Editing Lithuania (section)

==Government and politics==
{{Main|Politics of Lithuania}}
[[File:Seimas — Parliament of Lithuania.jpg|thumb|240x240px|[[Seimas]] — Parliament of Lithuania]]

===Government===
Since Lithuania declared the restoration of its independence on 11 March 1990, it has maintained strong democratic traditions. It held its first independent general elections on 25 October 1992, in which 56.75% of voters supported the [[Constitution of Lithuania|new constitution]].<ref name="referenda">{{in lang|lt}} [http://www3.lrs.lt/docs2/QKVXRGNF.DOC Nuo 1991 m. iki šiol paskelbtų referendumų rezultatai] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080909201701/http://www3.lrs.lt/docs2/QKVXRGNF.DOC |date=9 September 2008}}, Microsoft Word Document, [[Seimas]]. Retrieved 4 June 2006.</ref> There were intense debates concerning the constitution, particularly the role of the president. A [[1992 Lithuanian presidency referendum|separate referendum]] was held on 23 May 1992 to gauge public opinion on the matter, and 41% of voters supported the restoration of the [[President of Lithuania]].<ref name="referenda" /> Through compromise, a [[semi-presidential system]] was agreed on.<ref name="Lina" />

{{multiple image
| caption_align = center
| image1 = Gitanas Nauseda crop.png
| width1 = 130
| caption1 = [[Gitanas Nausėda]],<br /><small>[[President of Lithuania|President]] since 2019</small>
| image2 = Gintautas Paluckas by Augustas Didzgalvis (cropped)(correct angle version).jpg
| width2 = 132
| caption2 = [[Gintautas Paluckas]],<br /><small>[[Prime Minister of Lithuania|Prime Minister]] since 2024</small>
| image3 = Saulius_Skvernelis_VRK.jpg
| width3 = 117
| caption3 = [[Saulius Skvernelis]],<br /><small>[[Speaker of the Seimas]] since 2024</small>
}}
The Lithuanian [[head of state]] is the president, directly elected for a five-year term and serving a maximum of two terms. The president oversees foreign affairs and national security, and is the [[commander-in-chief]] of the military.<ref name="lrpf">{{cite web |title=Presidential Functions |url=https://www.lrp.lt/en/institution/presidential-functions/20800 |website=lrp.lt |access-date=15 July 2019 |archive-date=10 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190510181051/https://www.lrp.lt/en/institution/presidential-functions/20800}}</ref> The president also appoints the [[Prime Minister of Lithuania|prime minister]] and, on the latter's nomination, the rest of the cabinet, as well as a number of other top civil servants and the judges for all courts except the Constitutional Court.<ref name="lrpf" /> The current Lithuanian head of state, [[Gitanas Nausėda]] was [[2019 Lithuanian presidential election|elected on 26 May 2019]] by winning in all the [[municipalities of Lithuania]] in the second election round.<ref name="president2019">{{cite web |title=Rezultatai – Respublikos Prezidento rinkimai 2019 |url=https://rinkimai.maps.lt/rinkimai2019/prezidentas/ |website=rinkimai.maps.lt |access-date=15 July 2019 |archive-date=23 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623222741/https://rinkimai.maps.lt/rinkimai2019/prezidentas/ |url-status=live}}</ref> He was re-elected in 2024, winning more than 74% of the run-off votes.<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 May 2024 |title=Nausėda claims landslide victory in Lithuania's presidential run-off |url=https://www.lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/19/2278660/nauseda-claims-landslide-victory-in-lithuania-s-presidential-run-off |access-date=7 November 2024 |website=lrt.lt}}</ref>

The judges of the [[Constitutional Court of Lithuania|Constitutional Court]] (''Konstitucinis Teismas'') serve nine-year terms. The court is renewed by a third every three years. The judges are appointed by the Seimas, on the nomination by the President, Chairman of the Seimas, and the Chairman of the Supreme Court. The [[unicameral]] Lithuanian parliament, the [[Seimas]], has 141 members elected to four-year terms - 71 in single-member constituencies, and the others in a nationwide vote by [[proportional representation]]. A party must receive at least 5% of the national vote to be eligible for any of the 70 national seats in the Seimas.<ref name="Seimas">{{cite web|title=Seimo rinkimai|url=http://www.lrs.lt/sip/portal.show?p_r=15405&p_k=1|website=lrs.lt|access-date=14 April 2018|archive-date=20 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420150504/https://www.lrs.lt/sip/portal.show?p_r=15405&p_k=1|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Political parties and elections===
{{Main|Elections in Lithuania}}
Lithuania was one of the first countries in the world to [[Women's suffrage|grant women a right to vote]] in the elections. Lithuanian women were allowed to vote by the [[Constitution of Lithuania#Interwar constitutions|1918 Constitution of Lithuania]] and used their newly granted right for the first time in 1919. By doing so, Lithuania allowed it earlier than such democratic countries as the [[United States]] (1920), [[France]] (1945), [[Feminism in Greece|Greece]] (1952), [[Switzerland]] (1971).<ref>{{cite web |last1=Baronienė |first1=Daiva |title=Teisę balsuoti Lietuvos moterys gavo vienos pirmųjų pasaulyje |url=https://www.lzinios.lt/Gimtasis-krastas/teise-balsuoti-lietuvos-moterys-gavo-vienos-pirmuju-pasaulyje/287033 |website=Lzinios.lt |access-date=11 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190511092317/https://www.lzinios.lt/Gimtasis-krastas/teise-balsuoti-lietuvos-moterys-gavo-vienos-pirmuju-pasaulyje/287033 |archive-date=11 May 2019}}</ref>

