January 28, 2020 – February 25, 2020 After a two-year journey that started1 in the fall of 2017 when the city council of Tartu voted to apply for being the European Capital of Culture for 2024, the official announcement they were awarded this prestigious distinction came on August 28 of 2019.

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The Baltics’ independent news source since 1992 • www.baltictimes.com • January 28, 2020 – February 25, 2020 Vol. 22 #938

Lucas BALTIS Marina GENERALOVA OUR COMMENTARY Marcus HAGEKEIKEN Year 2020 ushered in a slew Look for The Baltic Times The New Year in the Baltics has Magazine 2020 ushered in dozens of novelties for all. The keenest observers counted Page 2 nearly a hundred changes in the of novelties for all three Baltic state taxation, educa- LEGENDS OF POLITICS tion, health, salary and pension Meet Valdas Adamkus, systems and other fields. The Baltic ex-President of Times reporters attempted to zero in on only those that will affect Pages 4–5 the daily lives of Estonians, Lithu- anians and Latvians the most. HOSPITALITY Smoke detectors offered Hotel industry expert on “Would you like to add a smoke the Baltic hotel market detector to your purchase?” Don’t be surprised to hear this question in Page 6 Latvian supermarkets in 2020. Start- ing January 1, every apartment in the country must be equipped with a CUISINE smoke alarm and every private home A new Italian bar/café must have a fire-extinguisher on top offers something new of that, as per the renewed Fire Safety Rules. These devices became one of Page 7 the best-selling products at the end of 2019, reports 220.lv, one of the larg- est online stores in . Although CHALLENGES AND the authorities have promised not OPPORTUNITIES to perform checks, people are eager Ignitis Group CEO Darius to comply with the new regulations. Other changes implemented in the Maikstenas reflects on beginning of the new decade in Lat- energy challenges via include a 3.3% increase in gaso- ed to receive a raise. A base salary decision has been made after mass The non-taxable minimum Page 8 line tax, higher salaries for teachers of a school teacher grows from 710 protests of healthcare practitioners which is applied to salaries below and doctors, reduction of unemploy- to 750 euros a month starting in November 2019. 1200 euros per month has grown ment benefits, and some other differ- in January 2020, and is supposed to An average doctor salary before from 230 to 300 euros — this ACKNOWLEDGMENT ences. grow by another 40 euros starting in tax was 1839 euros in 2018, reports change will affect 52% of Latvian Prof. Richard Ennals September. In the healthcare sector, State Revenue Service. The salary workers, forecasts the Cabinet of Salaries, pensions and medical residents will receive a 20% of an average cultural worker will Ministers, but people making un- receives a reward taxes Page 9 raise while salaries of other medical grow from 780 euros to 910 euros, der 600 euros per month will ben- This year teachers, cultural work- workers will grow by 10%, accord- a 16% increase. efit the most. ers and doctors in Latvia are expect- ing to the Ministry of Health. This Non-taxable minimum goes up Continued on page 2 CULTURE A major recognition of ’s Tartu Latvia makes progress in tackling laundering Page 12 TBT Staff mendations by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). LEISURE Latvia has made progress in strengthening its framework to tack- In line with MONEYVAL’s rules of procedure, country has reported What to do in the Baltics? le money laundering and terrorist fi- back on the progress it has made to nancing, finds the first enhanced fol- Pages 22–23 strengthen its AML/CFT framework. low-up report, published on January This follow-up report analyses 22 by the Committee of Experts on Latvia’s progress in addressing the the Evaluation of Anti-money Laun- technical compliance deficiencies Job opportunity dering Measures and the Financing identified in the mutual evaluation The Baltic Times is of Terrorism (MONEYVAL). report. looking for an advertising MONEYVAL decided that Lat- Reflecting this progress, MON- sales agent in the Baltics. via will remain in enhanced fol- EYVAL has re-rated Latvia on Rec- low-up process and will continue [email protected] ommendations 6 (targeted financial to report back on further progress sanctions related to terrorism and to strengthen its implementation terrorist financing), 7 (targeted of AML/CFT measures. financial sanctions related to pro- As a result of Latvia’s progress in ommendations originally rated as ing the adoption of its mutual eval- liferation), 8 (non-profit organisa- strengthening its framework to tack- “partially compliant” and one Rec- uation report, which assessed the tions), 10 (customer due diligence), le money laundering and terrorist ommendation originally rated as effectiveness of Latvia’s anti-money 22 (DNFBPs: customer due dili- financing since its mutual evaluation “largely compliant”. laundering and counter-terrorist fi- gence), 26 (regulation and supervi- report in July 2018, MONEYVAL Latvia was placed in an en- nancing (AML/CFT) measures and sion of financial institutions), EE: €1.60 LV: €1.42 LT: €1.59 has re-rated the country on ten Rec- hanced follow-up process, follow- their compliance with the Recom- Continued on page 4 2 BALTICS January 28, 2020 – February 25, 2020 January 28, 2020 – February 25, 2020 BALTICS 3

Continued from page 1 eastern border development will be launched this year. A 23.5-ki- Changes will also affect the un- lometer section between the triple employment benefits. Instead of 9 Year 2020 ushered in a slew of novelties for all Balts border point, where Estonia, Lat- months the maximum duration of via and Russia meet, and Luhamaa. these benefits will be reduced to 8 Minimum wage in Lithuania The Police and Border Guard months. The eligible person will be Board (PPA) estimates the con- entitled to 75% of the salary starting The minimum monthly wage struction will take three years. from the 3rd month of unemploy- from January 1 in Lithuania will ment, 50% of the salary for the 5th steep by 52 euros from 555 to 607 Pharmacy reform euros before the deduction of taxes, and 6th months and 45% for the 7th The commencement of 2020 bringing the take-home pay from and 8th months. In 2019, the unem- will reveal the fate of the contro- 396 to 437 euros. Around 156,000 ployment benefit was equal to 100% versial pharmacy reform. The Ri- people in Lithuania make the mini- for the first 4 months, 75% from 5th igikogu decided five years ago that When busy, the weather mum wage or less, the statistics say. to 6th month, and 50% for the fol- the pharmacy reform will enter outside the window lowing 3 months. Pensions and salaries into force on April 1, 2020. It was matters little Pension pillar affected With pension indexation being agreed that pharmaceutical whole- salers will not be allowed to own Linas JEGELEVICIUS Another major shift is the op- pegged in 2020 to growth of wag- pharmacies and that all pharma- The Baltic Times editor-in-chief portunity to inherit the 2nd pen- es, pensions this year will grow in cies must be owned (at least 51%) [email protected] sion pillar. Prior to 2020, this part Lithuania more than 8% as of Janu- of the retirement savings was trans- ary 1. The average monthly old-age by licensed pharmacists. There is still no snow and cold in the pension will reach 377 euros in the Baltics by the very end of January, which, ferred to the government in case Pension reform New Year, and it will amount to 399 for me, is a clear sign of climate change the contributor died before reach- The other major change in 2020 euros for seniors with mandatory ESTONIA: IMMIGRATION IS RISING across the globe and in the Baltics, too. ing the age of retirement. Current- is the pension reform. Render- LITHUANIA: DEATHS EXCEED BIRTHS working experience. The basic pay Personally, I do not miss snow al- ly, the principal has a choice and According to Statistics Estonia, the preliminary estimate of the population ing Estonia’s current mandatory rate for civil servants will edge up though the glittering of the dim street can either instruct to transfer these As of 1 January 2020, the population of Lithuania was estimated to be funded pension, the second pillar from 173 to 176 euros, meaning that of Estonia as of 1 January 2020 was 1,328,360, which is 3,540 persons more light-lit snow ridges I used to marvel at in savings to another person’s retire- voluntary. The Isamaa party be- 2,669,156 people. This is a decrease of -1.63 % (-44,201 people) compared around 300,000 state officials and my childhood is still vivid in my memories. ment fund, appoint a beneficiary to than at the same time a year ago. 13,900 children were born in Estonia in hind the reform expected the law civil servants will see their pay rise. Here at The Baltic Times we’ve been receive the money as a lump sum to population of 2,713,357 the year before. In 2019 the natural increase was to enter into force from January 1. Child benefit payments in 2020 2019, which is more than 400 fewer children than the year before. There quite busy for the last couple of months in a will, or leave everything as is However, the bill was entered into negative, as the number of deaths exceeded the number of live births by will go up from 50 to 60 euros, and were 15,390 deaths in 2019. Despite the increase in the number of older and certainly not very much concerned - in this case the government will proceedings so late that delibera- 13,540. Due to external migration, the population declined by 30,661. The from 70 to 100 euros families rais- about what is going outside our windows include the money into survivor people, the number of deaths has remained stable in the past decade due to tions will continue this year. – our winter edition of The Baltic Times benefits for children or spouse of sex ratio of the total population was 0.870 (870 males to 1 000 females) ing three or more children, also Magazine has been rolled off the printing the principal. for low-income families and those increasing life expectancy. Preparations for 2021 census belt, packed nicely and is already mak- The State Social Insurance Agency which is lower than the global sex ratio. The global sex ratio in the world was raising disabled children. The start of 2020 should also ing its way across the Baltics to local air- representative says that this change shed light on the form the 2021 approximately 1 016 males to 1 000 females as of 2019. Income, RE tax Stocks More state-supported Song contests in the country, has ports, embassies, trade missions, com- can potentially affect 1 299 000 Lat- census will take. While a decision Lithuanians making over 110,000 slots in high schools announced that the 2020 national merce chambers, libraries, SPAs, luxury vians who currently participate in Under new rules in force from was to be made last year, no agree- euros a year will see their income tax selection will last for six weeks – hotels, restaurants and cafés. the 2nd pillar pension program. “We February 1, the value of shares vest- This year Lithuania has allotted ment has been reached yet. Sta- rate go up from 27 to 32 per cent. from early January until mid-Feb- I hope you will be among the lucky have already received 51000 notifica- ed under stock options not earlier an additional 4 million euros to tistics Estonia has spent millions There are over 2,000 top-earners in ruary, nearly two months longer ones to stumble upon the glossy publica- tions from people [in the first 3 weeks than three years after date of grant increase the accessibility of state- preparing for a census that would Lithuania who will be affected by the than at present. Besides, one artist tion in any of the mentioned spots or you of January],” says Ilze Vindele, leading will be tax exempt. The main pur- supported slots for students in the only use national databases for the will perhaps find it in somewhere else. All change, according to statisticians. will be allowed to compete with one expert in the pension scheme de- pose of the changes is to create an country. Implementing the uni- past decade, while politicians want the subscribers of The Baltic Times will Owners of real estate valued at song only; the jury will be present, partment of the SSIA. “65.2% chose additional non-taxable benefit for versity optimisation plan, Siauliai additional data, for example, on receive it, free of charge, too. more than 150,000 euros will have however, they will watch the per- to appoint a beneficiary, 33.3% employees receiving stock options. University will be merged with Vil- people’s language proficiency, dia- Meanwhile, The Baltic Times to pay real estate tax which until now formances in a separate studio, and opted for the money to be added to nius University in 2020. lects and religion that can only be newspaper is continuing its journey to was applied to properties of over Alcohol price goes up will not provide comments after another person’s 2nd pillar pension collected in the form of interviews. our readers in the Baltics and beyond. New compensation each of the performances; televot- fund, and 1.4% preferred to leave it 220,000 euros. Seventy-five percent Due to the higher excise tax, the Aware of many changes that are in place system for patients ing results will not be shown dur- Party chairman elections as is,” she added. of the properties are believed to be average price of a bottle of alcohol- from January 1 are affecting daily life of in the capital city . The Lithu- ic beverage will go up roughly 0,45 From now on, patients who were ing the show as has been the case Elections at Estonia’s Reform every Baltic citizen, our reporters are Gasoline prices anian government expects to add from March 1. mistreated in Lithuanian medical until now. They will only be shown Party in spring will show how much introducing you to the New Year’s nov- On January 1, right after the around 2.5 million euros in addi- The price of electricity will in- facilities, will be able to sue them at the end of the show. love members have for chairman elties in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia in New Year countdown, gasoline and tional tax revenue to the state coffers. crease 15 per cent for Lithuanian three years after the damage was who won the party the the cover article. Teacher salaries set diesel prices in Latvia made a no- As a result of the growing fuel households from the New Year. done. Thus, the period of damage elections but could not I really recommend reading the inter- to grow in Estonia table jump. While the majority of excise duties, the price of petrol will Meanwhile, gas will be cheaper claim has been extended. Pecuniary deliver it from the opposition. view by our young contributor in Vilnius The minimum salary of teach- Latvians were still asleep after the go up by around 0.04 euro per litre. around 17-22 per cent in 2020. compensations will be paid from the with former Lithuanian President Valdas ers in Estonia in 2020 will grow Far right EKRE will hold in- big party night, the cost of fuel in The diesel fuel excise for farmers medical facility’s account. Until now, Adamkus, who reflects on the years Changes in education system to 1,315 euros, with the average house elections this year. The rul- the country grew by 1.7% - 6.3%, will increase from 56 to 60 euros per gone by as a top US environmentalist insurance funds paid them. climbing to 1,540 euros. The aver- ing Centre Party should also hold according to LETA, a . 1,000 litres, making one litre of diesel At least seven key changes will and the head-of-state. LATVIA: BIRTH RATE ON DECLINE More transparency in age old-age pension will be hiked elections in 2020. The reasons for this are the tax in- roughly 0.005 euro more expensive. affect Lithuania’s education system We also noticed, while stacking up by 45 euros of which 7 euro is an crease and stricter quality require- In Latvia, the birth rate in 2019 was lower for the fourth year in a row. Pro- this year. Upon agreement with pharmaceutical industry Tougher crypto laws in Estonia the newspaper issue, that Latvia’s long Daily allowances major Education trade unions, Starting January 1, 2020, phar- extraordinary hike worth 20 mil- The Estonian Parliament has troubled banking sector has made prog- ments for both gasoline and diesel. visional data of the Central Statistical Bureau show that 18 589 births were Starting January 1, 2020 busi- teachers’ base salary will increase macy companies and their represen- lion euros in the state budget. approved changes in the Money ress in tackling money laundering and As of January 20, 2020 the price registered in 2019, which is 725 births fewer than in 2018. The number of chil- ness trips will be affected. Calcu- 10%, year-on-year, from Septem- tatives are obliged to inform the State Laundering and Terrorist Financ- terrorist financing. of 1l of 95 octane petrol in Latvia Estonia in UN Security Council lating the non-taxable daily allow- ber 1, 2020. Practically, the average If you frequent the Baltics, you must was 1.29 euro, which is 9 cents more dren born in 2019 will be specified in May by adding children born abroad. Medicine Control Service (VVKT) Estonia started work from Janu- ing Prevention Act (further AML ance for foreign business trips, the teacher’s pay is expected to go up have noticed the new hotels popping up in than in Lithuania (1.20 euro) and what support in the form of gift cou- ary 1, 2020 as a non-permanent law). As of December 12, 2019, During the last two years 463 children were born abroad (202 in 2018 and fixed salary of an employee will around 100 euros. Meanwhile, pre- the Baltic capitals, in the second -largest, 18 cents less than in Estonia (1.38 pons, free medical events abroad and member of the UN Security Coun- the FIU has issued 1070 virtual be compared with the minimum school educators can expect up to and in some cases, in the third-largest cit- euro). Next, all diesel fuel sold in 261 in 2017). Last year, decline in the death rate was observed – 27 661 et cetera they have provided to med- cil. Estonian diplomats have been currency wallet service provider monthly salary or the minimum 300-euro higher salaries. ies. We asked Gerhard Erasmus, CEO Latvia must now contain at least 7% deaths were registered, which is 1 159 deaths fewer than in 2018. The trend ics. This kind of information will be dispatched to New York to repre- licenses and 1175 virtual curren- hourly salary multiplied by a co- of Apex Alliance Hotel Management man- of biofuel additives, compared to Additional class accessible to all on the VVKT website. sent us at the very heart of world cy exchange licenses. All of the 5% in 2019. For petrol, the required has positively affected a negative natural increase – in 2018 there were 9 506 efficient. The coefficient increases license holders will be directly af- aging several international brands in the of physical education Higher requirements politics for the next two years. Baltics to share his insights on the expan- minimum amount of biofuel addi- from 1.3 to 1.65 from the year. The fected by the changes in the AML deaths more than births, whereas last year only 9 072 deaths more. Starting September 1, Lithuania’s for stroke diagnostics sion of the Baltic hospitality industry. tives has grown from 5% to 10%. amendment eliminates the possi- Higher excise duties law. Changes in AML law will be seven graders will see an additional In his commentary, Darius Maikste- bility of increasing the daily allow- New orders by the Health Life became a little more expen- in force from March 10, 2020. Living standards to inch up class of physical education added to nas, Chairman of the Board at Ignitis increase by 6%. According to the electronic services. Consumers and methods of communication (this ance rate of foreign business trips minister, Aurelijus Veryga, obli- sive for smokers this year as the their