia regained independence, that Dr. Sommerkamp-Homann felt drawn to the Baltic country's resilient spirit. “From the very beginning, I was fascinated by…

On June 7, the Riga City Council elections were won by a bloc of parties that clearly support Latvia as part of the West and take a pro-Ukrainian direction. Relief? Yes. Joy? No. Rather, bitterness and immense caution. In all, 16 parties or their lists participated in the Riga municipality elections, which are by far the largest in Latvia. All these organizations can be divided into three groups. The first group includes the parties that form the current coalition and are pro-Western and pro-Ukrainian. The second group - parties whose position regarding Ukraine is ambiguous and, accordingly, regarding Russia, more open. Finally, the third group - parties whose chances of obtaining any of the 60 Riga City Council seats seemed unlikely from the very beginning. Accordingly, their position on geopolitical…

Erlandas Paplauskis, a well-known Lithuanian environmentalist and Senior Specialist (Ecologist) at the Biological Diversity Protection Department of the Directorate of Protected Areas of Little Lithuania, responsible for the Coastal Regional Park (he has worked for 25 years in the park), is awed and stunned by the changes he sees in coastal nature. “Chinese mitten crabs, Japanese shore crabs, or the praying mantis are just a few examples of the new, often invasive species, brought over by humans or vessels, as a result of intense global travel and trade, to the Lithuanian coast,” E. Paplauskis told The Baltic Times Magazine. Looking back, what do you believe we've managed to achieve most for our environment over the 35 years of freedom? And what still concerns you? In preserving our nature, over the…

NorSAF will be the largest SAF production plant in Northern Europe producing approximately 100,000 tons of SAF annually once operations begin in 2030. The scope of the project is estimated at 500-600 million euros, depending on the selected technological solution. As this project will have to compete on a global scale, its successful implementation depends on the aid and support it receives from the European Union, institutional investors and local authorities. Often referred to the future of aviation, SAF generates significantly less greenhouse gas emissions than conventional jet fuel. Starting this year, the European Union has implemented a requirement that at least 2% of all fuel consumed at larger airports must be SAF. This mandate will gradually increase, reaching 6% by 2030, 20% by 2035, and 70% by 2050. The…

From delays to delivery However, looking back, the path to modernising the Vilnius WWTP was far from smooth. The initial tender for the project had to be reissued four times, a reflection of both the high expectations and the constrained budget attached to the job. The urgency to replace the ageing infrastructure was driven by stricter EU environmental regulations and the increasing demands of a growing urban population. Eventually, in August 2020, a breakthrough occurred. Despite ongoing global disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, UAB Arginta submitted a joint technical and financial proposal and was awarded the contract. Coordination between more than 15 engineers from Lithuania and Italy largely took place remotely, a logistical feat during the lockdown. The first phase of reconstruction was completed in September 2023 and was…

Sustainability has become the standard LVL is a structural material made by layering and gluing wood veneer. This process creates a strong and reliable product that, while still seen as a novelty in Lithuania, is already changing the game in construction, furniture production, and energy. In Western countries, LVL has been used for more than 50 years, but local markets still face lingering stereotypes. “LVL has been used in Lithuania for over a decade, yet it's still seen as new. Meanwhile, globally, such materials have been used since the 1960s. What's changing now is the European Union's green policy - sustainable, efficient materials are becoming the norm,” says Arnas Januska, Head of Sales at VMG Lignum. One of the biggest advantages of LVL, he explains, is wood usage efficiency. More…

For many organisations, this technical shift has created a critical gap. “The regulatory landscape has fundamentally changed how businesses need to think about their technology infrastructure,” says Andzej Suskevic, the CEO of Baltic Amadeus. His insights reveal why choosing the right IT partner could make or break your compliance strategy. Compliance is becoming a technical responsibility Several major EU regulations have come into effect recently. The Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA), active from January 2025, introduces strict ICT risk, continuity, and testing standards across the financial sector. The Network and Information Security Directive 2.0 (NIS2), enforced from October 2024, raises cybersecurity requirements for a wide range of critical and essential entities. The Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), implemented in December 2024, regulates how cryptoasset services operate within the EU. And…

Siauliai's business math is based on several key factors: 1. Real estate costs and opportunities to rent or purchase In Siauliai, the prices for commercial and industrial real estate are significantly lower than in Vilnius or Kaunas. For example, the rental price per square meter for industrial properties in Siauliai can be two or even three times cheaper than in Vilnius. This cost structure means that investments pay off faster, and businesses become profitable at an earlier stage. For start-ups and companies looking to expand, this offers room for growth - both physically and financially. The Siauliai City Municipality is also actively working to create favorable conditions for investors, offering a “one-stop-shop” service model. Companies operating in the Siauliai Industrial Park and Free Economic Zone enjoy various incentives, and attractive…

At a time when much of Europe treads carefully around the shifting geopolitics of war, energy, and security, one Baltic Member of the European Parliament is not mincing words. In this candid and wide-ranging interview, Rasa Jukneviciene, a veteran Lithuanian politician and a current Member of the European Parliament (MEP) representing the European People's Party (EPP), Vice-Chair of the European Parliament's Euronest Delegation, and EPP Vice-Coordinator at the Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE) offers a rare and unapologetically direct assessment of the West's faltering resolve in assisting Ukraine, the dangers of appeasing authoritarian regimes, and the looming risk of repeating the mistakes of the past. “I cannot rule out that the history may be on the verge of repeating itself - unless Europe wakes up fast,” MEP Jukneviciene told…