Lithuania exhibits a fragmented multi-party system,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tlu.ee/stss/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/stss_nov_2011_saarts.pdf |title=Comparative Party System Analysis in Central and Eastern Europe: the Case of the Baltic States |last1=Saarts |first1=Tõnis |publisher=Studies of Transition States and Societies |access-date=31 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161019212154/http://www.tlu.ee/stss/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/stss_nov_2011_saarts.pdf |archive-date=19 October 2016}}</ref> with a number of small parties in which coalition governments are common. Ordinary elections to the [[Seimas]] take place on the second Sunday of October every four years.<ref name="Seimas"/> To be eligible for election, candidates must be at least 21 years old on the election day, not under allegiance to a foreign state and permanently reside in Lithuania.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 April 2022 |title=Lithuanian parliament amends Constitution to allow direct mayoral elections |url=https://www.lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/19/1677980/lithuanian-parliament-amends-constitution-to-allow-direct-mayoral-elections |access-date=7 November 2024 |website=lrt.lt}}</ref> Persons serving or due to serve a sentence imposed by the court 65 days before the election are not eligible. Also, judges, citizens performing military service, and servicemen of professional military service and officials of statutory institutions and establishments may not stand for election.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lietuvos Respublikos Seimo rinkimų įstatymas|url=https://www.e-tar.lt/portal/lt/legalAct/TAR.06267D86738E/lyGURhvddO|website=e-tar.lt|access-date=14 April 2018|archive-date=14 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414234446/https://www.e-tar.lt/portal/lt/legalAct/TAR.06267D86738E/lyGURhvddO|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Social Democratic Party of Lithuania]] won the [[2024 Lithuanian parliamentary election]]s and gained 52 of 141 seats in the parliament.<ref>{{cite news |title=Lithuanian Social Democratic leader hails 'historic' election victory |url=https://www.lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/19/2399206/lithuanian-social-democratic-leader-hails-historic-election-victory |access-date=28 October 2024 |work=lrt.lt |date=28 October 2024 |archive-date=11 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241111173825/https://www.lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/19/2399206/lithuanian-social-democratic-leader-hails-historic-election-victory |url-status=live}}</ref> In November 2024, [[Gintautas Paluckas]] was confirmed as the prime minister after the Social Democrats reached a coalition agreement with [[Union of Democrats "For Lithuania"]] and [[Dawn of Nemunas]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.politico.eu/article/gintautas-paluckas-is-new-lithuania-pm/|title=Gintautas Paluckas confirmed as Lithuania's new prime minister|author=<!-- no byline -->|date=24 November 2024}}</ref>

[[File:Re-Establishment of Lithuania commemoration in Seimas (2015).jpg|thumb|Commemoration of the [[Act of the Re-Establishment of the State of Lithuania]] in the historical [[Seimas Palace|Seimas]] hall where it was originally signed in 1990. The ceremony is attended by the Lithuanian President, Prime Minister, Chairman of the Seimas and other high-ranking officials.]]
The [[President of Lithuania]] is the head of state of the country, elected to a five-year term in a majority vote. Elections take place on the last Sunday no more than two months before the end of current presidential term.<ref name="Constitution">{{cite web |url=http://www3.lrs.lt/home/Konstitucija/Constitution.htm |title=Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania |publisher=The Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania |access-date=31 July 2015 |archive-date=17 January 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060117080458/http://www3.lrs.lt/home/Konstitucija/Constitution.htm |url-status=live}}</ref> To be eligible for election, candidates must be at least 40 years old on the election day and reside in Lithuania for at least three years, in addition to satisfying the eligibility criteria for a member of the parliament. Same President may serve for not more than two terms.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lietuvos Respublikos Prezidento rinkimų įstatymas|url=https://www.e-tar.lt/portal/lt/legalAct/TAR.E39827DBDE34/rYdcColjED|website=e-tar.lt|access-date=14 April 2018|archive-date=18 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181018201550/https://www.e-tar.lt/portal/lt/legalAct/TAR.E39827DBDE34/rYdcColjED|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Gitanas Nausėda]] was elected as an independent candidate in [[2019 Lithuanian presidential election|2019]] and re-elected in [[2024 Lithuanian presidential election|2024]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 May 2024 |title=Nausėda claims landslide victory in Lithuania's presidential run-off |url=https://www.lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/19/2278660/nauseda-claims-landslide-victory-in-lithuania-s-presidential-run-off |access-date=8 November 2024 |website=lrt.lt}}</ref>

Each municipality in Lithuania is governed by a [[municipal council]] and a [[mayor]], who is a member of the municipal council. The number of members, elected on a four-year term, in each municipal council depends on the size of the municipality and varies from 15 (in municipalities with fewer than 5,000 residents) to 51 (in municipalities with more than 500,000 residents). 1,498 municipal council members were elected in 2023. Members of the council, with the exception of the mayor, are elected using proportional representation. Starting with 2015, the mayor is elected directly by the majority of residents of the municipality.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lietuvos Respublikos savivaldybių tarybų rinkimų įstatymas|url=https://www.e-tar.lt/portal/lt/legalAct/TAR.336A4B109EBC/HEexqWkxmV|website=e-tar.lt|access-date=14 April 2018|archive-date=14 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414234518/https://www.e-tar.lt/portal/lt/legalAct/TAR.336A4B109EBC/HEexqWkxmV|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Social Democratic Party of Lithuania]] won the most positions in the 2023 elections (358 municipal council seats and 17 mayors).<ref>{{cite web|title=2023 m. kovo 19 d. savivaldybių tarybų ir merų rinkimai|url=https://www.vrk.lt/savivaldybiu-tarybu-ir-meru-2023/rezultatai?srcUrl=/rinkimai/1304/2/1920/rezultatai/lt/rezultataiSavPartKoalBalsuIrMandSk.html|website=vrk.lt}}</ref>

As of 2024, the number of seats in the [[European Parliament]] allocated to Lithuania was 11.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.europarl.europa.eu/infographic/meps-seats/index_en.html |title=Distribution of seats in the European Parliament |publisher=European Parliament}}</ref> Ordinary elections take place on a Sunday on the same day as in other EU countries. The vote is open to all citizens of Lithuania, as well as citizens of other EU countries that permanently reside in Lithuania, who are at least 18 years old on the election day. To be eligible for election, candidates must be at least 21 years old on the election day, a citizen of Lithuania or a citizen of another EU country permanently residing in Lithuania. Candidates are not allowed to stand for election in more than one country. Persons serving or due to serve a sentence imposed by the court 65 days before the election are not eligible. Also, judges, citizens performing military service, and servicemen of professional military service and officials of statutory institutions and establishments may not stand for election.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lietuvos Respublikos rinkimų į Europos Parlamentą įstatymas|url=https://www.e-tar.lt/portal/lt/legalAct/TAR.FE3C428580B8/DOAAhMeuda|website=e-tar.lt|access-date=14 April 2018|archive-date=18 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181018201545/https://www.e-tar.lt/portal/lt/legalAct/TAR.FE3C428580B8/DOAAhMeuda|url-status=live}}</ref> Eight political parties gained seats in the [[2024 European Parliament election in Lithuania|2024 elections]].<ref>{{cite web |title=2024 m. birželio 9 d. rinkimai į Europos Parlamentą |url=https://www.vrk.lt/2024-europos-parlamento/rezultatai?srcUrl=/rinkimai/1546/1/2146/rezultatai/lt/rezultataiEpIsrinktiNariai.html |website=vrk.lt}}</ref>