curriculums. First and sixth Changes in Estonian tax system Group, a Vilnius-based international ener- ‘Of course, we expect that rais- institution, the average salary can businesses are encouraged to use includes complaints, letters and tax for a company director up to 100%. gate ambulances to bring patients duty on cigarettes was hiked by 5 ing fuel costs will contribute to in- graders have been sweating more in If the taxable person has not gy concern, sheds light on the challenges reach 1200 euros before tax at the online communication methods as declarations). So this year the SRS with suspected stroke within one percent. This translates into a pack flation, but there are other factors Conscription age additional physical education class- paid the tax by the due date, or if and the opportunities that the company is end of the year. “We can expect an much as possible. Starting from the will focus on teaching consumers hour from the placement of the of smokes costing an extra 10 cents such as changes in European poli- Starting January 1, 2020, the es since last September. phone call to the emergency room. a higher amount has been unduly facing amid ongoing climate change and increase in living standard for an av- beginning of the year construction to use their electronic services. on average. The excise duty rates the new environmental demands. cies, growing oil prices, and wage age range at which men are called Students will be admitted to Meanwhile, tomography must be returned or set off, the taxable per- erage citizen in Latvia, that I think is industry projects documentation Other than that, Latvians can ex- on liquid and natural gas were also If you’re mulling your trip to Estonia, increase, that can be even more up for mandatory military service Lithuania’s vocational schools not performed within 30-60 minutes son shall be liable for payment of indisputable. But to what extent and can only be submitted electroni- pect to see a slight reduction in natu- hiked, while those on motor fuel you may want to delay it to 2024, when important’, says Kristaps Lešinskis, how much - there are different sce- in Lithuania is lowered to 18-23 only during summer, but in winter after the arrival of the patient. remain unchanged. The duties on interest from 2020. The interest is cally. For tax payers, 2020 is the ral gas prices, an increase in the cost Estonia’s Tartu will be the European assistant professor of the BA school narios,” comments Lešinskis. years, from 19–26 years currently. too – the first stage of admissions alcohol, lowered this summer, will calculated at 0.06% per day until last year they can file tax returns of postal services and public transit, a Changes to Lithuania‘s Capital of Culture. How the city is mak- of business and finance. The Bank Amendments of the Law on Con- will be organised in early February. also not be hiked in 2020. the tax debt is paid in full. A tax- ing the preparations is revealed by our of Latvia expects prices to grow Technology in person or by mail. From 2021, higher tax on alcoholic beverages and scription also bar volunteer sol- This change is thought to help high Eurovision 2020 able person who is in financial dif- reporter’s article in the mid-section of the by around 2.4% by the end of the The Latvian Government is gra- the State Revenue Service (SRS) waste disposal, and minor changes in diers from holding seats in the par- school drop-outs to choose the Lithuania’s national broadcaster Changes on the border ficulties can apply for payment of newspaper. year, while wages are projected to dually increasing the number of will also switch to purely electronic the cost of medical services. liament and municipal councils. path of vocational training. LRT which organises Eurovision It is very likely the first stage of tax arrears in instalments. 4 PERSONALITIES January 28, 2020 – February 25, 2020 January 28, 2020 – February 25, 2020 PERSONALITIES 5

Gabija STRUMYLAITE Protection Agency. You were an Valdas Adamkus, the first presi- administrator of the Fifth Region dent of a post-1990 independent Former Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus: “Once you put your hand (Mid-West) and when you retired Lithuania, is great to talk to. Atten- from the EPA in 1997, you had tive, friendly, insightful and open, the longest tenure of any senior Adamkus is a trove to any journal- executive. Which skills that you ist willing to convey the messages gained came in handy while serv- on the Constitution, your life changes forever” ing as the President of Lithuania? the 92-year-old has for everyone: modernity cannot deny tradi- Generally speaking, those 27 years in a high administrative of- tions but eyes cannot be closed to pecially because you have been the societal developments of the ‘we organize, conduct and move fice allowed me to cooperate with perceived as the person who has in a liberal way’ realization in Lithu- different countries as the represen- world, and in Lithuania heroes do connected two epochas of inde- not sit in presidential palaces but ania. Maybe it is caused by outside tative of the United States. I met pendent Lithuania? imperfections which emerge from many politicians and members of are among the hard-working tena- th Both the 16 of February and social conditions. Liberalism had government. The experience of cious grassroots. The Baltic Times the 11th of March in a moral and Magazine spoke to Adamkus on a no appropriate foundations to holding an office gave me much spiritual sense are very similar. Feb- deeper understanding about in- range of issues. th form in Lithuania. In that field we ruary 16 marks the day when the ternational problems. So, I could

Photo by Karolina Savickytė Karolina Photo by feel that we lack guides and leaders, To Americans, Valdas Adam- Council of Lithuania unanimously and that our liberal idea drowns. say that I came to the presidential kus is known for cleaning up pol- adopted the Act of Independence lution in Lake Michigan and the Sometimes it seems to me that the post not from the street but with in 1918, declaring Lithuania an in- experience of almost a quarter of a other Great Lakes; to Lithuanians, th liberal thought itself – the promo- dependent state. The 11 of March century. he is known as the president who of Gabija Žukauskaitė’s family The archives tion of the free word, free will and was the day that Lithuania declared You became acquainted with brought new western standards to a free mindset – is distorted in itself independent from the Soviet different U.S. presidents. Are the country, thus changing the face Lithuania. Thinking that liberal- Union in 1990. There is only one there any characteristics which of Lithuania in perpetuity. th ism opens any liberties which deny difference; the 16 of February in- would unify all of them? It would be possible to write an the main moral values, deform the spired and united people, who, de- I couldn’t say anything con- entire volume of Lithuanian his- liberal ideal and converting it, in spite very difficult circumstances, crete. But I can mention that of the tory based on Valdas Adamkus’ some cases, creates chaos. The only still cherished love and focused on six U.S. presidents with whom I biography. He grew up in Kaunas, hope is that over time, a certain creating their own state. Compara- worked directly, I could single out the interwar capital of Lithuania. th group of people will remain, they tively, the 11 of March commem- President Ronald Reagan. I was Growing up, his best friends in- won’t turn away from set liberal orates the restoration of Lithuania impressed by his sincerity, warmth cluded the son of the third Lith- ideals, and then liberalism itself after the long fight against occupa- and humanness. Reagan was espe- uanian president, Kazys Grin- will become valid as one of the es- tion which lead to the crowning cially devoted to our Lithuanian ius, and the brother of Vytautas sential idealogical domains. But, event - receiving independence. It ideas. He firmly spoke on the Landsbergis, the first Lithuanian I’ll repeat myself, this will take a showed that our nation, in the first question of Lithuanians receiving leader after Soviet control. Dur- matter of time. phase of its independence (from national rights, and he more than ing the Nazi occupation, they be- I also hope that eventually 1918 till 1940, Ed.), was able to rear once approved this attitude inter- gan publishing an underground, Lithuanian society will become the strongly patriotic younger gen- nationally – first during the fall of anti-German newspaper titled, mature enough and we’ll have eration, who took strength from Berlin Wall and then in the context ‘Youth, be on duty!’ Adamkus Valdas Adamkus in his home office in Chicago The conversation was held in Valdas Adamkus’ private office at the Presidential Palace all indications needed for a full- their parents and built the state of of further events. grown democratic country. fought alongside insurrectionists Lithuania on firm, moral legs. It What kind of things should rected against the occupation, Park, and finally to Lemont. How ing in mind, there was no Inter- people unexpected deed, demon- of Mrs. Nixon’s arrival at the open- aged to keep the spirit of creativity On the other hand, it would be against Soviet rule, though later held that there was a strong aspi- Lithuanian politicians learn from which had an aim to get back our did Americans evaluate that kind net or other improvements of strating that Lithuanian youth can ing ceremony of the Folk Dance alive and supplement the common naive to expect that we’d be capable he was forced to leave the home- ration for independence during U.S. leaders? land. Nevertheless, he persistently freedom and independence. The of Lithuanian suburb? What communication at the time. also do something individually and Festival rang throughout the entire Lithuanian cultural heritage. of implanting that ideal, whereas those 50 years of occupation, and it th The political culture in general. 16 of February became, to us, the about other foreigners? How did Well, firstly, I succeeded in achieve it. Indeed, your observa- country. Later, many people called When I visited the library the Western world has been push- continued his activities abroad. In proved to the world that we are de- Though we had to endure a period source of spiritual strength, which Lithuanians integrate into anoth- making a very effective, central tion was correct: it was truly the me and asked the question, ‘How?’ named in your honor (President ing its way for several centuries. 1948, Adamkus contributed sig- termined to live freely and autono- when there weren’t any opportu- maintained Lithuanianness, de- er state’s life? organizational committee con- first time, when in a form of orga- It was the first time a person of such Valdas Adamkus Library, Ed.) in Since its formation, the United nificantly while competing at the mously. These celebrations keep us nities to grow in surroundings of termination, and efficient fighting To my mind, the question of sisting of all organizations which nizational youth, we appeared in a rank participated in an event of a Kaunas, I saw with my own eyes States has had a two-party system. Olympic Games of the Enslaved vital and break the routine, where Western views, we still had to suf- whilst seeking Lithuanian indepen- integration is not related to the involved Lithuanian youth. It was the highest state strata. national group. It was a big surprise how many new shipments were Which political party was more Nations. Winning two gold and we are faced with various concerns fer the resulting lack. Well, I hope dence. I think that the ceremonies founding of Lithuanian suburbs in an unprecedented incident – to And what was the impression for everyone, but for us it was more of brought in – many boxes of books common among Lithuanian emi- two silver medals in track and about people’s well-being and the that while living with today’s con- of commemorations themselves did one place or another as you have bring together representatives of when you – young people – got so the recognition. from the USA, including the per- grants? Why did you decide to field events, Adamkus is now re- problems of our system in general. ditions, we’ll learn those lessons. I not differ from the commemora- mentioned. It was self-contained, all our active youth organisations’ much attention? You spent a big part of your life sonal collection of Aleksandras become a Republican? garded as the fastest president The reminiscences of celebrations believe in the young generation of tions of the interwar Lithuania pe- uniting itself with a goal to main- managements, people who were Of course, I can answer only for with „Santaros-Šviesos“ (Concord- Štromas. I realized then there is in the world, with a time of 10.8 is something that strengthens us The bigger part of ‘the new’ our politicians. They have oppor- riod. Everything was solemn. And tain the nationality and further united by one common purpose. myself. I was happy knowing that Light, Ed.) federation and its ac- still so much undiscovered about seconds in the 100-metre dash. and induces us not to refuse such (1940’s, Ed.) emigration were Re- tunities to follow what is going on not only in the ranks of one’s peo- develop Lithuanian culture. In my It showed that organizations which our idea finally turned into reality. tivities – the periodicals, books, Lithuanian emigrants’ heritage. In the summer of 1949, Adamkus ideals. After a long time we – how- publicans. Why? In the years of the in the world and how other vari- ple’s, but also highlighting it in the opinion, the concentration of Lith- existed in the United States had a Our activities received a big reso- conferences and congresses. With- Because I finished high school went to the United States with his ever, translated in a more realistic Democratic-controlled US govern- ous, contemporary political lead- foreign communities that we were uanians in those separate suburbs sufficiently sturdy foundation to nance not only in our press but also out any doubt it had an enormous relatively recently, I can comment family, and settled into a Lithu- sense – are realizing and will con- ment, the Yalta conference and ers are reacting – there are plenty living in. led to more permanence – Ameri- deal with tasks like the latter. The were reflected widely in the Ameri- impact on Lithuanian political that the topic of lives of emigrants anian-American community in tinue to realize, as we move this other conferences were held. We felt, of great examples in the Western In one of your books I saw the cans also paid attention to this. leaders of the organization, who can press. Our deed rang through thought and development of a high is rarely spoken about in schools. Chicago. His life journey, in many path forward. and I also felt, that we were sold to world. And from all of those ex- picture of Marquette Park, where They – various officers attending formed the core of our commit- the American Congress because the culture. You also personally knew It is mostly disclosed during the ways, mirrors that of the hope- I am a granddaughter of a Russian communism. During emi- periences, we’ll develop a certain a crowd of Lithuanians with our our concerts or celebrations, for in- tee, spread out the petition within delegation was accredited there, as many bright-minded Lithuanian Lithuanian language and litera- ful American Dream – Adamkus deportee myself and I grew up gration we were always involved political level ourselves. started off with just five dollars in listening to my granny’s stories countries’ attributes is depicted. stance – were surprised by our na- their organizations, signing pages well as in the Senate. To conclude, emigrants. Who among them, in ture lessons, when pupils inspect in political discussions. It was very How does it feel to put your his pocket before finding work in from her time in Siberia (dur- The whole event was held along- tional group, which, despite being all throughout America. Later, we it was not simply a one or two hour your opinion, are undeservedly novels by Marius Katiliškis or hard to work our way through the hand on the Constitution and ut- a car parts factory. Eventually, he ing the period 1941-1953, ap- side the square, nearby the home far away from the motherland, was just simply needed to gather and performance for American society. forgotten nowadays? What would Antanas Škėma. Meanwhile, his- international society. At that time, ter aloud the words of the presi- earned a degree from the Illinois proximately 130,000 Lithuanians of the Chicago mayor. Was this not only able to save their identity, bind them and present it to the It actually echoed from one corner you recommend for future genera- tory lessons are quite silent on Republicans felt, let’s say, a differ- dential oath? Institute of Technology and began were exiled to remote areas of also a particular tradition? but also mature it over the years. President. We knew we had a cer- of the country to the other. tions to investigate in the field of this subject. ent rear and were closer to us. They It’s hard to describe in words. working at the newly established the USSR, in Siberia, the Arc- Yes, traditionally it was held in It kept hope that matters in the is- tain goal, we knew we had a limited It’s also worth mentioning emigrated Lithuanians’ intellectual I agree with you totally. And, clearly and fearlessly declared their During this minute you feel such US Environmental Protection tic Circle areas or Central Asia, the very center of Chicago. Oth- sues of Lithuanian freedom would time and we got our job done. that you invited U.S. first ladies heritage? as I have noticed, there should be position against the communist or- tension that you don’t even realize Agency. Finally, after fifty years Ed.). She always emphasized the ers often wondered how we man- get better someday. I’m personally In fact, at that time President – in 1972 Patricia Nixon, in 1976 It’s a complicated question to more attention paid to analyses der. That’s why the new emigration the importance of that instant. Just of Soviet occupation, Adamkus symbolic importance of the 16th aged to get the favour of the city proud of our emigrees, who man- Dwight D. Eisenhower had some Betty Ford – to the Lithuanian answer. I don’t know if I could all of emigrants’ ability to save their went, with no question, for the Re- later when you start serving, do returned to his motherland and of February. Granny liked to tell government – because we almost aged to achieve such significant re- serious health problems and he Folk Dance Festival. How did you that easily pick out who has been cultural identity. For instance, ex- publicans. Meanwhile ‘the old’ emi- you take the responsibility and per- became the president of the Re- how that day was observed by stopped the traffic with our Lithu- sults – Lithuania’s case for indepen- was replaced by Vice President manage to do that? forgotten. Perhaps I see the lack of a amination of results – what it gave gration (1905’s, Ed.) consisted mostly ceive how deep, meaningful and public of Lithuania in 1998, serv- her family – although they were anian gatherings! Lithuanian flags, dence became famous worldwide. Richard Nixon. How did the It may be a bit uncomfortable to general analysis of Lithuanian emi- to the common Lithuanian culture of working class people who were binding this oath is. The only thing ing for two terms (1998-2003 and thousands of kilometers from solemn speeches… Folk dance I was amazed by your, Mr. Rai- meeting go? Was it your first visit say but under existing, favourable grants’ contributions covering their and the domain of the preservation from the agricultural sphere. And which I’d like to say, especially, to 2004-2009). Even at the age of 92, the homeland, they were at least groups even used to make short mundas Mieželis’ and other ac- to the Capitol, the White House? conditions, using