LTOwnership & classification
Founded: 1926
Ownership
LRT (Lietuvos nacionalinis radijas ir televizija / Lithuanian National Radio and Television) is the country's public-service broadcaster, with roots in state radio dating to 1926. It is a state-owned, non-commercial public institution governed by an independent LRT Council under the LRT Law, which is designed to protect its editorial independence from political and commercial pressure. english.lrt.lt is its English-language service.
Funding
It is financed from the state budget rather than a household licence fee, with allocations of roughly 73-80 million euros in recent years; from 2029 its funding is set to be tied automatically to fixed shares of personal-income-tax and excise revenues, and it carries little or no commercial advertising.
Affiliation & stance
As the national public broadcaster owned by the Lithuanian state and funded from public money, LRT is by definition a STATE outlet; its statutory independent council and protected funding are intended to keep its centrist, public-service journalism free of direct government editorial control. This matches the site's STATE / CENTER classification.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Center
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 157
90/100
Factual
86/100
Objective
208
Articles
208
reports
Top stories
Most covered right now
Stormy weather sweeps across Lithuania, with rain washing away vegetation and harvests plummeting
US Navy flagship visits Lithuania in show of alliance commitment
Lithuania to send border guards to Latvia amid migration pressure from Belarus
Lithuanian military receives Estonian anti-tank mines worth over €3m
Heatwave to hit Lithuania with 37C temperatures
How Moscow failed to build a propaganda outpost in Vilnius – LRT Investigation
The authorities have uncovered a mysterious behaviour in the cars of the Members of the Sejm: the reason very unexpected
Three Lithuanian parties sign coalition deal, form 75-seat majority in Seimas
‘He was our father’: Lithuanian basketball legend Garastas dies aged 94
Recent coverage
Lithuania and Taiwan suspend economic cooperation talks
Lithuania and Taiwan have suspended their economic cooperation talks by mutual agreement, according to the Lithuanian foreign ministry. The pause follows changes in Lithuania's domestic political landscape, specifically the formation of a new coalition government. Previously, officials had planned to finalize an economic cooperation action plan by late May, with a signing ceremony scheduled for early June. Talks are expected to resume after the new government is fully established. The new coalition includes the Social Democrats, Democrats 'for Lithuania,' and the Farmers and Greens Union, with Social Democrat leader Mindaugas Sinkevičius set to lead the cabinet. Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys faces uncertainty regarding his continued tenure due to criticisms over his management of relations with China and the pace of restoring ties with Beijing. President Gitanas Nausėda emphasized that Budrys' position depends on outcomes in negotiations with China and progress in economic cooperation with Taiwan. The proposed action plan outlines priority areas for economic collaboration and joint projects aimed at strengthening long-term ties and advancing Lithuania's high-tech industry. Since
LRT English Newsletter: Colourful new ministers inbound?
Lithuania's incoming Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius has selected Martynas Katelynas as the head of the Interior Ministry, a decision that has drawn attention due to Katelynas' past associations with the far-right National Alliance and controversial remarks about migration and law enforcement. President Gitanas Nausėda endorsed Katelynas, citing alignment on migration policies. In addition, there are ongoing discussions about improving diplomatic ties with China, potentially involving changes to the name of the Taiwanese office in Vilnius. A new center-right political party, Piliečių Lietuva, led by Ignas Vėgėlė, is emerging as a potential challenger to existing conservative parties. Reports indicate that two soldiers and five civilians were charged with accepting bribes related to military conscription exemptions. Additionally, the LRT Investigation Team uncovered that Sinkevičius, while serving as a mayor, purchased state land and resold it at a significant profit, though no formal charges have been filed against him. Finally, all major Lithuanian political parties support revising the constitution to allow for the deployment of nuclear weapons on Lithuanian soil, influenced
Putin recognizes the oil map for the first time
Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged for the first time that Russia is building 'some oil reserves' during a meeting focused on energy issues. He emphasized the need to strengthen domestic oil production and increase output. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces continued their attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, detonating an oil purification plant in the southern Krasnodar region, which produces around four million tons of crude oil annually. The Krasnodar region is one of Russia's largest oil-producing areas located near the Black Sea. On Tuesday, Ukrainian forces launched large-scale air strikes on Sevastopol, the largest city on Crimea, including attacks on oil facilities. In response, Russia, which annexed Crimea in 2014, has restricted fuel sales to the public to counteract the energy shortages. According to reports, these attacks have had no impact on the front line. During an interview with a Russian state television station, Putin described the Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil infrastructure as an attempt to destabilize Russian society. He stated that Ukraine's goal was to halt the deployment of Russian military units to improve their position in arms control talks.