===Law and law enforcement===
{{Main|Law of Lithuania}}
[[File:Statut Vialikaha Kniastva Litoŭskaha. Статут Вялікага Княства Літоўскага (1588) (2).jpg|thumb|upright|[[Statutes of Lithuania]] were the central piece of Lithuanian law in 1529–1795.]]
The first attempt to [[Codification (law)|codify]] the Lithuanian laws was in 1468 when the [[Casimir's Code]] was compiled and adopted by Grand Duke [[Casimir IV Jagiellon]].<ref name="LawVle">{{cite web |last1=Matulienė |first1=Snieguolė |last2=Spruogis |first2=Ernestas |title=Lietuvos teisės šaltiniai |url=https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/lietuvos-teises-saltiniai/ |website=Visuotinė lietuvių enciklopedija |access-date=22 February 2022 |language=lt |archive-date=22 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220222211158/https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/lietuvos-teises-saltiniai/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In the 16th century three editions of the [[Statutes of Lithuania]] were created with the First Statute being adopted in 1529, the Second Statute in 1566, and the Third Statute in 1588.<ref name="LawVle" /> On 3 May 1791, the Europe's first and the world's second [[Constitution of 3 May 1791|Constitution]] was adopted by the [[Great Sejm]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Gegužės trečiosios konstitucija |url=https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/geguzes-treciosios-konstitucija/ |website=Visuotinė lietuvių enciklopedija |access-date=22 February 2022 |language=lt |archive-date=22 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220222211200/https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/geguzes-treciosios-konstitucija/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The Third Statute was partly in force in the territory of Lithuania even until 1840, despite the [[Partitions of Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth|Third Partition of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth]] in 1795.<ref name="LawVle" />

In 1934–1935, Lithuania held the [[Trial of Neumann and Sass|first mass trial of the Nazis in Europe]], the [[Conviction|convicted]] were sentenced to imprisonment in a [[Penal labour|heavy labor prison]] and [[capital punishment]]s.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gliožaitis |first1=Algirdas |title=Neumanno-Sasso byla |trans-title=The Case of Neumann-Sass |url=https://www.mle.lt/straipsniai/neumanno-sasso-byla |website=Mažosios Lietuvos enciklopedija |access-date=12 February 2022 |language=lt |archive-date=12 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220212210419/https://www.mle.lt/straipsniai/neumanno-sasso-byla |url-status=live}}</ref>

After regaining of independence in 1990, the largely modified Soviet legal codes were in force for about a decade. The current [[Constitution of Lithuania]] was adopted on 25 October 1992.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lietuvos Konstitucija|url=http://www3.lrs.lt/home/Konstitucija/Konstitucija.htm|website=lrs.lt|access-date=17 February 2018|archive-date=12 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210612091928/https://www.lrs.lt/home/Konstitucija/Konstitucija.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2001, the [[Civil Code of Lithuania]] was passed in [[Seimas]]. It was succeeded by the [[Criminal Code]] and [[Criminal Procedure]] Code in 2003. The approach to the [[criminal law]] is [[inquisitorial]], as opposed to [[Adversarial system|adversarial]]; it is generally characterised by an insistence on formality and rationalisation, as opposed to practicality and informality. Normative legal act enters into force on the next day after its publication in the ''Teisės aktų registras'', unless it has a later entry into force date.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nuo 2014 m. sausio 1 d. teisės aktai oficialiai skelbiami Teisės aktų registre|url=http://www3.lrs.lt/pls/inter/w5_show?p_r=4443&p_d=143651&p_k=1|website=3.lrs.lt|access-date=24 February 2018|language=lt|archive-date=23 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623223041/https://www3.lrs.lt/pls/inter/w5_show?p_r=4443&p_d=143651&p_k=1|url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[European Union law]] is an integral part of the Lithuanian legal system since 1 May 2004.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nacionalinės teisės aktų derinimo su Europos Sąjungos teise metodiniai nurodymai|url=http://www.etd.lt/index.php?189546198|website=etd.lt|access-date=22 October 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218090653/http://www.etd.lt/index.php?189546198|archive-date=18 February 2018}}</ref>