my official status creative strengths or emphasizing of Lithuanianness. democrats always proclaimed to be the young generation, is that when Valdas Adamkus still continues to together in thoughts with Lithu- performances! I would say that the tive Lithuanians 1956 initiative As far as it concerns me and the in a relatively high American gov- their works. On the other hand, I In some previous interviews those who represented and defended you swear to the Constitution, you rank as one of the most influential ania. And how did you – person- celebration of Lithuanian indepen- of petition to President Dwight youth organizations, yes, it was ernmental service, I was able to gain think at least the main creators are you have mentioned that the val- rights of that group exploited by capi- have to respect it, fight for the free political figures in Lithuania. ally and collectively with other dence was mentioned in astonish- D. Eisenhower. You sought that the very first time. Because before access to the right people – mem- known to the Lithuanian audience. ues of your promoted liberalism talists. There was a collision between man and his natural rights, and Chronologically, January, Feb- Lithuanians – commemorate this ing circumstances, attracting the the USA, either by using its direct that, privilege, or I can even say bers of government, Congressmen. I’d like more of them to be included differ from the current Lithua- ‘the new’ and ‘the old’ emigration. Of it will completely eliminate your ruary and March include some date in the so-called free world? attention of Americans as well. influence on the or the monopoly, was in the hands of I simply used those chances by ex- in our educational system, so that’s nian liberalism. Could you please course, I cannot one hundred percent private life. Since the moment you of the most significant events In emigration we did not have In the United States, the main through organizations like the the Lithuanian American Coun- ploiting my personal connections. why I guess it concerns the teach- tell us what those essential dis- affirm that the new emigration was take that duty, you refuse your per- for Lithuania – Freedom Defenders’ such a problem because our whole center of Lithuanian culture is Red Cross, start caring about the cil (LAC), which was the main Concerning the appearances of the ing aspect more. It’s important that tinctions include? only Republican and the old one was sonal goals. Your aim from now on Day, Restoration of the State Day, generation were not economic undoubtedly the city of Chicago. destiny of Lithuanian deportees. American organization guiding first ladies, of course, it gained a our young generation be interested It’s hard to point a finger at it only Democratic, but the tendency is to give your state and its people Restoration of Independence emigrants of economics but pure- The first Lithuanian emigration How did you manage to collect the political life of emigrated Lith- huge amount of attention. We as- in this while studying and learning. and name it. In my opinion, gen- was noticeable. everything that you have with the Day. Mr. President, what do each ly political ones. The withdrawal wave settled in Bridgeport, but the signatures of Lithuanians uanians. But this time it was a dif- tounded all national groups in the Nevertheless, our emigrants, even eral striving or, in other words, I For 27 years you worked in best of your personality and your of those dates mean to you, es- from Lithuania was a protest di- afterwards moved to Marquette while having so little time? Bear- ferent, new, and I believe, for some United States. The announcement in such difficult conditions, man- don’t see the proclamations that the United States Environmental environment. 6 Q/A January 28, 2020 – February 25, 2020 January 28, 2020 – February 25, 2020 SMALL BUSINESS 7

Linas JEGELEVICIUS Philip HOUSELEY The Baltic hotel sector is expand- Hotels will become increasingly more involved Fanoel Nerini, from Savona in ing robustly with some top-tier ho- North West Italy, opened La Can- A new concept of an Italian food shop and tel additions awaited later this year. tina in central last December. The Baltic Times sat down to speak Joined by his brother-in-law, Ivans about the sector with Gerhard Eras- with local communities Varlamovs, La Cantina is both an café /wine bar in Riga mus, CEO of Apex Alliance Hotel Italian food shop, and an Italian café stage. Riga is currently performing that Interstate Hotels has done ex- Management managing several in- serving great Italian wines and Ital- better than Vilnius, the main reason prepare fresh salads and delicious ternational hotels in the Baltics. ceptionally well in establishing this ian cold meats, cheeses and sottoli being that Vilnius has had a major panini, another Italian classic. You’ve spent quite some time model globally. (mushrooms, sun dried tomatoes, increase in supply in the last two So, opening a restaurant was as executive in the Radisson Ho- What things should we watch for etc.) in extra virgin olive oil, plus a years. We anticipate the demand to not an option for you? tel Group and now you have the in the hospitality industry in 2020? selection of pastas and traditional increase in both cities though. I have no experience of the first half-year as the CEO of Apex I think we will see further attempts Italian sweets. His journey from the Where do you see room for restaurant business, and there are Alliance Hotel Management be- and technological advances from ho- shores of the blue Mediterranean to growth in the Baltic capitals? At good ones in Riga already. What hind you, having worked exten- tel companies and OTA’s to counter the Baltic Sea came via a few years whose expense? I did know a lot about was Italian sively for various hotels in the disruptors such AirBnB in an attempt spent in en route. I see potential in all the capitals, wines, coffees, Pastas, cold meats West. How does the Baltic hotel to retain a fair market share. So, Fanoel, your birthplace is especially . The only risk is cheeses and salads. Everything business seem to you from a glob- Hotels will become increasingly in a beautiful part of Italy. when hotel operators reduce their you can see here can be bought to al standpoint? more involved with local commu- rates in a panic due to the increase Yes, it is close to the French bor- take home, or can be eaten here in Needless to say, the Hotel & nities, in order to overcome the in supply. This diminishes the der, and a short drive to Monaco , our wine bar area. Restaurant sector has seen a great stigma associated with hotels being competitive nature of the destina- Nice and all of the French Riviera. Your products all come direct- surge in the Baltics in the last five tion as a whole. a stand-alone entity. But, itself is a very picturesque ly from Italy? years. The service Industry in the Can you speak please of the The vegan movement will have beach resort. I researched all these, and found Baltics as a whole is improving strategy of Apex Alliance in hotel a major impact on how Hoteliers You are 43 years old now, and the best products and then the best rapidly and gaining momentum. I assets in selected Baltic and CEE and restauranteurs develop their when you were just 24, you left producers. We are very happy with believe from a global perspective, Fanoel Nerini (on right) opened La Cantina in central Riga last December growth markets? food menus. #gamechangers Italy to go to the UK and work in the quality of everything we sell here. our offering is very attractive, es- When referring to our strategy Global warming is on everyone’s New Media in London? I imagine that ordering the pecially when taking the value for from an Investment perspective, tongue at the moment, thus the ex- Yes, and in 2002 I obtained a Everything we sell comes from Italy, and we have around 25 suppliers. At correct quantity of all these prod- money and quality into consider- Masters Degree in digital media in we have just recently acquired land pectation will be that Hotels will the moment our Italian wine is sourced here because Italian producers ask ucts is the most difficult and yet ation. Where, I believe, we as an in Venice Italy and we are building reduce their impact/ecological foot London, while working as a soft- the most important of all your Industry need to focus is how we a 300 -bedroom hotel here. We print e.g. Food Waste Management ware developer. for such huge minimum orders, but that will change in the course of time. I tasks in these early days? engage with local tertiary institu- also have a number of projects cur- and reduction of single use plastics And your life took a dramatic return to Italy quite often to taste new products and to negotiate costs There are minimum orders to tions in order to support them and rently in , which we have What new additions does Apex turn, after a weekend break to Riga? contend with as well. It is a task help improve the curriculum and found to be a very robust market. Alliance plan in 2020? Where will In 2003, I co-founded a New that will become easier as time program for hotel school students. Media Marketing agency in Lon- Our intention again from an invest- they be? when I decided to leave my com- Well, yes – I wanted exactly to time planning to expand the busi- goes by, that is true. In our early Furthermore, to engage and ment perspective is to lean more don. We were in need of recruit- We have 3 openings planned for pany. I needed to do something bring to Latvia the concept of Salu- ness and products we offer. days we erred on the side of cau- improve our communication with towards Western Europe. From a ing software developers but, be- tion, and we sold out very quickly. 2020 at this stage: Moxy by Marri- completely different. I always had in meria! There is a shop like this on Ivans previously worked several the relevant governments, to high- Gerhard Erasmus is CEO of Apex Alliance Hotel Management hotel management perspective, we ing a start-up, we could not afford Now we have tweaked everything ott – Bucharest, Moxy by Marriott mind from an early age that I would most corners in Italy, that is true. years in the restoration of Riga, light the importance of Tourism are flexible and willing to consider London salaries. Soon after Latvia and all is well! – Kaunas and Autograph Collec- like to get involved in the food in- But I think we are unique in Riga. and at the well-respected Tris Pa- within their agenda. I believe des- management agreements across the joined the , I took Everything we sell comes from tion by Marriott – Bucharest. dustry in some way, preferably in In Italy everyone buys from small varu restaurant, and at the Rocket tination marketing is of the utmost entire EU. We are a 3rd party opera- a week end break from London Italy, and we have around 25 sup- Needless to say, the Hotel & Restaurant sector Is the hospitality legislature the retail and distribution sector. shops who specialize in cheeses Bean roastery. So we decided to importance, not only for our In- tor, so in essence we help Hotel own- and I just fell in love with Riga and pliers. At the moment our Italian (hotel VAT, etc) favorable for your So you did a little market re- and cold cuts (salami, prosciutto, try this together and we came up dustry but all Industry. By placing has seen a great surge in the Baltics in the last ers to establish Franchise agreements with the country. When I returned wine is sourced here because Ital- expansion in the Baltics? What search? etc.), and not from supermarkets. with this concept, which we think a destination such as the Baltics on with one of the main International to the UK, I checked out devel- ian producers ask for such huge five years. The service Industry in the Baltics as could be better in each country? the map, we stand to attract nu- chains and then manage the Hotels opers’ salaries, vacancies, the Living in Riga for so long I knew And, in true Italian tradition, is fairly new in Latvia. minimum orders, but that will a whole is improving rapidly and gaining momen- Currently, we have VAT ben- merous prospective Investors into on the owner’s behalf. The white cost of living and so on. In Au- there was no shortage of Italian you are keeping this business in We are not a restaurant, but change in the course of time. I re- efits specifically on accommodation the countries. tum. I believe from a global perspective, our of- label/3rd Party operator approach is gust 2004, I moved to Riga and restaurants. There was however a the family? we have a selection of cold meats turn to Italy quite often to taste new only. It would be of great benefit if The Baltics have lately seen fering is very attractive, especially when taking the becoming increasingly more popular started putting together a small lack of available high-quality Ital- Yes. My wife’s brother, Ivans and cheeses that customers can sit products and to negotiate costs. some major international hotel in the Hotel industry. Our Ambition a similar approach is applied to res- team or 4 or 5 people. ian products at affordable prices. Varlamovs is a co-director, and will down and enjoy with a coffee or a Your early hopes when you first brands and operators come to value for money and quality into consideration. is to be the largest 3rd Party Operator taurants (Food & Beverage). Again, By 2005 we had our Latvian And La Cantina, therefore, is shortly be running the day to day glass of wine or a beer (also Ital- opened – have they been fulfilled? Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn. Isn’t in the EU. this will enable us to become even branch fully operative. At our peak just like any Italian corner shop? operation, while I will be spending ian), at any time of the day. We also As far as shop over the coun- the arrival a little bit belated? Who do you believe are your more competitive as a destination we employed 50 persons serving ter sales are concerned – yes more This is standard practice for some life is more robust and active only ism perspective. I believe we will biggest competitors in the market? and relieve the pressure on smaller our clients in Italy, the UK and in than fulfilled. of the larger International brands. in the capital cities? Is that what see a similar trend in the Baltics as There are a number of rd3 -party operators enabling them to invest Latvia. Living in Riga for so long I knew there was no shortage of Italian restaurants. These are well above predic- you’re seeing in the West? well. As an example, we will open You typically find that some brands operators, however, I would say more in their businesses and staff. You were still in software de- There was however a lack of available high-quality Italian products at af- tions. Our luncheon and evening pioneer new destinations and once In the Western EU today you and manage a Moxy by Marriott in velopment at this point? wine bar sales have room for im- the area sees stable growth, then see a major surge in the interest in Kaunas later this year. Yes, and we continued happily fordable prices. provement but that is normal so only other International brands tend secondary cities. What I mean by Apex Alliance Management op- I see potential in all the capitals, especially Tal- until towards the end of last year, soon after opening. to enter the market that, is major corporates are start- erates Hilton and Marriott hotels linn. The only risk is when hotel operators reduce However, the second and third ing to host larger events in these in Vilnius and Riga. Do the hotels largest Baltic cities are often by- cities, investing in offices, distribu- share similar success? In which their rates in a panic due to the increase in sup- BNS/TBT Staff passed by big international hotel tion centers, shared service centers capital do your hotels do best? ply. This diminishes the competitive nature of the Eesti Liinirongid AS, the state- names. What does this speak to etc. The local tourism councils are We currently manage hotels only Estonia: Elron announces public procurement destination as a whole owned Estonian operator of pas- you about? Doesn’t it signal that doing much to place these cities in Vilnius and Riga, our Hotel in senger trains that conducts its the business, culture and social on the map from a leisure tour- Tallinn is only due to open at a later business under the Elron brand, for purchase of 6 trains has announced a public procure- LETA/TBT Staff ment for the purchase of six dual Foreign minister plans to place much system electric trains with the op- spond more flexibly to passengers' ex- plant for transforming and carry- trains at a time, as each batch is de- wider and lower train wagons than Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkev- Latvia makes progress in tackling pectations. "In the summer months, ing electric power for train haul- signed and built according to the most other countries. So our trains ics (JV) plans to place much more tion to buy an additional 10 trains more emphasis on economic diplomacy we want more space for bicycles at the age and along the new electrified rail infrastructure of that country. are tailored namely to our needs," emphasis on economic diplomacy money laundering in the future. "As the number of passengers expense of movable seating, while al- railway sections," Saks said. She The smaller the quantity, the more Saks said. this year, the politician told LETA. high added value industries are in- example, relations between Latvia in Estonian train traffic is growing lowing more passengers to sit down added that while it is difficult to expensive the trains are, as the cost The deadline for participation "If we are talking about our- terested in working. and Russia are interfering with Continued from page 1 Recommendations 2, 18 and 21). in fall and winter," Saks said. attract train manufacturers with of designing and setting up the fac- in the tender is June 1, 2020 and selves, we need to look at our ex- The minister drew attention to their business, are not ready enough The ratings for Recommendations every month and the popular routes According to the Elron CEO, such a small order, potential bid- tories to produce the train is over the expected delivery time for the ternal economic cooperation. I the fact that Latvia has invited the to work together with Belarus," 18 (internal controls and foreign are crowded with people, we and 28 (regulation and supervision one million euros. trains is scheduled for the second have included in this year's work President of Belarus Alexander Rinkevics explains. branches and subsidiaries, rated the passengers are already waiting the procurement has also taken ders are Stadler, the manufacturer of DNFBPs), 32 (cash couriers), 39 "Estonia has a wider railway, half of 2024. plan a greater focus on economic for the new trains to arrive. Unfor- into account passenger feedback to of Estonia's current trains, and, for Lukashenko to visit the country. The foreign minister said that (extradition) and 40 (other forms “largely compliant”) and 21 (tip- diplomacy, as well as facilitating "This is a classic example where our Belarus has concrete proposals ping-off and confidentiality, rated tunately, we still have to be patient make the seats more comfortable example, Skoda, which is building of international cooperation) as visits by high-tech and informa- companies are not ready to seize for oil transit that some are not as “largely compliant”) remain as new trains will start operating on and softer as well as that there be similar trains for Estonia's south- “largely compliant”. tion technology companies to opportunities. ready for, while other ports are unchanged. The rating for Recom- an electrified Tallinn-Tartu railway hot drinks and light snacks on the ern neighbor, Latvia. other countries," the foreign min- For many years, we have done ready to act. MONEYVAL has also exam- mendation 2 is now re-rated as section, which will be completed new trains. "The maximum length of the ister said. our best to ensure good relations "This is a fantastic example that ined the implementation of new “compliant”. in December 2024," Elron CEO "As far as the technical criteria trains is 85 meters -- primarily due He said that it was planned to between the two countries. At a not everything is determined by requirements relating to FATF Latvia is now “compliant” on Merike Saks said in a press release. are concerned, it is important to to the maintenance facilities at our look in the direction of Africa, as time when there is interest in eco- political relations. It is also about Recommendations which have seven of the 40 FATF Recommen- There will be more seats on the note that the trains to be procured depot," Saks said, adding that train well as those countries where Lat- nomic cooperation, our business- our business readiness," said the changed since the mutual evalua- dations and “largely compliant” on new trains and Elron also plans to use are dual system electric trains op- manufacturers would definitely vian entrepreneurs representing men, who often complain that, for politician. tion report was adopted (notably 33 of them. the seating relocation option to re- erating in both the area of the old be more inclined to supply more 8 ENERGY January 28, 2020 – February 25, 2020 January 28, 2020 – February 25, 2020 EDUCATION 9