Lithuanian man admits terrorism plot to attack a mosque in Ireland
A Lithuanian national, Karolis Pečkauskas, has pleaded guilty to planning a terrorist attack on a mosque in Galway, Ireland. The incident occurred between November 4 and 5, 2025, with Pečkauskas admitting to attempting to damage the Maryam Mosque by fire, classified as an aggravated hate crime. Two other co-defendants also pleaded guilty, while a fourth defendant remains under investigation. Police discovered extremist materials, including a video linking the suspects to a far-right group called the Irish Defence Army, which advocated targeting migrant accommodations and mosques. The suspects were found with weapons and explosive materials, though Pečkauskas is challenging the explosives charge in court. Lithuanian officials expressed concern over the involvement of Lithuanian nationals in such activities.
Analysts question qualifications of some nominees in Lithuania’s proposed new cabinet
Political analysts in Lithuania have expressed concerns about the qualifications of several ministerial nominees proposed by Prime Minister-designate Mindaugas Sinkevičius. They argue that party loyalty appears to be the primary consideration in the selection process, rather than professional competence. Professor Ramūnas Vilpišauskas from Vilnius University highlighted that the proposed cabinet includes five new ministers from the ruling Lithuanian Social Democratic Party, with some candidates raising eyebrows due to their political backgrounds and controversial past statements. Notably, Martynas Katelynas, nominated as interior minister, has faced criticism for his past comments on law enforcement and human rights, while Taurimas Valys is being considered for finance minister. While some analysts acknowledge the presence of experienced figures like Lukas Savickas and Kęstutis Budrys, overall skepticism remains about the cabinet's overall competency compared to the previous administration.
E-ticket project in northern Lithuania risks losing EU funding over delays
A €4.1 million electronic ticketing system for public transport in northern Lithuania, managed by the Šiauliai City Municipality and funded largely by the EU’s Next Generation Lithuania program, has faced significant technical issues and delays. Originally scheduled for completion by late April, the project has been extended twice, with the final deadline set for July 31. The system aims to provide a unified e-ticket solution across three municipalities, integrating with rail services and offering features like fare discounts and real-time tracking. However, users report persistent problems such as slow apps, ticket validation issues, and difficulties transferring balances from the old system. While some areas experience fewer disruptions, the project risks losing EU funding if issues remain unresolved by the deadline.
Lithuanian MPs propose scrapping constitutional ban on nuclear weapons deployment
Fifty Lithuanian Members of Parliament proposed amending the constitution to remove a ban on the deployment of nuclear weapons on Lithuanian soil. The current Article 137 of the Constitution prohibits the placement of weapons of mass destruction and foreign military bases on Lithuanian territory. This proposal comes after President Gitanas Nausėda held talks with political leaders, where they reportedly reached consensus that the constitutional restriction is outdated. Supporters argue that Lithuania's security landscape has evolved, making the ban less relevant. The amendment would require approval by at least 94 MPs in two separate votes, separated by a three-month interval. While the government insists this change would not violate international treaties like the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Treaty, the move coincides with broader European discussions on nuclear deterrence, including France's proposal for a new framework and reports that the U.S. might expand nuclear deployments across NATO countries.