Lithuania, after breaking away from the Soviet Union, had a difficult crime situation, however, the Lithuanian law enforcement agencies fought crime over the years, making Lithuania a reasonably safe country.<ref>{{cite web|title=LRT dokumentikos ciklas "Nematoma Lietuvos istorija" – apie valstybės pergalę prieš mafiją|url=http://www.lrt.lt/televizija/anonsai/22093/lrt-dokumentikos-ciklas-nematoma-lietuvos-istorija-apie-valstybes-pergale-pries-mafija|website=LRT|access-date=5 September 2016|language=lt|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228223636/http://www.lrt.lt/televizija/anonsai/22093/lrt-dokumentikos-ciklas-nematoma-lietuvos-istorija-apie-valstybes-pergale-pries-mafija|archive-date=28 February 2018}}</ref> Crime in Lithuania has been declining rapidly.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.osac.gov/Pages/ContentReportDetails.aspx?cid=21469|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170508011825/https://www.osac.gov/Pages/ContentReportDetails.aspx?cid=21469|archive-date=8 May 2017|title=Lithuania 2017 Crime & Safety Report|date=8 May 2017}}</ref> Law enforcement in Lithuania is primarily the responsibility of local ''Lietuvos policija'' (Lithuanian Police) commissariats. They are supplemented by the ''Lietuvos policijos antiteroristinių operacijų rinktinė Aras'' (Anti-Terrorist Operations Team of the Lithuanian Police ''Aras''), ''Lietuvos kriminalinės policijos biuras'' (Lithuanian Criminal Police Bureau), ''Lietuvos policijos kriminalistinių tyrimų centras'' (Lithuanian Police Forensic Research Center) and ''Lietuvos kelių policijos tarnyba'' (Lithuanian Road Police Service).<ref>{{cite web|title=Lietuvos policija|url=https://policija.lrv.lt/|website=policija.lrv.lt|access-date=31 March 2018|language=lt|archive-date=30 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210630082829/https://policija.lrv.lt/|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Lithuanian Police A6 (2018).jpg|thumb|left|Lithuanian police cruiser in [[Gediminas Avenue]], Vilnius]]
In 2017, there were 63,846 crimes registered in Lithuania. Of these, thefts comprised a large part with 19,630 cases (13.2% less than in 2016). While 2,835 crimes were serious and very serious (crimes that may lead to more than six years imprisonment), which is 14.5% less than in 2016. In total, 129 homicides or attempted homicide occurred (19.9% less than in 2016), while serious bodily harm was registered 178 times (17.6% less than in 2016). Another problematic crime [[contraband]] cases also decreased by 27.2% from 2016 numbers. Meanwhile, crimes in electronic data and information technology security fields noticeably increased by 26.6%.<ref>{{cite web|title=Užregistruota ir ištirta nusikalstamų veikų (2017 / Sausis – Gruodis)|url=https://www.ird.lt/lt/paslaugos/nusikalstamu-veiku-zinybinio-registro-nvzr-paslaugos/ataskaitos-1/nusikalstamumo-ir-ikiteisminiu-tyrimu-statistika-1/view_item_datasource?id=6763&datasource=18743|website=Ird.lt|access-date=31 March 2018|language=lt|archive-date=1 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180801190249/https://www.ird.lt/lt/paslaugos/nusikalstamu-veiku-zinybinio-registro-nvzr-paslaugos/ataskaitos-1/nusikalstamumo-ir-ikiteisminiu-tyrimu-statistika-1/view_item_datasource?id=6763&datasource=18743|url-status=live}}</ref> In the 2013 Special Eurobarometer, 29% of Lithuanians said that corruption affects their daily lives (EU average 26%). Moreover, 95% of Lithuanians regarded corruption as widespread in their country (EU average 76%), and 88% agreed that bribery and the use of connections is often the easiest way of obtaining certain public services (EU average 73%).<ref>{{cite book|title=Lithuania's EU Anti-Corruption Report|date=2014|publisher=European Commission|location=Brussels|pages=2–3|url=https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/sites/homeaffairs/files/what-we-do/policies/organized-crime-and-human-trafficking/corruption/anti-corruption-report/docs/2014_acr_lithuania_chapter_en.pdf|access-date=2 April 2018|archive-date=8 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308122240/https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/sites/homeaffairs/files/what-we-do/policies/organized-crime-and-human-trafficking/corruption/anti-corruption-report/docs/2014_acr_lithuania_chapter_en.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Though, according to local branch of Transparency International, corruption levels have been decreasing over the past decade.<ref>{{cite web|title=Korupcija Lietuvoje: prarandame milijonus, jei ne milijardus|url=http://kauno.diena.lt/naujienos/lietuva/salies-pulsas/korupcija-lietuvoje-prarandame-milijonus-jei-ne-milijardus-733110|website=kauno.diena.lt|date=7 February 2016|access-date=7 February 2016|archive-date=27 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627233814/https://kauno.diena.lt/naujienos/lietuva/salies-pulsas/korupcija-lietuvoje-prarandame-milijonus-jei-ne-milijardus-733110|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Capital punishment in Lithuania]] was suspended in 1996 and eliminated in 1998.<ref>{{cite web|title=Siūlymas grąžinti mirties bausmę pripažintas prieštaraujančiu Konstitucijai|url=https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/siulymas-grazinti-mirties-bausme-pripazintas-priestaraujanciu-konstitucijai.d?id=62993028|website=DELFI.lt|access-date=9 October 2013|archive-date=17 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417181834/https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/siulymas-grazinti-mirties-bausme-pripazintas-priestaraujanciu-konstitucijai.d?id=62993028|url-status=live}}</ref> Lithuania has the highest number of prison inmates in the EU. According to scientist Gintautas Sakalauskas, this is not because of a high criminality rate in the country, but due to Lithuania's high repression level and the lack of trust of the convicted, who are frequently sentenced to imprisonment.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kuo mažiau pasitikėjimo, tuo pilnesni kalėjimai: Lietuva kalinių skaičiumi pirmauja|url=https://www.lzinios.lt/lzinios/lietuva/kuo-maziau-pasitikejimo-tuo-pilnesni-kalejimai-lietuva-kaliniu-skaiciumi-pirmauja/248403|website=LZINIOS.lt|access-date=8 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812032325/http://lzinios.lt/lzinios/Lietuva/kuo-maziau-pasitikejimo-tuo-pilnesni-kalejimai-lietuva-kaliniu-skaiciumi-pirmauja/248403|archive-date=12 August 2017}}</ref>

===Administrative divisions===
{{Main|Administrative divisions of Lithuania}}
{{See also|Counties of Lithuania|Municipalities of Lithuania|Elderships of Lithuania|Cultural regions of Lithuania}}
{{Map of Counties of Lithuania|50px|float=right}}
[[File:Lithuania regions map.png|thumb|350px|Map of cultural regions of Lithuania:<br />{{legend|#e0e59d|[[Lithuania Minor]] (Mažoji Lietuva)}}
{{legend|#9ac8a1|[[Samogitia]] (Žemaitija)}}
{{legend|#e0979d|[[Aukštaitija|Highland]] (Aukštaitija)}}
{{legend|#94b6ba|[[Dzūkija|Dainava]] (Dzūkija)}}
{{legend|#dcb278|[[Suvalkija|Sudovia]] (Suvalkija)}}]]
The current system of administrative division was established in 1994 and modified in 2000 to meet the requirements of the European Union. The country's [[Counties of Lithuania|10 counties]] (Lithuanian: singular – ''apskritis'', plural – ''apskritys'') are subdivided into [[Municipalities of Lithuania|60 municipalities]] (Lithuanian: singular – ''savivaldybė'', plural – ''savivaldybės''), and further divided into 546 [[Elderships of Lithuania|elderships]] (Lithuanian: singular – ''seniūnija'', plural – ''seniūnijos''). There are also 5 distinct [[Cultural regions of Lithuania|cultural regions]] in Lithuania – [[Dzūkija]], [[Aukštaitija]], [[Suvalkija]], [[Samogitia]] and [[Lithuania Minor]], which are recognized by the state.

Municipalities have been the most important unit of administration in Lithuania since the system of [[County governor (Lithuania)|county governorship]] (''apskrities viršininkas'') was dissolved in 2010.<ref name="county">{{in lang|lt}} [http://www3.lrs.lt/pls/inter3/dokpaieska.showdoc_l?p_id=349513 (Republic of Lithuania Annul Law on County Governing)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160205162011/http://www3.lrs.lt/pls/inter3/dokpaieska.showdoc_l?p_id=349513 |date=5 February 2016}}, [[Seimas]] law database, 7 July 2009, Law no. XI-318.</ref> Some municipalities are historically called "district municipalities" (often shortened to "district"), while others are called "city municipalities" (sometimes shortened to "city"). Each has its own elected government. The election of municipality councils originally occurred every three years, but now takes place every four years. The council appoints [[elder (administrative title)|elders]] to govern the elderships. Mayors have been directly elected since 2015; prior to that, they were appointed by the council.<ref>{{in lang|lt}} Justinas Vanagas, [http://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/seimas-iteisino-tiesioginius-meru-rinkimus.d?id=65139619 Seimo Seimas įteisino tiesioginius merų rinkimus] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171014091111/https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/seimas-iteisino-tiesioginius-meru-rinkimus.d?id=65139619 |date=14 October 2017}}, Delfi.lt, 26 June 2014. Retrieved 26 March 2015.</ref>