Aldona DREGVAITE Self-determination – a memo- Prof. Richard Ennals: Self-determination means In the era of climate change, Lithuania must rable speech under this title was delivered by Prof. Richard Ennals in Vilnius on the 24th of January at democratic participation and empowerment become the centre of future energy the solemn ceremony at which he was awarded an Honorary Doctor- the North Atlantic Treaty Organiza- investments towards British start-up tricity-producing consumers in ate (Honoris Causa) by Kazimieras Moixa that develops smart energy Lithuania is possible today with- tion (NATO). Lithuania has devel- Simonavičius University, a young oped a strong partnership with the storage devices and virtual power out much effort or investment. A private Lithuanian university, with United Kingdom, which we hope plant technologies, a tool that au- desire is all that is needed for this which he has been associated since Darius MAIKSTENAS and expect will continue on a bilat- tomates the design of solar power purpose, and it seems that soci- its foundation. eral basis”. A worldwide change in consumer plants which is being developed in ety does not lack it. The survey The Rector Prof. Arūnas Au- According to Prof. Ennals, “self- mentality means that states and com- Lithuania by a company PVcase, and that was carried out in 2019 for gustinaitis and the Senate of Ka- determination involves a prepared- panies that will be able to offer goods towards Bolt Bikes, the world’s first Ignitis Group showed that 50% of zimieras Simonavičius University ness to take action, taking personal without a carbon footprint will soon platform for commercial electric bike Lithuania’s population would like awarded Prof. Richard Ennals the risks, and exploring new ideas. In have the greatest competitive advan- rental services. to generate electricity from the honorary doctorate for his out- the academic world this can take tage. Greta Thunberg’s generation will Activities of the aforementioned sun because environmental pro- standing scientific achievements the form of networking and Action be increasingly buying only goods companies may seemingly appear tection and social responsibility and extraordinary merits in pro- Research, as we design and imple- that are environmentally friendly. The slightly distant from one another. are important to them. This indi- moting cooperation between Ka- ment transformations. The future competitive struggle between com- However, they are all united by a cator is a great illustration of the zimieras Simonavičius University will not be just the same as the past. panies for the supply of sustainable common denominator – intelligence fact that concerns about the envi- and other Lithuanian, British and At Kazimieras Simonavičius Univer- goods and sustainable services has al- of applied energy solutions that help ronment and the preservation of European universities, for his ac- sity, our new graduates today know ready begun. The energy sector is not to create a decarbonized world. the planet are becoming increas- tive role in collaborative research change can no longer be ignored. ment of new energy technologies. Brian Olley was appointed Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic this only too well, from their own an exception. Decisive steps towards lower air ingly important for an increasing and for his continued support of They must be faced with consistent Our country has every opportunity Prof. Richard Ennals of Lithuania in September 2019 personal experience over their short Today we can distinguish the fa- pollution and protecting the envi- number of the society members Lithuania during the 30 years of and thoroughly planned initiatives. for that, and the first steps have al- lives. We can build a new future, mous Swedish company IKEA as a ronment have been taken not only that takes this into account in restored independence. The European Union, which is ready been taken. perfect example of the global trend by investing in new energy tech- their daily choices. Her Majesty’s Ambassador to working with networks of partners”. not only declaring but also pur- Ignitis Group, along with in- The Rector Prof. Arūnas Augustinaitis and the Senate of Kazimieras Simonavičius of decarbonisation. The company nologies but also by actively devel- Attention to renewable ener- Lithuania HE Brian Olley par- Richard Ennals was Professor posefully acting to earn the name of ternational giants such as Hyun- has recently pledged to reduce its oping green production in Lithu- gy and to creation and develop- ticipated in the ceremony. In his University awarded Prof. Richard Ennals the honorary doctorate for his out- at Kingston Business School from a global leader in renewable ener- dai, Honda, and BP, is investing in greenhouse gas emissions by 80% ania and abroad. For example, in ment of innovations in the en- speech he stressed the importance 1990, since 2013 he has been an gy, is undoubtedly one of the fore- start-ups that develop future en- standing scientific achievements and extraordinary merits in promoting co- by 2030. The concern and respon- Poland, Ignitis Renewables is cur- ergy sector is also embedded in of education and lifelong learning. Emeritus Professor at Kingston runners of today. The EU Member ergy technologies and decarbon- sibility of Europeans about the en- rently building a Pomeranian wind the company’s strategy “Ignitis He wished graduates of Kazimieras operation between Kazimieras Simonavičius University and other Lithuanian, University, London. He currently States spend trillions of euros on ization solutions worldwide. This vironmental impact that will con- farm which is one of the largest in 2030”. We have planned that by Simonavicius University to always has part-time Professorial posts not only allows to make Lithuania British and European universities tinue to grow can also lead to the the development of new, uncon- the country. The company has al- 2030 around 6 billion euros will work for the good – in public sec- at the University of Agder (Nor- fact that products with a carbon ventional energy technologies that famous as a serious player in inter- ready been awarded for this project be allocated for increasing pro- tor or in business. And always way) and the Norwegian Univer- footprint will not even be able to allow both to save and contribute national markets but also to ensure by the Polish Embassy in Vilnius as duction capacity in the field of think about the long–term out- Vilnius on 13th January 1991”, said workplace, and at the level of nation- political and economic transforma- sity of Science and Technology. He enter EU markets in the future. to a cleaner environment. Indeed, that we will be at the forefront of “The largest Lithuanian investment green energy, for international come, not the short-term benefits. Prof. Ennals. al policy. Key issues are democratic tion, during the lives of our young has Visiting Professorial posts at This is one of the reasons why in in the global battle for the smart- technological know-how. in Poland 2019”. Such international development, and for the devel- Prof. Ennals, the just inaugurat- In his speech Prof. Ennals also participation and empowerment. graduates. Many Lithuanians have Mykolas Romeris University and 2019 Ignitis Group became the first est, most reliable and best-decar- I will give just a few specific ex- expansion means that Polish sub- opment and implementation of ed Honorary Doctor of Kazimieras pointed out that “self-determina- The process of change in Lithuania come to live, study and work in the Kazimieras Simonavičius Univer- company from the Baltic States and bonized power generation technol- amples. In the autumn of last year, sidies for the development of wind innovations in the energy sec- Simonavicius University, in his tion operates at several levels: for in- has been peaceful, involving the UK. Regaining independence did sity (Lithuania), and is engaged Poland to join the United Nations ogies they are increasingly forced the Smart Energy Fund of Ignitis energy are brought to Lithuania tor. And by that date, the over- speech pointed out that “there is so dividuals, for young people in their creation of a stable multi-party de- not preclude pooling sovereignty in research with Kathmandu Uni- initiative and has committed itself to counter the challenges posed by Group invested in Israeli compa- and used for further development. all green production capacity of much that we can do together, now education and career choices, in the mocracy. This has enabled massive by joining the European Union and versity (Nepal), Sabanci Univer- China and the United States. ny H2Pro that develops innovative sity (Turkey) and the University to reduce net CO2 emissions to In Lithuania itself, the last year Ignitis Group will be 3,000 MW. and in the future, creating collab- zero by 2050. As we joined this am- The growing attention of major and environmentally friendlier can be called the year of a certain The contribution and awareness orative advantage, in a partnership of Cape Town (South Africa). The bitious initiative, we have commit- global economies to energy tech- hydrogen production technology. revolution in renewable energy. of each of us are important in the for the new organization of work common themes are participation ted ourselves to review our strategy nologies that reduce their carbon Further development of green pro- After the entry into force of legis- combat against climate change. We and of international relations”. and empowerment. and set intermediate scientifically footprint is a message that goes duction technologies of hydrogen, lative changes that allow electricity can only save the world from tragic “We live in historic times. One Prof. Richard Ennals currently measurable targets on how gradual beyond cautious optimism about which is often considered the fuel to be generated in one place and consequences by acting together. week from today on the 31st Janu- works with universities in many decarbonization will be pursued in climate change mitigation. This of the future, will not only reduce consumed in another, we were the Darius Maikstenas is CEO, Chair- ary 2020, my country, the United countries. New technology, includ- all activities of the group. rippling wave of green energy de- the current dependence on fos- first ones in the world to introduce man of the Board at Ignitis Group, a Kingdom, will leave the European ing a new app Chillchat, developed Decarbonization is a word that we velopment is also a historic op- sil fuels worldwide but will also a nationwide community solar Vilnius-based international energy Union, and move on to an uncer- by his son Robert Ennals in Silicon hear more and more often lately and portunity for Lithuania to find its significantly reduce air pollution. platform “Ignitis saulės parkai”. company and one of the largest ener- tain and uncharted future. We all Valley, can support human net- increasingly loudly. It most accurate- niche and become one of the cen- Production of hydrogen from fos- On this platform, consumers can gy groups in the Baltic region. Group like to feel “in control” of our own works in working across borders of ly describes the direction in which tres of energy-smart technology. sil fuels is estimated to be responsi- quickly and easily purchase or rent companies operate in Lithuania, Lat- destinies. The UK today, with a disciplines and countries, creating the energy sector is moving around It is vital for Lithuania to be ble for 2% of global carbon dioxide a portion of a remote solar power via, Estonia, Poland and Finland. long proud history of stability, has new opportunities. This technology could enable broad participation, the world, and will move on for among those countries that will (CO2) emissions per year. plant, even if they live in an apart- The Group innovation fund invests much to learn from the experi- many years to come. The reason for not only master, but will also ac- Earlier, the aforementioned Smart ment building. in energy start-ups in the UK, Nor- ence of Lithuania over the past 30 and empower academics, students this is simple: the effects of climate tively contribute to the develop- Energy Fund of our Group directed In other words, becoming elec- way and France. years. In early 1990, the Lithuanian and their partners in the commu- people wanted to regain control of nity and business. For example, in their national destiny, and to leave February, together with colleagues the Soviet Union, just as the people at Sabanci University in Turkey, Lithuania’s Justice Minister opines Lithuania’s Vilnius University's rector-elect of Tibet wanted a new relationship Prof. Ennals will start teaching a with China. The Soviet Union was new Industrial PhD program in Ac- on political prosecution President Nauseda reflects on priorities tion Research, together with part- crumbling, and the Baltic States According to Prof. Ennals, “self-determination involves a preparedness to invites Poland's were preparing to regain their in- ners in Norway, Brazil, Nepal, South dependence. My father and I vis- take action, taking personal risks, and exploring new ideas. In the academic Africa, the Netherlands, UK and the Pekao bank to ited Vilnius in April 1993. He was world this can take the form of networking and Action Research, as we de- USA. In September they will wel- awarded the 13th January Medal come participants from Lithuania, Lithuania in memory of the 14 Lithuanians sign and implement transformations and in particular from Kazimieras President Gitanas Nauseda who died at the television tower in Simonavičius University has invited Poland's Pekao bank to start its business in Lithuania after discussing the issue with the Panevezys court to hear Lithuanian ex-judge Venckiene's case Polish bank's CEO Marek Lusz- tyn in Davos, an adviser said. In his words, the meeting discussed BNS/TBT Staff worked in the past, to refer the case according to the Court of Appeal. custody on her return to Lithuania a possibility for Pekao represen- Panevezys Regional Court will to another court. "This provides a sufficient basis from the US in early November The Court of Appeal said on for referring the criminal case to 2019, but was several weeks later tatives to come to Lithuania to hear the case of Neringa Venck- January 23 that this would remove another regional court for hear- released by Vilnius Regional Court assess the existing market situa- iene, a former Lithuanian judge Vilnius University's rector-elect kas, dean of Vilnius University's Fac- any possible doubts about the im- ing," it ruled. on a 10,000-euro bail and placed tion. Lithuania's banking sector and lawmaker who was extradited Justice Minister Elvinas Jankev- tion by third countries. Jankevičius is one of the most concentrated historian Rimvydas Petrauskas ulty of History, was on Wednesday partiality of trial judges. Venckiene was charged with re- under intensive supervision. icius has called on the European put forward the proposal at an in- vowed on January 21 to pursue the elected rector of Vilnius University, from the United States last year. Venckiene, who worked as a judge fusing to obey a court order, resisting The 48-year-old woman says the in the EU, with three major The Lithuanian Court of Appeal Union to improve its existing leg- formal meeting of EU justice and banks, including Swedbank, SEB university's greater leadership in the oldest and biggest university in at Kaunas Regional Court for almost a police officer, hindering a bailiff, accusations are politically motivat- made the decision after consid- islation or to adopt new legal acts interior ministers in Zagreb, the and Luminor controlling four speaking with the country's leaders Lithuania. He was elected for a five- five years, and Kaunas judges who and hitting Laimute Stankunaite, the ed. She left Lithuania in 2013 after ering a request from Kaunas Re- to ensure that the bloc's citizens are Lithuanian Justice Ministry said fifths of the market. and other politicians "on the real pri- year term by the university's council will hear her case were not only col- mother of her niece, in the face. the Seimas stripped her of her im- protected from political prosecu- on January 23. ority of science and studies". Petraus- which considered six candidates. gional Court, where Venckiene has leagues, but, possibly, friends as well, Venckiene was remanded in munity from prosecution. 10 BALTICS January 28, 2020 – February 25, 2020 January 28, 2020 – February 25, 2020 BALTICS 11