The economic history has a curious way of rewriting itself. Around 150 years ago, Lithuania was the poorest and most underdeveloped of the Baltic nations, while Latvia stood as the region's economic frontrunner. Moving forward to the present, we now see that Lithuania has not only caught up to Estonia but also surpassed it, while Latvia, unexpectedly, is trailing behind its Baltic neighbours in terms of GDP per capita. Indeed, the economic trajectories of the Baltic states - Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia - have undergone remarkable and sometimes baffling shifts over the past century and a half. Let's begin at the turn of the 20th century. By the 1870s or 1880s, Latvia was clearly emerging as the most dynamic of the Baltic economies - outpacing even Estonia. Riga had rapidly…

This is your second term in the Lithuanian legislature, the Seimas. How does it differ from your first? In my second term in the Seimas, I am in the opposition, so my work has changed - I have much less opportunity to influence decisions directly. Now I am more involved in criticizing government decisions and proposing alternatives - stopping bad decisions and proposing better ones. In government, I was able to implement concrete things; in opposition, I have to fight more for principles. It requires more clarity and determination, as well as patience and a long-term strategy. However, I do not allow the government to lose sight of the liberal direction, and I strive to ensure that liberal ideas are heard and debated. Are you concerned that the centuries-old liberal…

Vygaudas Usackas, a well-known Lithuanian diplomat and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, who, in various capacities, has met separately with Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin on multiple occasions - both in very formal and more intimate settings - has published his memoir, Diplomatic Mission: From Skuodas to the White House, which has become a blockbuster bestseller. The Baltic Times Magazine spoke with the extraordinary diplomat not only about the book, but also about what may lie ahead for the Baltics and Europe in an increasingly tension-filled world. Let's be honest: not many top-tier Lithuanian politicians, including ambassadors, have published memoirs. Do you feel you're filling the gap, offering readers firsthand stories, straight from the horse's mouth? The decision to write this memoir stems from a desire to share the personal…

According to several of the most trusted auto industry sources in Lithuania, Toyota was the most popular car manufacturer in the country last year. Notably, two Toyota models secured the top spots on the list of the most popular car models. The Toyota Corolla was the best-selling model of 2024 in the country, with over 1,600 units sold. Following closely behind, the Toyota RAV4, an SUV model, claimed second place with over 1,300 units sold. While Toyota leads in the mainstream market, Mototoja has also seen consistent growth in the premium segment with Lexus. Continuous improvement and attentiveness to clients’ needs Behind the brand's success stands UAB Mototoja, the official sales and service center for Toyota and Lexus vehicles in Vilnius, Lithuania. A devoted and trusted dealer - one of…

That's exactly what the upcoming Telematics & Connected Mobility conference aims to deliver. Set to take place September 10-11, 2025, at LITEXPO in Vilnius, Lithuania, the event brings together global leaders to tackle the challenges and opportunities shaping the connected mobility space. An Industry Gathering Powered by Gurtam The conference is organized by Gurtam, the Vilnius-based IoT and telematics software company behind solutions like Wialon, flespi, and GPS-Trace. With over two decades of experience and a partner network spanning 160+ countries, Gurtam is recognized for combining technical innovation with a collaborative, community-first ethos. From its base in Lithuania and several regional offices, the company helps fleet and mobility businesses unlock the full potential of connected vehicle technology. Now, Gurtam is channeling that expertise into an ambitious, globally minded conference open…

In a moderated discussion, Povilas Kaminskas, Head of Security Operations Center at Blue Bridge, and Tautvydas Jasinskas, Chief Information Security Officer at Connect-Pay, explored these questions from two different perspectives: that of a SOC service provider and that of a business navigating security needs. Together, they shared the most important considerations and common challenges that arise in collaboration - plus a few tips for businesses looking to take a future-ready approach to cybersecurity. Does every business need a SOC? There is a common belief that every organization should take care of cybersecurity. But does every company need it at the SOC level? Additionally, there is still confusion about what these services actually involve and how companies can integrate them into their broader ecosystems. According to T. Jasinskas, cybersecurity - and…

In a landscape where consumers expect instant payments, seamless digital experiences, and rock-solid reliability, delivering on those expectations requires more than just ambition. It requires deep industry knowledge, robust infrastructure, and an intricate understanding of how global payment networks function. Launching in payments isn't just about great ideas - it's about execution within a very complex environment,” says Nikita Melnikovs, Board Member at DECTA. “We've seen promising fintechs stall not because of a weak product, but because they underestimated what it takes to go live. Launching in payments isn't just about great ideas-it's about execution within a very complex environment,” says Nikita Melnikovs, Board Member at DECTA. “We've seen promising fintechs stall not because of a weak product, but because they underestimated what it takes to go live” The roadblocks…

One of Taurage's most remarkable achievements lies in its commitment to renewable energy. The municipality hosts one of the largest wind farms in the Baltic region, with a total capacity of 73.5 MW, developed together with the neighboring Pagegiai municipality. In addition to wind energy, Taurage has also transitioned to 100 percent renewable-based district heating, significantly reducing its reliance on fossil fuels. Taurage's progress is impressive, especially given its size. Among its landmark achievements is the transition to 100 percent renewable energy for the town's centralized heating system - making fossil fuels a thing of the past for thousands of residents A vision that took root The seeds of Taurage's green transformation were planted in 2016, when then-mayor Sigitas Miciulis dared to imagine a future where the town was powered…