Elderships, numbering over 500, are the smallest administrative units and do not play a role in national politics. They provide necessary local public services—for example, registering births and deaths in rural areas. They are most active in the social sector, identifying needy individuals or families and organizing and distributing welfare and other forms of relief.<ref name="elderates">{{in lang|lt}} [http://www3.lrs.lt/pls/inter2/dokpaieska.showdoc_l?p_id=146527 Lietuvos Respublikos vietos savivaldos įstatymo pakeitimo įstatymas] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130919182519/http://www3.lrs.lt/pls/inter2/dokpaieska.showdoc_l?p_id=146527 |date=19 September 2013}}, [[Seimas]] law database, 12 October 2000, Law no. VIII-2018. Retrieved 3 June 2006.</ref> Some citizens feel that elderships have no real power and receive too little attention, and that they could otherwise become a source of local initiative for addressing rural problems.<ref>{{in lang|lt}} Indrė Makaraitytė, [https://web.archive.org/web/20131020060635/http://www.delfi.lt/archive/europos-sajungos-pinigai-kaimo-neisgelbes.d?id=5663231 Europos Sąjungos pinigai kaimo neišgelbės], Atgimimas, Delfi.lt, 16 December 2004. Retrieved 4 June 2006.</ref>

{| class="sortable wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:90%;"
|-
! style="width:170px;"|County !! style="width:70px;"|Area (km<sup>2</sup>)!! style="width:50px;"|Population (2023)<ref name="Population">{{cite web|title=Resident population at the beginning of the year|url=https://osp.stat.gov.lt/statistiniu-rodikliu-analize?indicator=S3R167#/|access-date=15 December 2023|archive-date=8 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230508162636/https://osp.stat.gov.lt/statistiniu-rodikliu-analize?indicator=S3R167#/|url-status=live}}</ref>!! style="width:50px;"|GDP (billion EUR)<ref name="Counties">{{cite web|title=BENDRASIS VIDAUS PRODUKTAS PAGAL APSKRITIS 2022 M.|url=https://osp.stat.gov.lt/informaciniai-pranesimai?articleId=11709298|website=osp.stat.gov.lt|access-date=15 December 2023|archive-date=15 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215154029/https://osp.stat.gov.lt/informaciniai-pranesimai?articleId=11709298|url-status=live}}</ref>!! style="width:50px;"|GDP per capita (EUR)<ref name="Counties" /> 
|-
| [[Alytus County]]
| 5,425
| 135,367
| 1.8
| 13,600
|-
| [[Kaunas County]]
| 8,089
| 580,333
| 13.7
| 23,900
|-
| [[Klaipėda County]]
| 5,209
| 336,104
| 7.0
| 21,300
|-
| [[Marijampolė County]]
| 4,463
| 135,891
| 2.0
| 14,400
|-
| [[Panevėžys County]]
| 7,881
| 211,652
| 3.6
| 17,100
|-
| [[Šiauliai County]]
| 8,540
| 261,764
| 4.6
| 17,600
|-
| [[Tauragė County]]
| 4,411
| 90,652
| 1.2
| 13,200
|-
| [[Telšiai County]]
| 4,350
| 131,431
| 2.2
| 16,900
|-
| [[Utena County]]
| 7,201
| 125,462
| 1.7
| 13,800
|-
| [[Vilnius County]]
| 9,731
| 851,346
| 29.4
| 35,300
|-
! Lithuania
! 65,300
! 2,860,002
! 67.4
! 23,800
|}

===Foreign relations===
{{Main|Foreign relations of Lithuania}}

Lithuania became a member of the United Nations on 18 September 1991, and is a signatory to a number of its organizations and other international agreements. It is also a member of the [[European Union]], the [[Council of Europe]], [[Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe]], as well as [[NATO]] and its adjunct North Atlantic Coordinating Council. Lithuania gained membership in the [[World Trade Organization]] on 31 May 2001, and joined the [[OECD]] on 5 July 2018,<ref name="Lithuania's accession to the OECD">{{cite web|url=http://www.oecd.org/countries/lithuania/lithuania-accession-to-the-oecd.htm|publisher=[[OECD]]|title=Lithuania's accession to the OECD|date=5 July 2016|access-date=6 July 2016|archive-date=5 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705150906/https://www.oecd.org/countries/lithuania/lithuania-accession-to-the-oecd.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> while also seeking membership in other Western organizations.

Lithuania has established diplomatic relations with 149 countries.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.urm.lt/index.php?949836981 |title=Ministry of Foreign Affairs: List of countries with which Lithuania has established diplomatic relations |website=Urm.lt |access-date=2 January 2011 |archive-date=9 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140209094022/http://www.urm.lt/index.php?949836981}}</ref>

In 2011, Lithuania hosted the [[Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe]] Ministerial Council Meeting. During the second half of 2013, Lithuania assumed the role of the [[presidency of the Council of the European Union|presidency of the European Union]].

[[File:Lithuania presidency EU stamp 2013.jpg|thumb|right|Stamp dedicated to Lithuania's presidency of the European Union. Post of Lithuania, 2013.]]
Lithuania is also active in developing cooperation among northern European countries. It is a member of the interparliamentary [[Baltic Assembly]], the intergovernmental [[Baltic Council of Ministers]] and the [[Council of the Baltic Sea States]].

Lithuania also cooperates with Nordic and the two other Baltic countries through the [[Nordic-Baltic Eight]] format. A similar format, NB6, unites Nordic and Baltic members of EU. NB6's focus is to discuss and agree on positions before presenting them to the Council of the European Union and at the meetings of EU foreign affairs ministers.

The [[Council of the Baltic Sea States]] (CBSS) was established in [[Copenhagen]] in 1992 as an informal regional political forum. Its main aim is to promote integration and to close contacts between the region's countries. The members of CBSS are [[Iceland]], [[Sweden]], [[Denmark]], [[Norway]], [[Finland]], [[Germany]], Lithuania, [[Latvia]], [[Estonia]], [[Poland]], [[Russia]], and the European Commission. Its observer states are [[Belarus]], [[France]], [[Italy]], [[Netherlands]], [[Romania]], [[Slovakia]], [[Spain]], the [[United States]], the [[United Kingdom]], and [[Ukraine]].