LETA/TBT Staff Latvian Public Broadcasting During foreign policy debates Latvian Foreign Minister: “If we wish to be perceived as TBT Staff at on January 24, Foreign The government of Prime Minis- PM Karins marks one year in power, targets Minister Edgars Rinkevics (New ter Krišjānis Kariņš (New Unity) has Unity) emphasized that the finan- a mature state, we cannot behave like teenagers” now been in office for one year, and cial sector turmoil witnessed in Kariņš himself used the occasion to rule of law improvement for year two 2018 implies that if Latvia wants come sufficiently capable not only made to detect and stop such cash issue a statement rounding up what to be seen as a mature country, it to follow EU policies, but also to be flows as much as possible, he added. he believes are its achievements over ry system had received a negative local governments. It is important must behave like and adult and not help create them. "Latvia is a leader "Our experience so far and the the last twelve months. international rating. In effect, this to remember that municipalities an adolescent and understand that in several areas, such as cyber secu- turmoil in the financial sector in "Three months after the 13th meant that fundamental changes must be strong and capable of per- nobody else will clean its house. rity and the fight against disinfor- 2018 point to one important les- Saeima elections, the parties were needed to prevent the coun- forming the functions entrusted to The whole world is a big tear, mation," the politician said. son. If we are to be seen as a mature agreed on a model of cooperation try from being on the so-called them," Kariņš said. quoting writer and poet Janis Latvia also supports EU enlarge- country, then we must behave not as to form a government with five "gray list", which could seriously Turning to the future he said Poruks, said the politician, stress- ment as it is in line with Latvia's long- a teenager who cleans up his room political parties. It is no secret that damage our economy. that the next twelve months would ing that world events will influence term interests, emphasized the minis- only when his parents ask for a third from the very first day, there were "In the course of the year, the require his ministers "to be able to the situation in Latvia. The solution ter, though stressing that the EU has time, but as an adult, which realizes various speculations about the in- government has expanded the provide the public with answers to the escalating problems can only borders and it cannot be endless. "The that no one else will clean the house compatibility of so many parties, as mandate of the Financial and Cap- to other long-standing questions" be achieved through dialogue and EU's enlargement policy must be for him," the minister stressed. it potentially meant a cumbersome ital Market Commission (FKTK), in areas such as speeding up the diplomacy, the politician stressed. open to those countries that are ready Rinkevics also addressed the process for reaching any decision. implemented legislation to prevent sluggish pace of the legal system, Prime Minister Krišjānis Kariņš Although some solutions have to meet the criteria," he said. diaspora, emphasizing that profes- Practice has proven otherwise: de- money laundering, and has a new establishing a tax system in which been achieved within the Norman- "I want to see as soon as possible a sionals from different parts of the spite sometimes long and arduous own figures it dealt with a total of working to achieve a higher level FKTK management and a new non-payment is not an option and dy format, the situation in Ukraine Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics day where Latvia will contribute more world are already helping to identify discussions, this government has 2,307 items, with an average of 47 of prosperity in the country by Governor of the Bank of Latvia. improving education and health- has not changed dramatically. Nor to the EU budget than it receives, but partners for Latvian entrepreneurs. been able to not only set specific items per session. reducing inequality and build- We have strengthened our finan- care provision. can climate change be ignored, The politician stressed that the States in strengthening security in now it is our task to achieve a favor- Latvia maintains a two-way policy goals but also achieve step by step 691 Cabinet regulations were ing trust among ourselves and in cial sector to serve well as the back- "In the last thirty years, we have where the human factor is the key. US is and will be a strategic partner the region has never been more felt able multi-annual budget, which will with Russia, the minister explained. improvements in various areas, adopted, 656 Cabinet orders were public administration. I have de- bone of the economy," Kariņš said. done a lot to make our country Slogans are not enough to mitigate of Latvia on political, economic than it is now. We are thankful for certainly be influenced by Brexit. It is "We cannot ignore the concentration from financial sector supervision approved and 7 Cabinet instruc- scribed this as "the path to Nordic Meanwhile, work on local gov- what we want it to be. The foun- the devastating effects of human and security issues. "Without the that," the politician said. clear that Latvia will receive more it of Russian military forces in Kalinin- to the local government admin- tions were approved. prosperity." This is the way to in- ernment reform continues despite dations are laid and they are solid. beings on nature - human action U.S. presence, Latvian and Euro- "There is no doubt that after Brex- contributes. In the process of chang- grad, which is a strong demonstration istration and essential health care 243 draft laws and 1 draft Saei- crease investment in our econo- opposition from many local coun- Our job is to strengthen them. De- is needed, the politician said, and pean security is impossible," the it we will have to go through a politi- ing the structure of the EU budget, of Russian power," said Rinkevics. and education," Kariņš said. ma resolution were approved and my, the way to greater fairness and cils that face the prospect of merg- mocracy means that the citizens therefore the European Commis- minister concluded, saying that cal and economic transformation. It Latvia's perception of attracting fi- "We pay our respects to the mil- During its first year, the govern- sent to the Saeima. justice in our society. ers or liquidation. themselves believe in the state sys- sion's initiatives to achieve climate transatlantic cooperation with is essential for our country to forge nancing should also change. Latvia lions of victims who died during ment of Prime Minister Krišjānis Krišjānis Kariņš issued 362 "The first year of the govern- "The debate on new municipali- tem. Strengthening justice and the neutrality should be supported. other countries, including Canada, closer ties with Britain, including in needs to develop its ability to raise World War II. This year will mark Kariņš has held 60 cabinet meet- Prime Ministerial orders during ment has done a tremendous job of ties is an emotional one for many, rule of law in the country is the Rinkevics emphasized that Chi- would be strengthened. regards to Latvian citizens working funds from other EU budget pro- the 75th anniversary of World War ings: 48 scheduled meetings and the year, which obviously works streamlining the supervision of the and it is understandable. Economic task of the second year of govern- na's involvement in global process- Rinkevics noted that Latvia is in that country. After Brexit, the EU grams as well," said Rinkevics. II. We understand that there would 12 extraordinary meetings. The out at an average of almost exactly financial sector. When taking over and practical considerations some- ment work that we must do togeth- es presents both opportunities and strongly in favor of adherence to will not become a historical artifact, He stressed the need to be more have been no independent Latvia total duration of these meetings one per day. Perhaps he issues one the reins of government, I defined times clash with local identities er," the prime minister concluded. challenges, stating that China is a international principles. "We are no matter what some might say. We creative and proactive in attracting in Hitler's Third Reich. At the same was 137 hours, equivalent to near- every morning with his cornflakes it as an urgent priority. About half and habits. I am convinced that As reported at the time by LSM, European partner and a competi- in favor of comprehensive coop- will have to work hard for the future EU funding by being able to cre- time, we condemn the attempts by ly 6 days and nights. and vitamin pill? a year before the government came members of the Saeima will be the Kariņš administration took of- tor at the same time. eration in the Nordic-Baltic re- of Europe. In our discussions we will ate projects with high added value. Russia to justify the crimes commit- According to the government's "From day one, we have been in, our financial sector superviso- able to agree on a new model for fice on January 23, 2019 No matter how dramatic last gion. We support the enlargement have to bear in mind that Europe will Latvia has a lot of creative people ted by Stalin," the minister stressed. year may have been, global efforts, of both the EU and NATO if all not be built immediately, but will be and great ideas, as well as a lot of Coordinated action by the Baltic including by the EU, the United the criteria are met. We are also shaped by specific achievements," great startups, the politician ex- States, Poland and other countries States, China and Russia, will be ready to cooperate with countries the minister said. plained, adding that Latvia could in communicating history is impor- needed to maintain international with which we have significant dis- The politician reminded that become a leader in 5G. tant. "As long as Russia continues to order and peace this year, he said. agreements," the minister said. Latvia has been in the EU for more An intolerant attitude towards rewrite history and justify totalitar- The minister reminded that to- He also stated that Latvia's ac- than 15 years. In his view, the mo- money laundering is also impor- ian regimes, a shared security space day marks one year since the ap- tive participation in international ment has come when Latvia has be- tant and sufficient efforts should be is not possible," the politician said. proval of Krisjanis Karins (New organizations is one of the tools to Unity) government, adding that strengthen sovereignty, the rule of one of the main point in the gov- law, security and economic growth, ernment declaration is security, and that the United States and oth- which was not randomly chosen. er allies provide invaluable support OUR WEBSITE The goal of Latvia's foreign policy for Latvia's defense. "Since the res- is consistent - to promote stability, toration of Latvia's independence, www.baltictimes.com security and predictability. the involvement of the United

BNS/TBT Staff An international conference of World cleanup leaders from 100 nations gather in Tallinn Let's Do It World that kicked off in Tallinn on January 24 brought to- World, Anneli Ohvril, said that On Sept. 21, 2019 a record 21.2 gether world cleanup leaders and world cleanup is a model that has million people in 180 countries and representatives of global businesses proved itself in helping to find a territories, including 1.6 million in and organizations to create a strong new sustainable society model. She India, 1.7 million in the United cooperation network for solving the said that unless a change occurs in States, 2.5 million in Pakistan and global garbage problem. laws, infrastructure, habits and val- 9.5 million in Indonesia cleaned up "With our global network, we ues, the places cleaned up will be 100 tons of waste from their com- are bringing together different littered up again. munities, parks, forests, rivers and partners to together find solutions "We must join our forces to oceans. The millions of volunteers to burning environmental prob- reach the critical mass of five per- were led by national cleanup lead- lems. As we share the common cent of people in each country. ers, environmental organizations concern about the deteriorating Only in this way can we initiate and global corporations, who have environmental situation, we can informed fast action towards a sus- all decided to act for a cleaner, no longer compete but must aug- tainable future," Ohvril said. more sustainable planet. ment each others' activities," said This year's conference places spe- The conference also looked at Heidi Solba, president of Let's Do cial emphasis on cooperation with the future of the global organization It World and head of the network. possibility to make our home plan- its that form the foundation of nec- civil society, public sector and busi- led from Estonia by electing new re- Solba described cooperation, et cleaner, world cleanup day also essary change. Therefore I am glad ness organizations. In joint panels, gional directors and leaders and de- where one has to look beyond self- offers an opportunity to change that the cleanup actions of Estonia the floor will be taken by the UN, the ciding which country will organize centeredness, frames and benefit, one's habits. have evolved into a global move- African Union, but also Earth Day, the global cleanup day in 2021. as being critical in solving global "Our children will be able to live ment for cleanness and through it one of the oldest environmental orga- The conference was supported problems. well when all people -- national into a brand of Estonia. My heart- nizations in the world. Presentations by the European Regional Devel- "We all have one home, and we leaders, scientists, entrepreneurs, felt gratitude goes out to every one will be delivered by Break Free From opment Fund through Enterprise all have a definite role in achieving a consumers -- will make a con- of you who are contributing their Plastic, Philip Morris and Decathlon, Estonia, Estonian Foundation for world that is clean again," Solba said. tribution to the balance between time and energy toward our com- among others, and also a number of Civil Society, British Council in Estonian Prime Minister Juri the environment, people and the mon future," the premier said. workshops and thematic discussions Estonia, Baltic American Freedom Ratas said that in addition to the economy. It is our day-to-day hab- The manager of Let's Do It to find solutions together will be held. Foundation and many more. 12 CULTURE January 28, 2020 – February 25, 2020 January 28, 2020 – February 25, 2020 BALTICS 13 Tartu is designated European Capital of Culture for 2024 LFGU leader vows to sign under MP Rozova Lithuania up to 35th place in

Joseph ENGE ing perspective to The Baltic Times impeachment initiative corruption perception index After a two-year journey that Magazine, stating, “I was born in BNS/TBT Staff started in the fall of 2017 when the Tartu and have lived in Tartu for city council of Tartu voted to apply the last 45 years, I’m a Tartu man. Ramunas Karbauskis, leader of for being the European Capital of Politically, Tartu was politically the ruling Lithuanian Farmers and Culture for 2024, the official an- executed in the battle for the 2011 Greens Union, has vowed to sign nouncement they were awarded European Capital of Culture elec- under the opposition's initiative this prestigious distinction came tion. At that time, Tartu would to launch impeachment proceed- on August 28 of 2019. This journey have deserved and needed more ings against MP Irina Rozova has 4 more years to go and has only the Capital of Culture title than over her concealed tied with Rus- just began. Tartu is not the first Es- Tallinn. The 2024 Capital of Cul- sian diplomats. tonian city to win this title as Tal- ture title would have been a greater "We have talked that I and the linn held it in 2011. The choice for incentive for Narva and the whole committee chairman will sign it, if 2024 came down to Tartu and Nar- of Virumaa (Rakvere, Jõhvi, etc.). such a proposal is made," Karbaus- BNS/TBT Staff index. Under the 2015 National An- va with Narva losing out. The ques- Giving Tartu the title of Capital of kis told journalists at the parlia- Lithuania went up three notch- ti-Corruption Program, the country tions are how did Tartu navigate Culture was like reheating old spit, ment on January 23, adding that es to the 35th position among was supposed to score at least 65 the process to win, how do prom- doing little for Virumaa.” he's not aware of how other LFGU 180 countries in the Corruption points in 2019. This same sentiment was ech- inent artists in Tartu feel about it, members would act. Perceptions Index last year after Meanwhile, Latvia's position in oed by Tartu painter and artist MP Irina Rozova and what are the preparations in "We are definitely in favor of the country scored 60 out of 100 the Corruption Perceptions Index Margus Lokk who responded, “I’m (CPI) somewhat last year, the orga- progress for five years hence? investigating everything, to clear Action of Poles in Lithuania – the Seimas, that MP Rozova be de- points, Transparency International very positive about Tartu 2024, but nization informed. The idea of having a rotating things out and we will definitely Christian Families Alliance's polit- nied access to classified information. announced on January 23. at the same time maybe Narva was In 2019, Latvia scored 56 points European Capital of Culture start- not be putting any breaks on these ical group, over her allegedly con- The report says that Rozova Lithuania saw its result improve more interesting for Estonians and on a scale of 100 points, where 0 ed in 1985 from the Greek Minis- processes. On the other hand, I cealed ties with Russian diplomats. and Russian diplomats discussed for the first time since 2015. Since for all of Europe as a border city means that corruption in the given ter of Culture Melina Mercouri and am a bit confused about the whole The impeachment text is being financial support for her party, the then and up to 2018, Lithuania and Narva needs help, but in reality country is rife and 100 that there is the French Minister of Culture Jack rush," Karbauskis said. drafted and the necessary num- Russian Alliance, and that she had scored 59 points each year. Narva was not ready for this. Tartu no perceived corruption. Lang. was the chosen that In his opinion, it would be more ber of votes is expected to be col- contacts with Russian Consul Gen- Lithuania ranks 15th among is every day a European cultural In the 2018 index, Latvia ranked first year. Presently, the award also rational to initiate impeachment lected early next week. At least 36 eral Vladimir Malygin who was EU member states, with Denmark capital; there are so much different 41st among 180 countries with 58 comes with 1.5 million euro prize proceedings against Rozova after lawmakers are needed to initiate sent out of Lithuania in 2014. leading with 87 points. Estonia re- our candidacy team involved a lot think we (Tartu) have earned it. every generation before has had a cultural and university events and points. for each city selected managed by the parliamentary Committee on impeachment proceedings. An Rozova insists that her contacts ceived 74 points and ranked 18th of people. Around 1,000 people The same time nothing would have common adversary, a virulent and just students’ activity.” In the latest index, Latvia shares the European Commission com- National Security and Defense fin- impeachment commission would with Russian diplomats were not (73 points and 18th place in the helped to shape our bid by offering happened without being Europe- perpetual occupation of our land Tartu’s title will be more than 44th-47th position with Costa Rica, bined with other matching funds ishes its investigation. look into whether there's a basis to personal and, therefore, she did 2018 index). Latvia received 56 ideas, sharing their experiences or an culture capital. I mean we do and people. Estonian culture has just the city itself, rather the whole the Czech Republic and Georgia. from the EU and host nation. Due Previously, the opposition rep- launched impeachment proceed- not have to report them to the in- points and ranked 44th (58 points professional insights on the culture all those things anyway; Tartu is a been the main thing that bonded region of southern Estonia. Tartu Like in previous years, Latvia to Brexit, five U.K. cities applying resentatives on the Lithuanian par- ings over a breach of oath. telligence agency when applying and 41st place in 2018), and Po- and life in Tartu and southern Esto- town with the ‘spirit.’” our nation together against this signed an agreement with 19 mu- has been ranked lower in the Cor- for the 2023 designation were dis- liament's Committee on National The parliamentary investigation for access to classified materials. land ranked 41st with 58 points (60 nia. As Tartu is the home to many Juhan Kari, a free-lance cultural common foe - like a secret society nicipalities throughout the region ruption Perceptions Index than Es- qualified in 2017. Security and Defense (CNSD) an- was initiated after it came to light Rozova is a member of the Elec- points and 36th place in 2018). manager, reacted by saying, “Tar- under the years of repression.” to be a part of its application. When tonia and Lithuania. Tartu’s Mayor Urmas Klaas took start-up companies, it was symbol- nounced their decision to initiate that the State Security Department toral Action of Poles in Lithuania According to Transparency In- tu‘s selection for CC2024 couldn‘t Internationally famous painter asked about the next step Mayor Estonia shares 18th-19th place the initiative bringing together wide- ical we chose to tell the jury short impeachment proceedings against had recommended in its report to – Christian Families Alliance's po- ternational, the index, which