Lithuania’s Kesko Senukai says it has exited Belarus
Lithuania's Kesko Senukai, a home improvement retail group, confirmed it sold its indirect 50% stake in Belarusian retailer OMA last year and no longer operates in Belarus. The decision followed Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, prompting the company to terminate all business ties and supply chains in the region. While the 2025 annual report shows increased revenue for OMA in Belarus, Kesko Senukai clarified that these figures reflect OMA's operations, not its own, as OMA remained part of their consolidated financial statements under accounting rules. Despite announcing plans to exit OMA's ownership in 2022, the report does not mention the completion of the sale or any proceeds from it. Kesko Senukai also reported strong financial results for 2025, including a 12.7% increase in net profit.
Lithuania president expects Trump to say NATO is ‘sacred’ at Ankara summit
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda expressed hope that U.S. President Donald Trump will reaffirm NATO's Article 5 during the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara. Article 5 stipulates that an attack on one ally is considered an attack on all members, though collective responses require consensus. Nausėda interpreted Trump's criticisms of NATO allies' defense contributions as a push for equal responsibility among members. He emphasized that collective defense concerns extend beyond countries bordering Russia and stressed the importance of unity. While acknowledging potential decisions on U.S. troop presence in Lithuania soon, Nausėda noted that final placements depend on broader European troop deployment plans. The summit aims to address defense spending and the evolving U.S. role in NATO amid ongoing uncertainties.
Lithuania to host biggest-yet school students’ song festival
Lithuania is hosting its largest-ever School Song Celebration, set to begin in Vilnius on Friday with over 24,000 participants, marking the event's return since the country regained independence. The four-day festival, held every ten years, will include school choirs, dance groups, and orchestras from across Lithuania, culminating in a special closing concert on Sunday, Statehood Day, commemorating the coronation of King Mindaugas. This year's event introduces new crowd management and security measures, including a cap of 30,000 attendees for the final concert, requiring pre-registration for free tickets. Organizers have emphasized safety following recent air raid alerts, with inspections of 74 schools and detailed evacuation plans in place for various scenarios, including a full-scale drill scheduled for July 5.
France’s Naval Group signs deal to launch maritime defence innovation lab in Lithuania
France’s Naval Group has signed a letter of intent with four Lithuanian research institutions to establish a maritime defense innovation laboratory called Shield Lab. The lab aims to develop technologies for the Lithuanian Navy and contribute to European defense programs by leveraging Lithuania’s scientific expertise. Partners include Kaunas University of Technology, Klaipėda University, Baltic Institute of Advanced Technology, and Centre for Physical Sciences and Technology. The initiative involves a joint steering committee to define research priorities and funding models, with initial projects focusing on the Lithuanian Navy and the Multi-Purpose Offshore Patrol Vessel (MP-OPV) program. Naval Group also highlighted potential partnerships with over 60 Lithuanian firms and estimated the program could create up to 1,000 jobs, with significant economic benefits staying within Lithuania.
Lithuania records one of EU’s fastest home price increases
Lithuania experienced one of the fastest increases in home prices among EU countries in the first quarter of 2026, with prices rising 11.9% compared to the previous year, according to Eurostat data. This growth places Lithuania second behind Spain (12.8%), Croatia (14.3%), Slovakia (14.4%), Bulgaria (14.8%), and Portugal (17.8%). Among the Baltic states, Latvia saw a 10.9% increase while Estonia recorded a smaller rise of 5.9%. Finland was the only EU country to report a decline in housing prices, with values dropping 2%. On a quarterly basis, Lithuanian home prices increased 3.3%, slightly outpacing Estonia's 3.4% and Latvia's 1.2% gains. Overall, EU-wide house prices rose 5.1% annually and 1.2% quarterly.
Russia suspends rail border crossings with Finland, Estonia and Latvia
Russia has suspended rail border crossings with Finland, Estonia, and Latvia, effective from Wednesday, based on a government order published on Tuesday. The suspension applies to several checkpoints, including those on the Finnish, Estonian, and Latvian borders, though specific reasons for the closure and its duration were not provided. The move affects both passenger and freight traffic, with some crossings having already been non-operational due to previous decisions by Finland. Russia's Foreign Ministry was directed to inform the neighboring countries about this change. Independent Russian media outlet Meduza initially reported the order.
Overlooked
Under-reported & one-sided
Nothing flagged as overlooked yet.