The [[Nordic Council|Nordic Council of Ministers]] and Lithuania engage in political cooperation to attain mutual goals and to determine new trends and possibilities for joint cooperation. The council's information office aims to disseminate [[Nordic countries|Nordic]] concepts and to demonstrate and promote Nordic cooperation.

[[File:Bachelet en Consejo de Seguridad de la ONU (2015).jpg|thumb|Lithuania was a member of the [[United Nations Security Council]]. Its representatives are on the right side.]]
Lithuania, together with the five Nordic countries and the two other Baltic countries, is a member of the [[Nordic Investment Bank|Nordic Investment Bank (NIB)]] and cooperates in its NORDPLUS programme, which is committed to education.

The Baltic Development Forum (BDF) is an independent nonprofit organization that unites large companies, cities, business associations and institutions in the Baltic Sea region. In 2010 the BDF's 12th summit was held in Vilnius.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bdforum.org/|title=Home – Baltic Development Forum|website=Baltic Development Forum|access-date=18 October 2018|archive-date=26 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210426202715/http://www.bdforum.org/|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Poland]] was highly supportive of Lithuanian independence, despite Lithuania's [[Lithuanization|discriminatory treatment]] of its [[Poles in Lithuania|Polish minority]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Situation of Polish minorities in Lithuania is a discrimination of EU citizens |url=http://media.efhr.eu/2017/05/09/situation-polish-minorities-lithuania-discrimination-eu-citizens/ |work=[[European Foundation of Human Rights]] |date=9 May 2017 |access-date=18 October 2019 |archive-date=27 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627224730/https://media.efhr.eu/2017/05/09/situation-polish-minorities-lithuania-discrimination-eu-citizens/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Dyskryminacja Polaków na Litwie. Zbierają pieniądze na grzywnę |url=https://www.polskieradio.pl/5/3/Artykul/1028881,Dyskryminacja-Polakow-na-Litwie-Zbieraja-pieniadze-na-grzywne |work=[[Polskie Radio]] |date=20 January 2014 |access-date=18 October 2019 |archive-date=23 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623222405/https://www.polskieradio.pl/5/3/Artykul/1028881,Dyskryminacja-Polakow-na-Litwie-Zbieraja-pieniadze-na-grzywne |url-status=live}}</ref> The former [[Solidarity (Polish trade union)|Solidarity]] leader and Polish President [[Lech Wałęsa]] criticised the government of Lithuania over discrimination against the Polish minority and rejected Lithuania's [[Order of Vytautas the Great]].<ref>"[http://thenews.pl/1/10/Artykul/54645,Walesa-declines-Lithuanian-honour Walesa declines Lithuanian honour] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171014092518/http://thenews.pl/1/10/Artykul/54645,Walesa-declines-Lithuanian-honour |date=14 October 2017}}". Radio Poland. 7 September 2011.</ref> Lithuania maintains greatly warm mutual relations with [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]] and strongly supports its European Union and NATO aspirations.<ref>{{cite web|title=Valdo Adamkaus bulvaras Gruzijoje|url=http://global.truelithuania.com/lt/tag/valdas-adamkus-boulevard-in-anaklia-georgia/|website=True Lithuania|access-date=16 January 2018|language=lt-LT|archive-date=23 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623223004/http://global.truelithuania.com/lt/tag/valdas-adamkus-boulevard-in-anaklia-georgia/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Premjeras: Lietuvą ir Gruziją sieja daugiau nei paprasta draugystė|url=https://ministraspirmininkas.lrv.lt/lt/naujienos/premjeras-lietuva-ir-gruzija-sieja-daugiau-nei-paprasta-draugyste|website=MinistrasPirmininkas.LRV.lt|access-date=30 March 2017|language=lt|archive-date=23 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623222740/https://ministraspirmininkas.lrv.lt/lt/naujienos/premjeras-lietuva-ir-gruzija-sieja-daugiau-nei-paprasta-draugyste|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=L. Linkevičius: esame pasirengę remti Gruziją ruošiantis ES Rytų partnerystės viršūnių susitikimui|url=https://ua.mfa.lt/default/lt/naujienos/l-linkevicius-esame-pasirenge-remti-gruzija-ruosiantis-es-rytu-partnerystes-virsuniu-susitikimui-|website=ua.mfa.lt|access-date=8 February 2017|language=lt|archive-date=23 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623222040/https://ua.mfa.lt/default/lt/naujienos/l-linkevicius-esame-pasirenge-remti-gruzija-ruosiantis-es-rytu-partnerystes-virsuniu-susitikimui-}}</ref> During the [[Russo-Georgian War]] in 2008, when the Russian troops were occupying the territory of Georgia and approaching towards the Georgian capital [[Tbilisi]], President [[Valdas Adamkus]], together with the Polish and Ukrainian presidents, went to Tbilisi by answering to the Georgians request of the international assistance.<ref>{{cite web|title=V.Adamkus išskrenda į rusų okupuojamą Gruziją|url=https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/pasaulis/v.adamkus-isskrenda-i-rusu-okupuojama-gruzija-atnaujinta-07.36-val-57-2552|website=[[15min.lt]]|access-date=11 August 2008|archive-date=23 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623222226/https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/pasaulis/v.adamkus-isskrenda-i-rusu-okupuojama-gruzija-atnaujinta-07.36-val-57-2552|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=V.Adamkus: mes esame su Gruzija|url=https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/vadamkus-mes-esame-su-gruzija.d?id=18078623|website=[[DELFI]]|access-date=12 August 2008|archive-date=17 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417194857/https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/vadamkus-mes-esame-su-gruzija.d?id=18078623|url-status=live}}</ref> Shortly, Lithuanians and the [[Catholic Church in Lithuania|Lithuanian Catholic Church]] also began collecting financial support for the war victims.<ref>{{cite web|title=Renkamos aukos nukentėjusiems nuo karo Gruzijoje|url=https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/renkamos-aukos-nukentejusiems-nuo-karo-gruzijoje.d?id=18053959|website=[[DELFI]]|access-date=11 August 2008|archive-date=17 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417192337/https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/renkamos-aukos-nukentejusiems-nuo-karo-gruzijoje.d?id=18053959|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Bažnyčia ragina nelikti abejingiems karui Gruzijoje|url=https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/baznycia-ragina-nelikti-abejingiems-karui-gruzijoje.d?id=18071947|website=[[DELFI]]|access-date=11 August 2008|archive-date=17 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417194918/https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/baznycia-ragina-nelikti-abejingiems-karui-gruzijoje.d?id=18071947|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2004–2009, [[Dalia Grybauskaitė]] served as [[European Commissioner for Financial Programming and the Budget]] within the [[José Manuel Barroso]]-led Commission.