ranks speeches just like start-up entrepre- come at a better time! Almost Ilmar Kruusamäe had an interest- Klaas responded, “The title of Eu- 180 countries and territories by with Ireland. Both Lithuania and spread talent that is readily available ropean Capital of Culture could Rozova, representing the Electoral Viktoras Pranckietis, the speaker of litical group in the Seimas. in a city referred to as “Athens on the neurs do when they present a po- their perceived levels of public sec- Estonia have climbed one position tentially world-changing business be a major driver of development tor corruption according to experts in the index. Emajõgi” in reference to the Univer- for the whole of southern Estonia. sity of Tartu and its interconnected- idea. Everyone from our team, from Tartu Mayor Urmas Klaas: “In my opinion Tartu’s and businesspeople, uses a scale of At the top of the rankings are young creative and social entrepre- Everyone agrees on this potential 0 to 100, where 0 is highly corrupt Denmark and New Zealand. They ness with the city’s life and atmos- success in winning the title comes down to three as already in April this year, the Lithuanian PM nominates Savickas for neurs to university professors deliv- and 100 is very clean. share 1st-2nd place. phere. Academics, art, literature, and City of Tartu and the 19 munici- ered an elevator pitch type of short key factors: smart work, active participation, and Transparency International Lith- Somalia, South Sudan, Syria and business start-ups are intertwined palities from the region signed the speech – telling the panel about good team spirit” economy minister uanian Chapter points out to the Yemen are at the bottom of the list and intermingled in a rather unique Tartu 2024 goodwill treaty, which their passion for Tartu and south- incumbent Lithuanian government's as the most corrupt countries in way that locals are very proud. resulted also in the whole area be- ern Estonia, its culture and develop- BNS/TBT Staff goal of scoring 70 points in the 2020 the world. Mayor Klaas responded to The ing included in the Cultural Pro- Baltic Times Magazine’s question ment and connecting personal sto- gram of the application. Lithuanian Prime Minister Sau- of why Tartu’s bid was success- ries to Tartu 2024 application and Now we need to craft out the re- lius Skvernelis on January 24 sub- ful by answering, “In my opinion all-European themes.” gional specifics of funding, devel- mitted the candidature of his advis- Foreign companies pay largest Tartu’s success in winning the title Tartu’s renowned writer of books, oping and carrying out these new er Lukas Savickas for the country's comes down to three key factors: movies, and film director Mart cultural projects, but also the action economy minister, the president's wages in Lithuania smart work, active participation, Kivastik said to The Baltic Times plans how do we cooperate on the spokesman confirmed it to BNS. and good team spirit. Secondly, Magazine: “I am happy about it. I matters of transport connections "The presidential office is now and hospitality which make up the considering this candidate," Anta- great experience we want the visitors nas Bubnelis said, adding that Sav- The idea of having a rotating European Capital of Tartu 2024 European Capital of ickas has not been discussed com- of Culture started in 1985 from the Greek Min- Culture in Tartu and southern Esto- prehensively so far. nia to have! As soon as possible, al- The prime minister said the can- Following his studies, Saviskas The Public Procurement Of- ister of Culture Melina Mercouri and the French ready in October the City of Tartu is didate "is the right person for this returned to Lithuania and worked fice has no director since October Minister of Culture Jack Lang. Athens was the going to meet with all the leaders of position, having the competences for the country's foreign invest- when Diana Vilyte resigned. chosen that first year. the municipalities and agree on the and characteristics needed for this ment promotion agency Inves- The economy minister and the specific next steps. Exciting times are position". tuok Lietuvoje (Invest Lithuania). PPO director are appointed by the "I have no doubt people of Lithu- waiting ahead for our region.” During the implementation of the president upon submission by the ania would feel and appreciate such Kurk Lietuvai (Create Lithuania) prime minister. Candidates for BNS/TBT Staff are, therefore, ready to pay more. a minister's work. I have no other program, Savickas implemented these positions have not been of- "Higher wages can be partly ex- candidate for this position. I hope projects for this agency and the Foreign capital companies paid ficially nominated yet. plained with market and competi- this candidate will be approved," the government chancellery, and he the largest average wages in Lithu- Lithuanian President reflects on Polish discrimination issue The meeting was held amid dis- tions conditions that differ in ma- prime minister said in a statement. also worked for the association ania in 2018 and their employees agreements over Transport Minis- Savickas has worked as an adviser Investor's Forum as head of policy earned 1,662 euros before tax on jor cities and regions. Even in fairly BNS/TBT Staff nations living here, have made and the issue of alleged discrimination, Nauseda stressed that he gave basis, using power given to me by ter Jaroslav Narkevic. to the prime minister on economic and public affairs. average, 52 percent more than the traditional sectors, like construc- continue making a significant con- linking absolutely unrelated issues oath to be equally fair to everyone the Constitution. I also swore to Earlier this week, the president Lithuanian Poles are a state as- and strategic change matters since The position of economy min- country's average of 1,093 euros, tion, foreign employers pay almost tribution to building a modern, like ethnicity and ability to per- "irrespective of ethnicity, religion serve for the welfare of all people set, Lithuanian President Gitanas once again called on the prime a review by the Lithuanian Gov- 60 percent more," Jakstas said. Ex- or world outlook". in Lithuania, therefore, I am and December, 2016. He was elected to ister has been vacant since De- Nauseda says, adding that issue open and strong state of Lithuania. form duties," the president said. minister to sack Narkevic after ernment Strategic Analysis Center porting and innovative companies "I am true to my oath and if will be principled towards nepo- Vilnius Municipality Council under cember when the then Minister of ethnic discrimination is being They are Lithuania's assets and I His comments came in response the decision by the Chief Official also stand out with above-average needed, I will protect our state citi- tism, irrespective of which party it the LFGU list earlier this year. Virginijus Sinkevicius became a (STRATA) shows. raised artificially "to pursue nar- have stressed that since my first to Prime Minister Saulius Skverne- Ethics Commission. The trans- wages as their average pay in No- zens from discrimination on any involves," the president said. Savickas has a Master's de- European commissioner. Gintautas Jakstas, head of the row political interests". speech on the inauguration day lis' recent statement during an in- gree in European public affairs According to Bubnelis, the port minister was to have placed center's higher education policy vember, 20018 stood at 1,359 and In a Facebook post on January when I stressed the idea of One terview with the delfi.lt new web- from Maastricht University in prime minister and president also himself in a conflict of interest and career analysis unit, says the 1,560 respectively, 8 and 13 percent 22, Nauseda said "we share long Lithuania," Nauseda said. site when he said that discussions the Netherlands, and also has a discussed candidates for director situation last year when his lunch difference in wages between local more than a year ago. years of common history and fight "Therefore, I view very negative- on Transport Minister Jaroslav OUR WEBSITE BA degree in politics and inter- of the Public Procurement Office was paid for by the Klaipeda port and foreign capital companies was The surveyed companies made for freedom" with the Polish nation. ly attempts to pursue narrow polit- Narkevic "getting similar to ethnic www.baltictimes.com national relations from York Uni- but there are no nominated candi- authority and the Lithuanian Road due to fast expansion of foreign com- around 16 percent of all companies "Poles in Lithuania, just as other ical interests by artificially raising discrimination". versity in the UK. dates yet. Administration. panies that need more workforce and operating in Lithuania in 2018. 14 THE BALTIC TIMESBALTICSHISTORY GALA DINNER January 28, 2020 – February 25, 2020 January 28, 2020 – February 25, 2020 BALTIC NEWS 15 Estonia: Workland opens co-working Employers more cautious about centers in Riga, Vilnius with EUR 2 mn creation of new jobs this year

LETA/BNS/TBT Staff Workland, a company offering fully serviced shared office spaces, opened two new co-working cen- ters in Riga and Vilnius this week after investing approximately a million euros in both centers. There are altogether 335 work- ing spaces in the two new centers. By now, Workland has opened 10 LETA/TBT Staff agers, 15 percent for skilled work- centers across the Baltics, the com- ers, 10 percent for employees in pany said. Demand for labor will remain trade and services sector as well as Workland founder and manage- high this year, but slowing econom- for unskilled workers. ment board chair Indrek Haal said ic growth and increasing problems More than half of companies that the popularity of co-working with labor availability will make intending to hire new employees centers will continue to grow in Es- employers more cautious about say this is part of their expansion tonia and other countries as both creation of new jobs, according to plans, while one-fourth say this is large and small companies have an annual survey of entrepreneurs because of staff turnover. Have you subscribed to become more flexible -- organiza- by CV-Online Latvia. Much like last year, more than tions are growing and changing, 33 percent of employers are 70 percent of employers acknowl- which places additional expecta- planning to hire new workers this edged this year that there were The Baltic Times for 2020? tions on office space. working spaces in the open of- "In addition to the Telegraph and year, which is 15 percent less than The company invested nearly one fice area and private offices and Vilnius centers, we will soon open a year ago. In turn, the number of increasing problems with labor million euros to open the new Work- is equipped with meeting rooms, the most diverse center in Kaunas," companies that will both hire and availability. One of the solutions is land Telegraph co-working center break areas, a terrace, kitchen and Haal said. dismiss employees has slightly in- hiring employees from third coun- opened in the Old Town of Riga on other facilities necessary for work. Workland is a full-service busi- creased – 31 percent of employers tries, which was mentioned by al- Thursday. In addition to a co-work- It is estimated that by 2022, ness center and co-working space surveyed said so. In contrast, 23 most every fourth employer or 24 ing area, the center has a number around five million people world- operator founded in 2016 and cur- percent of employers are planning percent of those surveyed. of private offices, meeting rooms, a wide will be working in co-working rently has 10 centers, three of which neither this year, which is 6 percent CV-Online Latvia survey also multifunctional space for organizing centers instead of regular offices. In -- Hobujaama, Vabaduse and Maakri more than in 2019. found that 45 percent of employers events, and break areas. The center the Baltics, the number of people -- are in Tallinn, two in Riga, three in Of the new jobs to be created were planning to raise salaries for at has working spaces for 175 people. working in co-working centers will Vilnius and two in Kaunas. this year, almost 40 percent will be least some employees this year. Last Some one million euros was also almost double, reaching 11,000 jobs Workland's largest shareholder for specialists, 19 percent for man- year, 51 percent of employers said so. invested in Workland Quadrum, in a few years, which is why Work- is investment firm BaltCap along opened in Vilnius on Wednesday. land is focused on expanding exist- with the company's founder and The co-working center has 160 ing centers and building new ones. executive management. Lithuanian President's aide: Japan interested in Lithuanian projects Estonia must recover incompatible aid from agricultural company Tartu Agro

BNS/TBT Staff The European Commission has Stay together with the Baltics' found that agricultural company AS Tartu Agro received incompa- longest enduring print English newspaper! tible aid from Estonia and the state must now recover this illegal aid, approximately 1.2 million euros, Both paper and digital subsriptions are available. Get in touch from the company. with us now – [email protected] According to the European Com- mission, Tartu Agro received incom- patible aid from Estonia through the The Japan Bank for International system, an advisor to Lithuanian Your Baltic Times rent of agricultural land at a rate be- Cooperation (JBIC) is interested in President Gitanas Nauseda said on low market price and Estonia must providing financing for the Rail Bal- January 23. Nausėda and JBIC Gov- now recover this illegal aid from AS Commission found that the lease EU state aid rules, and that AS Tartu tica European-gauge railway project ernor Tadashi Maeda discussed such Tartu Agro. Estonia will now deter- contract gives an undue and selec- Agro now has to return the illegal ad- and the Baltic power grids' synchro- possibilities during their meeting in mine the amount to be recovered, tive advantage to AS Tartu Agro vantage received. The amount is esti- nisation with the Western European Davos, according to Simonas Krepsta. in line with the methodology set out over its competitors. mated to be around 1.2 million euros. under the European Commission's The European Commission there- AS Tartu Agro is an Estonian decision. fore concluded that the contract private company, which produces VTEK: Lithuanian transport minister In 2017, following a complaint by amounts to incompatible aid under milk, meat and cereals. a competitor, the European Com- breached law mission opened an in-depth inves- Lithuania’s Transport Minister Commission (VTEK) ruled on- tigation to establish whether a land Jaroslav Narkevic breached the January 22. Narkevic says the vio- lease contract between the Estonian law by allowing enterprises under lation is minor and will consider Ministry of Rural Affairs and AS his ministry's control to pay for contesting the ethics watchdog's Tartu Agro was in line with EU state his lunch, the Chief Official Ethics decision in court. aid rules. The lease contract had been signed in 2000 between the Es- tonian Ministry of Rural Affairs and Turkish company appeal Kaunas decision AS Tartu Agro for a duration of 25 years and is therefore still valid. Turkish construction company to the municipality, the Turkish The European Commission's in- Kayi Insaat has appealed against company had promised to bring vestigation revealed that the lease the decision by the authorities of 400 workers and a majority of of land involved state aid, as the Kaunas, Lithuania's second-larg- construction equipment but has lease fee paid by AS Tartu Agro DISCOVER VILNIUS, TALLINN AND RIGA, est city, to terminate its contract no such workforce so far and has was, and still is, below the market THE GEMS OF THE BALTICS WITH THE BALTIC TIMES on the construction of the Darius rented equipment from Lithu- price. On this basis, the European and Girėnas Stadium. According anian subcontractors. 16 COMMENTARY January 28, 2020 – February 25, 2020 January 28, 2020 – February 25, 2020 COMMENTARY 17

foreign citizenship or residence ism or extremism. permits. Whoever Putin is at- The most promising strategies for Putin’s meaningless coup tempting to target with this rule – Is America going fascist? resisting and defeating Trump are perhaps opposition leader Mikhail nothing like those required to fight Khodorkovsky, who left Russia in twentieth-century fascist move- 2013 – apparently poses too great have suffered similar traumas (and ments. Once Mussolini and Hitler a threat to his preferred successor. some are staunch Trump support- took power, there simply was no way The proposal to eliminate the ers), they command neither the to stop them by working within the primacy of international laws, agree- numbers nor the political influence system. By contrast, the most effec- Sergeij GURIEV ments, and the decisions of inter- Daron ACEMOGLU that their interwar counterparts did. tive way to combat Trump is through Third, despite his rhetoric and Vladimir Putin may be setting national bodies in Russia seems to White nationalism is on the rise the ballot box, as demonstrated by attempts to enlist the help of other himself up to remain Russia’s leader advance similar ends. The European in the United States. According to the 2018 midterm congressional countries in his re-election cam- well beyond the end of his presiden- Court of Human Rights regularly the Anti-Defamation League, there elections, when Democrats trounced paign, Trump has not yet tried cy, to no one’s surprise. In his annu- overturns the Putin-controlled ju- were 6,768 incidents of extremism Republicans to retake the House of to consolidate his power by non- al state-of-the-nation speech earlier diciary’s criminal convictions of and anti-Semitism (mostly from Representatives. this week, he laid out a roadmap for another popular opposition figure, the right) in the US in 2018 and electoral means. That could change The best way forward, then, is overhauling Russia’s political insti- Alexei Navalny. 2019. That figure is significantly if he loses to the Democratic chal- with a two-pronged strategy. First, tutions, implying a major constitu- In order to stave off resistance higher than in previous years, lead- lenger in November. But even then, Democrats (and all other interested tional shakeup. The entire cabinet, to this power play, Putin also an- ing many to conclude that Presi- it would be a far cry from past fas- parties) need to find a better way to led by Prime Minister Dmitry Med- nounced an increase in annual social dent Donald Trump is to blame for cists’ systematic undermining of communicate with the millions who vedev, immediately resigned. spending of about 0.5% of GDP. And the uptick in domestic extremism. democratic processes. voted for Trump because they felt – Putin’s proposals were vague he replaced the deeply unpopular Since the launch of his presi- Lastly, while the Republican Par- and, in many cases, truly were – left Medvedev with a highly competent ty’s unconditional support for Trump and at times self-contradictory. dential campaign in 2015, Trump Given US President Donald Trump‘s propensity for behind economically and ignored But they provide valuable insights but low-profile technocrat, Mikhail has overtly and covertly encour- is eerily similar to the behavior of politically. Any movement that turns into his plans for after 2024, when Mishustin, who was previously in aged violence by his supporters. racist, divisive rhetoric, it is easy to see why so center-right politicians who backed its back on these Americans not only his second consecutive term – charge of tax administration. After a white supremacist, James many of his opponents would describe him as a Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler, reduces its own chances of winning and legally his final one – ends. Like Putin’s other “non-political” Alex Fields Jr., drove his car into there is nothing uniquely fascist about political power, but also deepens the For starters, Putin would shift prime ministers – Mikhail Frad- counterprotesters in Charlottesville, modern-day Benito Mussolini or Adolf Hitler. But unprincipled politicians behaving polarization that has allowed Trump powers from the president to the kov (2004-07) and Viktor Zubkov Virginia, killing one and injuring by implying that all Trump supporters are irre- dishonorably. to act with near carte blanche. Yes, Putin seems to have thought of everything. But the fact that he finds it nec- (2007-08) – Mishustin conveniently This is important, because it re- State Duma (the parliament), and dozens, Trump infamously said that deemable extremists, such rhetoric merely plays most Trump supporters will not read- transfer substantial, as-yet-un- essary to go to such lengths to protect himself and his potential succes- lacks the charisma to challenge him. there were “some very fine people ally does matter whether one calls ily switch to the Democratic nominee And while Mishustin is respected identified powers to a Putin-led sor reveals how tenuous his position is. His famously high approval rating on both sides.” And he has not shied into his hands. Trump a fascist, as opposed to in 2020. But it is nonetheless critical State Council (not mentioned in for streamlining and digitizing the away from racist rhetoric when de- applying some other label. To be that Democratic candidates recognize the Constitution) and Security now stood at a paltry (for him) 64% in December 2019. A loyalist successor tax system, his popularity is tem- scribing African countries and even sure, a second Trump term would these constituents’ concerns and start institutions and impartial bureau- no such threat today. Obama’s elec- Council (mentioned but not de- pered by the fact that tax collection non-white members of Congress. represent an existential crisis for building bridges to them. would be unlikely to reach anywhere close to that level. cratic procedures, not only to in- tion as America’s first black presi- scribed in the Constitution). increased dramatically under his Trump’s words have consequenc- American institutions. The forces Second, the Democrats must sulate his and his family’s dubious dent did reinforce extremists’ fears Other proposed changes in- leadership. es. In addition to the Charlottesville that have hampered his agenda – win decisively. Otherwise, Trump business dealings, but as a strategy that America’s white population is clude the suppression of consti- ter the coup, this is still the case, Had that been the case, he would tan Nazarbayev, who stepped down Putin seems to have thought killer, several other high-profile white most critically, mobilized citizens and his supporters will claim that to increase his personal power and being “replaced.” But such conspir- tutional checks and balances, the and he plans to keep it that way. be preparing the ground by intro- as president, but retained much of of everything. But the fact that nationalists who have carried out acts – would become less powerful as the election was stolen from them. authority. Italian fascists and the acy theories cannot be compared virtual elimination of judicial in- As Vyacheslav Volodin, Chairman ducing checks and balances aimed the authority he held in that role. he finds it necessary to go to such of violence or domestic terrorism his rule became further normal- An overwhelming Democratic Nazis routinely used similar strate- to the real-world threat posed by dependence, the loss of autonomy of the State Duma, put it in 2014 at protecting his safety and wellbe- Shortly before his resignation, Naz- lengths to protect himself and his have said that they were inspired by ized. Political conventions would victory is needed to signal to the gies from the 1920s onward.1 communism following Russia’s for municipal governments, and (when he was Putin’s deputy chief ing after he left office. arbayev strengthened Kazakhstan’s potential successor reveals how the president. These include Cesar be even more radically under- country that most Americans op- tenuous his position is. His fa- But it would be a mistake to Bolshevik revolution in 1917. the priority of Russian legislation of staff), “There is Putin; there is By announcing plans to dis- Security Council and subsequently Sayoc Jr., who mailed pipe bombs mined than in Trump’s first term. pose Trump’s destructive agenda, mously high approval rating now exaggerate these similarities. For Second, in the post-World War I over international obligations. The Russia. No Putin – no Russia.” mantle checks and balances, Putin became its chairman. He was also to prominent Democrats, includ- The administration’s ongoing effort disrespect for US political institu- stood at a paltry (for him) 64% in starters, interwar fascism cannot era, traumatized, disillusioned, and Russian Constitution is very clear Of course, the country will out- has made very clear that he in- officially appointed a “Leader of the ing former President Barack Obama to abolish impartial expertise from tions, and polarizing rhetoric. December 2019. A loyalist succes- be understood without the foil of battle-hardened young men com- that only a Constitutional Assem- last the man. Volodin was referring tends to hold onto power, though Nation” with a veto over all impor- and Trump’s 2016 opponent, Hillary the bureaucracy would continue It is not too late to address Ameri- sor would be unlikely to reach any- communism, which many middle- prised a significant share of many bly may change these foundation- to the Russian political regime, it remains uncertain how he will tant appointments. Clinton; Robert Bowers, who killed unabated. The political system, cans’ grievances and rebuild the where close to that level. class Germans and Italians consid- countries’ population. While many al principles of Russia’s political which Putin created in his own im- structure the system. Russian elites Putin also seems to be laying 11 people in a Pittsburgh synagogue; including the judiciary, could be- country’s institutions. But that won’t So, the message of Putin’s recent ered an existential threat. There is veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan system. Putin said that he would age. That regime may eventually be have no doubt been discussing the groundwork to choose a loyal and Patrick Crusius, who gunned come irreparably polarized. be possible in a politically polarized speech is not that the Russian re- not convene one. In this sense, reshaped, but probably not until Putin’s options since he began his successor. Among his proposals is down 22 people in El Paso. New re- But partisan polarization and environment, and charges of fascism gime is going to be transformed. It his speech laid out an open and after Putin is out of power. current term in 2018. For example, a more stringent residency require- search by economists Karsten Müller the decimation of any middle will merely make that environment transparent plan for a coup, or, isn’t – as financial markets, which Since the launch of his presidential campaign in Whether Putin will be forced he could create a new union with ment for presidential candidates: of Princeton University and Carlo ground for compromise are key less hospitable to Trump’s opponents. more precisely, what political sci- didn’t budge, seem to recognize. from power hasn’t been a seri- Belarus, enabling him to restart the currently, they must have lived in Schwarz of Warwick University 2015, Trump has overtly and covertly encouraged weapons in Trump’s own war Daron Acemoglu, Professor of entists call a self-coup, or autogol- Rather, the message is that Putin ous question in a long time. Some term-limit clock. Russia for ten years; Putin wants to draws a direct causal link between against the institutions that are Economics at MIT, is co-author (with pe – once a favorite tool of Latin knows his regime is on the wrong violence by his supporters. After a white suprema- may have thought (or hoped) that Putin has chosen to follow the ex- make it 25. Moreover, he wants to Trump’s anti-Muslim tweets and meant to keep him in check. Those James A. Robinson) of Why Nations American caudillos. side of history – and he is dead set cist, James Alex Fields Jr., drove his car into counter- he would choose to retire in 2024. ample of Kazakh President Nursul- exclude anyone who has ever held anti-Muslim hate crimes. who brand him and his supporters Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity In fact, this coup is a non-event: on keeping it there. Owing to Trump’s propensity protesters in Charlottesville, Virginia, killing one and as fascists are merely deepening and Poverty and The Narrow Corri- the dramatic overhaul of political Sergei Guriev, a former chief econ- to foment violence and distort the the divide, and delegitimizing the dor: States, Societies, and the Fate of institutions implies no change in omist of the European Bank for Re- injuring dozens, Trump infamously said that there The message of Vladimir Putin’s call in his recent state-of-the-nation speech truth, many have concluded that he (often valid) grievances of millions Liberty. Russia’s political regime. By defi- construction and Development and is a fascist. Most ominously, Trump were “some very fine people on both sides.” of Americans, most of whom have The commentary is republished nition, a political regime is a set for a constitutional overhaul is not that the Russian regime is going to be former rector of the New Economic seeks to delegitimize democratic nothing to do with white national- from www.project-syndicate.org of rules, formal or informal, that transformed; it isn’t. Rather, the message is that Putin knows his regime is on School in , is Professor of Eco- determine the selection of lead- the wrong side of history – and he is dead set on keeping it there. nomics at Sciences Po, . ers and policies. Before the coup, The commentary is republished LETA/TBT Staff Lithuanian Putin was in charge of both. Af- from www.project-syndicate.org Latvia's goal is to remain the Bal- Latvia aims to remain Baltic leader tic leader by port cargo turnover, Poles' party leader Schengen, national Transport Minister Talis Linkaits Lithuania’s Supreme Court takes on Lithuania's new NATO ambassador (New Conservative Party, JKP) told by port cargo turnover exasperated journalists on January 23. visa fees to go up in MEP Valdemar Tomasevski, ex-MP’s sexual harassment case The minister indicated that the Lithuania Latvian ports reloaded 62.379 mil- Latvian transit corridor remained freeports of Riga and Ventspils have is no longer that profitable because of the leader of the Electoral Action attractive to the forwarders and re- prompted certain questions from the price." As reported, Latvian ports' of Poles in Lithuania–Christian The Lithuanian government on lion tons of cargo in 2019, which is more than in the two other Baltic cipients of cargo," Linkaits said. the entrepreneurs doing business cargo turnover last year amounted to Families Alliance (EAPL-CFA), January 22 backed the increase of fees The minister said he had a meet- in the ports' territory. "It is in our 62.379 million tons, which is 5.7 per- described on January 23 the op- for obtaining Schengen and national states. "Latvia is still the leader in terms of cargo. Our goal and am- ing with representatives of Latvia's interests that entrepreneurs are not cent less than in 2018, according to position's impeachment initiative visas. The consular fee for processing bition is to keep that position," the large ports to discuss future plans. affected by the changes and that the the Transport Ministry's data. against MP Irina Rozova as a po- national visas applications will double transport minister said. "There is confidence that cargo ports continue to operate, develop The Freeport of Riga handled litical move aimed at sowing divi- from 60 to 120 euros. The decision Linkaits said that historically, volumes will be approximately as and prosper," Linkaits said. 32.762 million tons of cargo in 2019, sions within the ruling bloc. Oppo- was made taking into account the Latvian ports have been handling large as planned. So there is and The cargo turnover of all three a decrease of 10.1 percent on 2018. sition members of the parliament's time a consular officer needs to accept cargo from Russia but that Russia will be work to do at the ports," large Latvian ports is still high Ventspils Port's cargo turnover Committee on National Security Linkaits said. enough, Linkaits said. "Due to the amounted to 20.457 million tons The Lithuanian Supreme Court of sexually harassing a woman who and process applications for national is now diverting cargo to its own and Defence (CNSD) initiated The minister admitted that the market situation, we see some groups (0.6 percent increase), and Liepaja (LAT) started on January 22 hearing worked as his assistant when he was visas, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Lithuania's government on Janu- If approved by and president, Matu- ports. "We have been preparing impeachment proceedings against events of the past month when the of cargo reducing because of objec- Port's turnover declined 2.7 percent a case in which former Lithuanian an MP, but acquitted him on charg- said after submitting the bills. The ary 22 backed the appointment of lionis would assume his new posi- for that, and this is not something Rozova, a member of the EAPL- government took control over the tive reasons, for instance, coal trade on year to 7.334 million tons. MP Kestutis Pukas was charged es of harassment against three other Lithuanian government also decided Deputy Government Chancellor tion on April 20. He was backed by characteristic of this year alone. CFA political group in the Seimas, with sexual harassment. Lower- young women who sought the job to increase the Schengen visa fee from Deividas Matulionis as Lithuania's the parliamentary Committee on Our goal is adapt to this transit and over her allegedly concealed ties instance courts found Pukas guilty of secretary-assistant. 60 to 80 euros. permanent representative to NATO. Foreign Affairs in late December. transportation chain, so that the with Russian diplomats. 18 COMMENTARY January 28, 2020 – February 25, 2020 January 28, 2020 – February 25, 2020 COMMENTARY 19 America’s debilitating Middle-East obsession The next big development challenge quently replaced with the far blunter Trump did order troops to be stuffed. I want the culture of all “enemy.” And it has laid out a strat- leave Syria last October, but with lands to be blown about my house egy for curbing Chinese aggression so little strategic planning that the as freely as possible. But I refuse to and creating a “free and open” Indo- Kurds – America’s most loyal ally be blown off my feet by any.” Do de- Pacific region stretching “from Bol- in the fight against the Islamic veloping countries today have the lywood to Hollywood.” State (ISIS) – were left exposed to Brahma CHELLANEY capacity not to be blown off course? Yet, as is so often the case, an attack from Turkey. This, to- Do policymakers have the intellec- “Great nations do not fight end- Trump’s actions have directly gether with his effort to strike a less wars,” US President Donald tual and cognitive wherewithal to contradicted his words. Despite Faustian bargain with the Afghan Trump declared in his 2019 State of absorb and assess the new thinking his anti-war rhetoric, Trump ap- Taliban (which is responsible for the Union speech. He had a point: on economic development, adopting pointed war-mongering aides like the world’s deadliest terrorist at- military entanglements in the Mid- what is appropriate to their situation Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, tacks), threatens to reverse his sole dle East have contributed to the and rejecting what is not? And do who has been described as a “hawk achievement in the Middle East: relative decline of American power they have their own new ways of brimming with bravado and ambi- dramatically diminishing ISIS’s and facilitated China’s muscular thinking about the development tion,” and former National Security territorial holdings. rise. And yet, less than a year after challenge? Adviser John Bolton, who in 2015 Making matters worse, after that speech, Trump ordered the as- Consider the situation in the US President Donald Trump once seemed to rec- wrote an op-ed called “To Stop ordering the Syrian drawdown, sassination of Iran’s most powerful two largest developing countries, Iran’s Bomb, Bomb Iran.” Trump approved a military mission military commander, General Qas- ognize that, as long as the US remains mired in China and India. China has the Perhaps it should be no surprise, to secure the country’s oil fields. The sem Suleimani, bringing the United intellectual capacity, but is facing endless wars in the Middle East, it will be unable then, that Trump has pursued a enduring oil fixation also led Trump States to the precipice of yet another Arvind SUBRAMANIAN the breakdown of its economic needlessly antagonistic approach last April to endorse Libyan warlord war. Such is the power of Ameri- to address in a meaningful way the threat China Josh FELMAN model. Chinese policymakers now to Iran. The escalation began early Khalifa Haftar, just as Haftar began ca’s addiction to interfering in the poses. But that has not stopped him from perpet- We have suddenly arrived at need to find another approach that in his presidency, when he with- laying siege to the capital, Tripoli. chronically volatile Middle East. a tricky stage in global economic both encourages growth and en- uating the cycle of self-defeating American inter- drew the US from the 2015 Iran The Trump administration is The US no longer has vital in- development. Emerging markets sures that the Communist Party of nuclear deal (which Iran had not unlikely to change course any time terests at stake in the Middle East. ventionism in the Middle East. are losing their dynamism, after China remains in control – all the violated), re-imposed sanctions, soon. In fact, it has now redefined Shale oil and gas have made the US a remarkable three-decade-long while preventing the extraordinary and pressured America’s allies to the Indo-Pacific region as extend- energy independent, so safeguard- run during which they caught up build-up of debt from triggering dent Hosni Mubarak’s 2011 ouster. Trump was supposed to change follow suit. Furthermore, since last ing “from California to Kilimanja- ing Middle Eastern oil supplies is rapidly with advanced economies. a crisis. It’s not obvious to anyone Yet in 2013, when the military this. He has repeatedly derided US May, Trump has deployed 16,500 ro,” thus specifically including the no longer a strategic imperative. Moreover, rekindling this vigor how they can do this. toppled Mubarak’s democratically military interventions in the Middle additional troops to the Middle Persian Gulf. With this change, the In fact, the US has been supplant- requires a new economic strategy. Meanwhile, India’s current in- elected successor, Mohamed Mor- East as a colossal waste of money, East and sent an aircraft-carrier Trump administration is attempt- ing Iran as an important source of But where will such a model come ward economic turn appears to si, Obama opted for non-interven- claiming the US has spent $7 tril- ing to uphold the pretense that its crude oil and petroleum products strike group to the Persian Gulf, in- from, and who will provide the in- reflect a broader inclination to be tion, refusing to acknowledge it as lion since the terrorist attacks of interventions in the Middle East for India, the world’s third-largest stead of the South China Sea. The tellectual leadership? walled in and prevent foreign winds a coup, and suspended US aid only September 11, 2001. (Brown Uni- serve US foreign-policy