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Maurer |first1=Andreas |last2=Reichel |first2=Sarah |last3=Jonas |first3=Alexandra |title=The Future European Commission The Debate Regarding Leadership, Collegiality and Tasks |url=https://www.swp-berlin.org/publications/products/comments/comments2004_25_mrr_ks.pdf |access-date=28 October 2022 |archive-date=28 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221028104308/https://www.swp-berlin.org/publications/products/comments/comments2004_25_mrr_ks.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Hollar|first=Sherman|date=1 June 2012|title=Dalia Grybauskaite president of Lithuania|url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Dalia-Grybauskaite|access-date=25 June 2021|website=Britannica|archive-date=3 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201103162421/https://www.britannica.com/biography/Dalia-Grybauskaite|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Guests of the 2023 Vilnius NATO Summit in the Courtyard of the Presidential Palace in Vilnius, Lithuania.jpg|thumb|Guests of the 2023 Vilnius (NATO) summit in the Courtyard of the Presidential Palace in Vilnius]]
In 2013, Lithuania was elected to the [[United Nations Security Council]] for a two-year term,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=46277&Cr=security+council&Cr1=#.UmFPr1OWDtk |title=Chad, Chile, Lithuania, Nigeria and Saudi Arabia elected to serve on UN Security Council |website=Un.org |date=17 October 2013 |access-date=30 April 2016 |archive-date=20 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020020717/http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=46277&Cr=security+council&Cr1=#.UmFPr1OWDtk |url-status=live}}</ref> becoming the first [[Baltic states|Baltic]] country elected to this post. During its membership, Lithuania actively supported [[Ukraine]] and often condemned [[Russia]] for the [[Russo-Ukrainian War|war in Ukraine]], immediately earning vast Ukrainians esteem.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uatoday.tv/geopolitics/lithuania-calls-un-security-council-meeting-on-ukraine-403385.html|title=Lithuania calls UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine|website=Uatoday.tv|access-date=2 May 2016|archive-date=3 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603213903/http://uatoday.tv/geopolitics/lithuania-calls-un-security-council-meeting-on-ukraine-403385.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Lankininkaitė|first1=Rūta|title=Ukrainiečiai: Lietuva – mums pavyzdys|url=https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/world/ukrainieciai-lietuva-mums-pavyzdys.d?id=67403332|website=[[DELFI]], [[Lithuanian National Radio and Television|LRT]]|access-date=11 March 2015|archive-date=17 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417194911/https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/world/ukrainieciai-lietuva-mums-pavyzdys.d?id=67403332|url-status=live}}</ref> As the [[War in Donbas (2014–2022)|war in Donbas]] progressed, President Dalia Grybauskaitė has compared the Russian President [[Vladimir Putin]] to [[Josef Stalin]] and to [[Adolf Hitler]], she has also called Russia a "terrorist state".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.politico.eu/article/the-baltic-iron-lady-putins-solitary-foe-dalia-grybauskaite/|title=The Baltic 'Iron Lady': Putin's solitary foe|website=Politico.eu|date=21 May 2015|access-date=2 May 2016|archive-date=3 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703110448/https://www.politico.eu/article/the-baltic-iron-lady-putins-solitary-foe-dalia-grybauskaite/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2018 Lithuania, along with Latvia and Estonia were awarded the {{ill|Peace of Westphalia Prize|de|Internationaler Preis des Westfälischen Friedens}} – for their exceptional model of democratic development and contribution to peace in the continent.<ref>{{cite web |title=Prestigious Peace of Westphalia Prize – for Lithuania and the Baltic states |url=https://www.lrp.lt/en/press-centre/press-releases/prestigious-peace-of-westphalia-prize-for-lithuania-and-the-baltic-states/29212 |website=Lrp.lt |access-date=14 July 2018 |archive-date=3 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703111813/https://www.lrp.lt/en/press-centre/press-releases/prestigious-peace-of-westphalia-prize-for-lithuania-and-the-baltic-states/29212}}</ref> In 2019 Lithuania condemned the [[2019 Turkish offensive into north-eastern Syria|Turkish offensive into north-eastern Syria]].<ref>{{cite news |title=EU condemning Turkey is only the beginning, says Lithuanian Foreign Minister |url=https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/news-in-english/19/1106677/eu-condemning-turkey-is-only-the-beginning-says-lithuanian-foreign-minister |work=LRT RADIJAS |date=14 October 2019 |access-date=18 October 2019 |archive-date=23 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623221806/https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/news-in-english/19/1106677/eu-condemning-turkey-is-only-the-beginning-says-lithuanian-foreign-minister |url-status=live}}</ref> In December 2021, Lithuania reported that in an escalation of the diplomatic spat with [[China]] over its [[Lithuania–Taiwan relations|relations with Taiwan]],<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lau |first1=Stuart |last2=Moens |first2=Barbara |title=China's trade attack on Lithuania exposes EU's powerlessness |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/china-trade-attack-on-lithuania-exposes-eu-powerlessness/ |website=politico.eu |publisher=Politico |date=16 December 2021 |access-date=27 December 2021 |archive-date=16 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211216201946/https://www.politico.eu/article/china-trade-attack-on-lithuania-exposes-eu-powerlessness/ |url-status=live}}</ref> China had stopped all imports from Lithuania.<ref>{{cite news |title=China blocking EU imports with Lithuanian components over Taiwan row, says Brussels |url=https://www.euronews.com/2021/12/24/china-blocking-eu-imports-with-lithuanian-components-over-taiwan-row-says-brussels |work=Euronews |date=24 December 2021 |access-date=27 December 2021 |archive-date=27 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211227134522/https://www.euronews.com/2021/12/24/china-blocking-eu-imports-with-lithuanian-components-over-taiwan-row-says-brussels |url-status=live}}</ref> According to Lithuanian intelligence agencies, in 2023 there was an increase in Chinese intelligence activity against Lithuania, including cyberespionage and increased focus on Lithuania's internal affairs and foreign policy.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Intelligence warns of Chinese services' increased attention to Lithuania's internal affair |url=https://www.baltictimes.com/intelligence_warns_of_chinese_services__increased_attention_to_lithuania_s_internal_affair/ |access-date=8 March 2024 |website=www.baltictimes.com |archive-date=8 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240308033406/https://www.baltictimes.com/intelligence_warns_of_chinese_services__increased_attention_to_lithuania_s_internal_affair/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

The 2023 [[NATO summit]] was held in the Lithuanian capital [[Vilnius]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Lithuania to host 2023 NATO summit, first event 'of such a scale' |url=https://www.lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/19/1431705/lithuania-to-host-2023-nato-summit-first-event-of-such-a-scale |website=[[Lrt.lt]] |access-date=15 June 2021 |date=15 June 2021 |archive-date=25 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625161817/https://www.lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/19/1431705/lithuania-to-host-2023-nato-summit-first-event-of-such-a-scale |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Military===
{{Main|Lithuanian Armed Forces}}
[[File:Closing ceremony for Iron Sword 2014.jpg|right|thumb|Lithuanian Army soldiers with their [[NATO]] allies during Iron Sword 2014]]
[[File:Lithuanian PzH 2000 unit during exercises.jpg|right|thumb|Lithuanian [[Panzerhaubitze 2000]] firing during an exercise in 2022]]
The Lithuanian Armed Forces is the name for the unified armed forces of [[Lithuanian Land Force]], [[Lithuanian Air Force]], [[Lithuanian Naval Force]], [[Lithuanian Special Operations Force]] and other units: Logistics Command, Training and Doctrine Command, Headquarters Battalion, [[Lithuanian Military Police|Military Police]]. Directly subordinated to the [[Chief of Defence]] are the [[Special Operations Forces]] and Military Police. The Reserve Forces are under command of the [[Lithuanian National Defence Volunteer Forces]].

The Lithuanian Armed Forces consist of some 20,000 active personnel, which may be supported by [[reserve forces]].<ref>{{cite book |last=IISS |title=The Military Balance 2019|year=2019 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-85743-988-5}}</ref> Compulsory [[conscription]] ended in 2008 but was reintroduced in 2015.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://en.delfi.lt/politics/conscription-notices-to-be-sent-to-37-000-men-in-lithuania.d?id=67940028|title=Conscription notices to be sent to 37,000 men in Lithuania|website=DELFI|access-date=24 July 2019|archive-date=3 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201103002530/https://en.delfi.lt/politics/conscription-notices-to-be-sent-to-37-000-men-in-lithuania.d?id=67940028|url-status=live}}</ref> The Lithuanian Armed Forces currently have 30 soldiers and officers participating in nine international operations and European Union training missions deployed in [[Kosovo]], [[Iraq]], [[Central African Republic]], [[Djibouti]], [[Mozambique]], [[Spain]], [[Italy]], and in the [[United Kingdom]], providing training for Ukrainian soldiers on [[Operation Interflex]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=31 May 2024 |title=LR Krašto apsaugos ministerija |url=https://kam.lt/en/international-operations-and-training-missions/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kariuomene.lt/en/2024-training-cycle-for-the-ukrainian-military-begins-lithuanian-instructors-depart-for-operation-interflex/25739|title=2024 training cycle for the Ukrainian military begins: Lithuanian instructors depart for Operation Interflex &#124; Lithuanian army}}</ref>

Lithuania became a full member of [[NATO]] in March 2004. [[Fighter jets]] of NATO members are deployed in [[Šiauliai Air Base]] and [[Baltic Air Policing|provide safety for the Baltic airspace]].

Beginning in summer of 2005, Lithuania was part of the [[International Security Assistance Force]] in Afghanistan (ISAF), leading a [[Provincial Reconstruction Team]] (PRT) in the town of [[Chaghcharan]] in the province of [[Ghor]]. The PRT included personnel from [[Denmark]], Iceland and the [[US]]. There were also [[Lithuanian Special Operations Force|special operation forces]] units in Afghanistan, placed in [[Kandahar Province]]. Since joining international operations in 1994, Lithuania has lost two soldiers: Lt. Normundas Valteris fell in [[Bosnia]], as his patrol vehicle drove over a mine. Sgt. Arūnas Jarmalavičius was fatally wounded during an attack on the camp of his Provincial Reconstruction Team in [[Afghanistan]].<ref>{{in lang|lt}} [http://kariuomene.kam.lt/en/international_operations_1446/in_remembrance.html In remembrance] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181018173406/http://kariuomene.kam.lt/en/international_operations_1446/in_remembrance.html |date=18 October 2018}}. Kariuomene.kam.lt. Retrieved on 24 December 2011.</ref>

The Lithuanian National Defence Policy aims to guarantee the preservation of the [[independence]] and [[sovereignty]] of the state, the [[integrity]] of its land, territorial waters and airspace, and its constitutional order. Its main strategic goals are to defend the country's interests, and to maintain and expand the capabilities of its armed forces so they may contribute to and participate in the missions of NATO and European Union member states.<ref name="WB">{{cite web |url=http://www.kam.lt/kam/download/7963/bk-en1.pdf |title=White Paper Lithuanian defence policy |language=lt |website=Kam.lt |access-date=25 April 2010 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304031046/http://www.kam.lt/kam/download/7963/bk-en1.pdf}}</ref>

The [[Ministry of National Defence (Lithuania)|defense ministry]] is responsible for combat forces, [[search and rescue]], and intelligence operations. The 5,000 [[State Border Guard Service (Lithuania)|border guards]] fall under the [[Interior Ministry]]'s supervision and are responsible for border protection, passport and customs duties, and share responsibility with the [[Lithuanian Naval Force|navy]] for [[smuggling]] and drug trafficking interdiction. A special security department handles VIP protection and [[communications security]]. In 2015 [[National Cyber Security Centre of Lithuania]] was created. Paramilitary organisation [[Lithuanian Riflemen's Union]] acts as a civilian self-defence institution.

According to NATO, in 2020, Lithuania allocated 2.13% of its [[Gross domestic product|GDP]] to the national defense.<ref name="nato-lt-spending">{{cite web|title=Defence Expenditure of NATO Countries (2013-2020)|url=https://www.nato.int/nato_static_fl2014/assets/pdf/2021/3/pdf/210316-pr-2020-30-en.pdf|publisher=NATO|date=16 March 2021|access-date=23 April 2021|archive-date=5 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505115056/https://www.nato.int/nato_static_fl2014/assets/pdf/2021/3/pdf/210316-pr-2020-30-en.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> For a long time, especially after the [[2008 financial crisis]], Lithuania lagged behind NATO allies in terms of defence spending. However, in recent years it has begun to rapidly increase the funding, exceeding the NATO guideline of 2% in 2019.

Lithuania's president [[Gitanas Nausėda]] called for more NATO troops on 22 April 2022, saying NATO should increase its deployment of troops in Lithuania and elsewhere on Europe's eastern flank following [[2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine|Russia's invasion of Ukraine]], during a meeting in Vilnius.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lithuania's president calls for more NATO troops |url=https://wtvbam.com/2022/04/22/lithuanias-president-calls-for-more-nato-troops/ |access-date=22 April 2022 |website=WTVB}}</ref>