goals, even oil consumer after America and assassination of Suleimani was part The latest economic forecasts from blowing freely. And this intel- briefly. This reflected the Obama versity’s Costs of War Project puts when they undermine those goals. China. Moreover, Israel, which has of this pattern. from the International Monetary lectual nativism seems to be more administration’s habit of selective the figure at $6.4 trillion.) “We have As long as the US remains mired become the region’s leading mili- Like virtually all of America’s Fund and the World Bank are so- about harnessing technical exper- non-intervention – the approach nothing – nothing except death and in “endless wars” in the Middle tary power (and its only nuclear- past interventions in the Middle bering, pointing to protracted tise for political objectives than that encouraged China, America’s destruction. It’s a horrible thing,” armed state), no longer depends East, its Iran policy has been spec- East, it will be unable to address in slowdowns across the board in New strategies for reviving growth in emerging markets will have to be in- about valuing it for its own sake. main long-term rival, to become Trump said in 2018. on vigilant US protection. tacularly counterproductive. Iran a meaningful way the threat China China, India, Sub-Saharan Africa, What is clear is that solutions to more aggressive in pursuit of its Furthermore, the Trump admin- digenous, rather than coming from Western institutions. But where will such The US does, however, have a has announced that it will disregard poses. Trump was supposed to and Latin America. Of course, the new growth and development claims in the South China Sea, in- istration’s national-security strat- vital interest in resisting China’s the nuclear agreement’s uranium- know this. And yet, his adminis- alarmism about the “end of growth” strategies come from, and who will provide the intellectual leadership? challenges in emerging markets cluding building and militarizing egy recognizes China as a “strategic efforts to challenge international enrichment limits. Trump’s sanc- tration’s commitment to a free and might be as overblown as past hype will have to be indigenous, rather seven artificial islands. competitor” – a label that it subse- norms, including through terri- tions have increased the oil-import open Indo-Pacific seems likely to about emerging markets’ unstop- than coming from Western insti- torial and maritime revisionism. bill of US allies like India and deep- lose credibility, while the cycle of pable rise. But policymakers in increases and stricter enforcement dichotomy that it poses – or, per- could easily clash with the needs of tutions. Building and maintaining ened Iran’s ties with China, which self-defeating American interven- That is why Trump’s predecessor, The US does, however, have a vital interest in resisting developing countries are genuinely of antitrust policies) and to correct haps, presupposes – between states their energy-deprived citizens. among national policymakers the Barack Obama, promised a “pivot has continued to import Iranian oil tionism in the Middle East appears concerned and are grappling with inequitable outcomes via aggres- and markets. The reality in devel- Similarly, many developing- sort of open, self-confident intel- to Asia” early in his presidency. China’s efforts to challenge international norms, in- through private companies and in- set to continue. how to revive flagging dynamism. sive redistributive policies. This oping countries is that both states country policymakers simply can- lectual capacity that Gandhi es- But Obama failed to follow cluding through territorial and maritime revisionism. vest billions of dollars in Iran’s oil, Brahma Chellaney, Professor of In the past, governments had a approach also calls for more proac- and markets are weak – the very not afford the luxury of a narrow poused could well be the next de- through on his plans to shift Amer- gas, and petrochemical sectors. Strategic Studies at the New - ready intellectual solution: the so- tive fiscal and in definition of underdevelopment. agenda, making them unlikely to velopment challenge. ica’s foreign-policy focus from the Beyond Iran, Trump has failed based Center for Policy Research and called Washington Consensus, a the short run. So, a policy agenda that focuses on take seriously any advice to focus Arvind Subramanian, a former Middle East. On the contrary, the to extricate the US from Afghani- Fellow at the Robert Bosch Academy term coined by John Williamson of The second strand of thought increasing the role of the state may on the “small and certain.” They chief economic adviser to the gov- Nobel Peace Prize laureate staged The US no longer has vital interests at stake in the stan, Syria, or Yemen. His admin- in Berlin, is the author of nine books, the Peterson Institute for Interna- is associated with Abhijit Banerjee well be unrealistic. have no choice but to strive to ernment of India, is a non-resident military campaigns everywhere istration has continued to support including Asian Juggernaut, Water: tional Economics, which advocat- and Esther Duflo, both winners of In addition, climate change is a achieve rapid growth, which has senior fellow at the Peterson Insti- from Syria and Iraq to Somalia and Middle East. Shale oil and gas have made the US the Saudi-led bombing campaign Asia’s New Battleground, and Wa- ed a broad strategy of macroeco- the 2019 Nobel Prize in Econom- new and critical aspect of the post- been a prerequisite for all success- tute for International Economics Yemen. In Libya, his administra- energy independent, so safeguarding Middle East- against Yemen’s Houthi rebels with ter, Peace, and War: Confronting the nomic stabilization, privatization, ics. Banerjee and Duflo argue that neoliberal consensus that is likely ful development transitions. More- and a visiting lecturer at Harvard’s tion sowed chaos by overthrowing US military raids and sorties. As Global Water Crisis. to prove increasingly problematic. over, the experience of the 1980s John F. Kennedy School of Govern- ern oil supplies is no longer a strategic imperative. deregulation, and globalization. economic growth is not really in- strongman Muammar el-Qaddafi in a result, Yemen is enduring the The commentary was republished Some questioned whether and fluenced by policy changes, or at On one hand, the overwhelming and 1990s shows that this objective ment. He is the author of Eclipse: 2011. In Egypt, Obama hailed Presi- world’s worst humanitarian crisis. from www.project-syndicate.org to what extent the strategy worked. least not in ways for which we have scientific evidence of global warm- is not a chimera, and that growth Living in the Shadow of China’s Eco- But the fact is, there was a template strong evidence. They therefore ad- ing is a clarion call to action. On can indeed be increased by appro- nomic Dominance. – created by leading Western aca- vocate a strategy of “going small”: the other hand, policies aimed at priate policy reforms. Josh Felman is Director of JH Latvian Public Broadcasting Consulting demic and policy institutions – that focusing on measures, such as dis- promoting rapid decarbonization Mahatma Gandhi famously said: TBT Staff raise deep concerns in developing “I do not want my house to be walled The commentary is republished Latvian bank MTB rebrands itself 'Industra Bank' was seen as useful by developing- tributing free malaria bed nets and countries, because such measures in on all sides and my windows to from www.project-syndicate.org "The joint stock company AS Me- country policymakers. And the deworming children, that clearly ridian Trade Bank has changed its streamlining our business model, 889,000 euros in 2017 for inade- high noon of the Washington Con- seem to be effective and will pro- name to Industra Bank (Industra). work on strengthening the Bank's quate internal control functions in sensus coincided with developing duce localized benefits. The new name reflects a change in first-tier capital is also currently in the area of credit risk management. countries’ strong performance. But it is not obvious that ei- Vejonis voted in as new president of Latvian the bank’s business strategy, follow- its final stage," added Adamovičs. It was also fined 14,200 euros in Two of the current strands of ther approach is of much help to ing which the bank will be further It is not the first time the bank 2018 for failure to submit and pub- thought that might replace the developing countries. The post- Basketball Association on focusing on the cooperation with has changed its name in search of a lish an audited annual report. Washington Consensus also origi- neoliberal consensus almost en- small and middle-sized companies new start. Originally named Mul- LTV's De Facto investigative nated in the West. The first repre- tirely reflects concerns in advanced LETA/TBT Staff Meanwhile, the third candidate, development of Latvian basket- in Latvia and other Baltic States and tibanka it was renamed SMP Bank show reported on Meridian Trade economies: secular stagnation and sents a reaction against the neolib- Former Latvian President Rai- former Latvian national team play- ball. There is a need for change on the provision of services neces- in 2006 when it was bought by the Bank a couple of years ago. eral approach and is motivated by unconventional monetary policies monds Vejonis has been voted in er Kaspars Cipruss, recalled his and improvement," Vejonis said sary for a successful business de- Russian bank of the same name, The bank has 13 customer cen- several disturbing long-run trends: are not high-priority problems for candidacy before today's vote in before the vote. as the new president of the Latvian velopment to these companies," the it changed its name to Meridian tres in Latvia and three customer weak growth, rising inequality, an governments in poorer countries. favor of Vejonis. At the annual LBS meeting on Basketball Association (LBS). bank said in a statement. Trade Bank in 2014 after Russia's centres in Lithuania. It claims to increasingly beleaguered middle Moreover, emerging markets are "This support is definitely an November 14, the organization's Vejonis has been elected to a The brand Industra is planned – for manufacturers, service pro- their energy and determination, SMP sold its stake in the company have more than 30 thousand cus- class, and collapsing social mobility. still growing, not stagnating. And advance. As I said in the run-up head Valdis Voins said that the next to be phased in gradually over the viders, people who put their busi- create new values, irrespective of to a group of Latvia-resident indi- tomers and at the end of the third This emerging post-neoliberal even inequality, which is a common four-year term. During January 23 to the election, my goal is to work meeting should be held in January year and customers of the bank are ness ideas into practice. The name types of business – ranging from viduals when SMP was added to quarter of 2019, the consolidated consensus questions the primacy concern, takes a very different form, meeting of LBS members, Vejonis with you [LBS members]. I will 2020, and the president and council not required to perform any addi- of Industra embodies this ambi- farmers to innovators bringing the U.S. sanctions list. assets of the Bank’s Group were accorded to markets. It advocates and requires very different solu- received 34 votes, while his op- keep these promises. Both myself should be elected for a period of four tional actions. tious goal – to provide a true busi- in new technologies,” said Jurijs Meridian was fined 455,000 eu- 173 million euros, while the earn- a larger role for the state, both to tions, in developing economies. ponent, former Latvian women's and the board members must be years. Voins has been the organiza- “Industra is a bank for business- ness partnership to support entre- Adamovičs, chairman of the bank. ros in 2018 for failures in its anti ings for the three quarters of 2019 generate better market outcomes Perhaps the biggest drawback of basketball team captain Anete Jek- open to ideas in order to make tion's president for two terms and men operating in the real economy preneur activities which, through “Along with changing and money-laundering systems and amounted to 423,000 euros. (for example, via minimum-wage the post-neoliberal approach is the absone-Zogota, received 14 votes. decisions aimed at the long-term said he will not run for another term. 20 COMMENTARY January 28, 2020 – February 25, 2020 January 28, 2020 – February 25, 2020 COMMENTARY 21 Putin keen to strengthen ties with former Soviet republics Vladimir Putin just staged a constitutional coup.

fields, he said. The Russian leader His greetings to President of Ta- expressed hope for the continua- jikistan Emomali Rahmon high- How will Russians react? tion of a substantive dialogue and lighted the intensive development that would dilute the protest vote, constructive joint work in the of strategic partnership and alliance ensuring the continued dominance coming year to develop the bilat- between Russia and Tajikistan. Putin of the ruling United Russia party eral strategic partnership and pro- expressed confidence that the imple- despite its falling support. mote mutually beneficial integra- mentation of agreements achieved Real opponents, meanwhile, will tion processes. during Emomali Rahmon’s visit to likely be kept away from the ballot In his message to President of Moscow in April will serve to further altogether. This week, Russia’s Su- Kester KENN KLOMEGAH Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart To- build up bilateral cooperation in all preme Court suspended the license Russian President Vladimir Pu- kayev, Putin noted the important areas, as well as constructive interac- of a party led by former opposition tin is keen to deepen and strengthen fact that the two countries have not tion towards ensuring regional secu- lawmaker Dmitri Gudkov, while a relations with the former Soviet re- only fully preserved the accumu- rity and stability. Vladimir KARA-MURZA new draft law flagged in the Duma publics, particularly those which ini- lated potential of Russian-Kazakh The President of Russia extend- Dictatorships and term lim- would allow the government to tially formed the Commonwealth of relations, but also continue joint ed his New Year greetings to Presi- its rarely go together. It has been ban any political party for “under- Independent States (CIS) and joined efforts to strengthen their strategic dent of Gurbanguly clear since at least 2003 — when mining the credibility of the state the Collective Security Treaty Orga- Post-Soviet states in English alphabetical order: Armenia Azerbaijan partnership, alliance and neigh- Berdimuhamedov, noting with sat- Vladimir Putin shut down the last in the international arena.” The nization (CSTO) after the breakup Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, bourly contacts. According to the isfaction the dynamic development independent television network, document specifically mentions in 1991. Russia was internationally Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan. Russian President, the coordina- of the dialogue between Russia and expelled the pro-democracy oppo- Yabloko and its leaders’ supposed recognized as the successor state to tion of efforts between Moscow and Turkmenistan, and their construc- sition from parliament, and jailed “regular contacts” with foreigners, the Union of Soviet Socialist Repub- Nur-Sultan as part of the Eurasian tive trade, economic, energy, and one of his main rivals — that he in- including former U.S. ambassador lics out of which 15 sovereign states The three Baltic states – Estonia, Latvia, and Lithu- Economic Union, CSTO, and the humanitarian cooperation. tends to stay in power for as long as John Tefft, who is described as a emerged and re-emerged. ania – were the first to declare their independence, Shanghai Cooperation Organiza- Putin emphasized that Turk- he stays alive. “mastermind of color revolutions.” menistan’s successful chairman- The three Baltic states – Estonia, between March and May 1990, claiming continuity tion (SCO) and other multilateral In 2008, at the end of his second There is nothing surprising about Latvia, and Lithuania – were the platforms has been very rewarding. ship of the CIS has contributed to term, Putin easily got around Article the news from Moscow. Putin’s in- first to declare their independence, from the original states that existed prior to their Vladimir Putin expressed confi- greater effectiveness of multilateral 81 of the Russian constitution, which tentions have long been apparent; between March and May 1990, annexation by the Soviet Union in 1940. The re- dence that in the coming year, inter- cooperation mechanisms within limits the president to two con- what we learned this week was mere- claiming continuity from the origi- action between the two states would the CIS. The Russian leader ex- secutive terms, by installing Dmi- ly the details. Many young people on nal states that existed prior to their maining 12 republics all subsequently seceded. continue to develop even further. pressed confidence that productive try Medvedev as puppet president In 2008, at the end of his second term, Putin easily got around Article 81 social media, appalled by the notion annexation by the Soviet Union in In his New Year message to joint work to strengthen the two — while continuing to wield power of the Russian constitution, which limits the president to two consecutive of another generation growing up countries’ strategic partnership 1940. The remaining 12 republics President of Kyrgyzstan Sooronbay from the position of prime minister. under one-man rule, responded to with Armenia, based on centuries- partnership and constructive in- Jeenbekov, Putin noted the prog- would continue in the coming year. terms, by installing Dmitry Medvedev as puppet president — while continu- all subsequently seceded. While In 2024, when Putin turns 72, the news with gloom. old traditions of fraternal friend- teraction, which fully meets the ress in strengthening the Russian- Addressing President of Uz- these initially formed the CIS and such an arrangement will no longer ing to wield power from the position of prime minister. Yet it is important to remember ship and mutual respect, are highly interests of both nations, and con- Kyrgyz strategic partnership and bkistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the most joined CSTO, the Baltic states be an option. And so this week, in that the best-laid plans of strong- focused on European Union and valued in Russia. He noted that the tributes to strengthening security alliance and expressed confidence Russian President noted with sat- his annual address to parliament, the men do not always translate into NATO membership. further development of our allied and stability in the South Caucasus that Russia and Kyrgyzstan would isfaction the progressive develop- ple of Kazakhstan, where long-time Along with redistributing execu- announcement, when the court reality. The fates of Slobodan Milo- Kremlin strongman announced the In warm messages to the lead- ties, constructive bilateral coopera- The President of Russia sent continue close mutually beneficial ment of the strategic partnership ruler Nursultan Nazarbayev re- tive power, Putin also proposed to found violations of three articles of sevic in Serbia, Viktor Yanukovych most sweeping constitutional over- ers of the republics on the eve of tion in all spheres, and partnership holiday greetings to President of the cooperation in all areas in 2020, and alliance between Russia and cently vacated the presidency, only abolish the primacy of international the European Convention on Hu- in Ukraine, or Serzh Sargsyan in haul in a quarter of a century. “Con- the New Year 2020, he stressed in Eurasian integration processes Republic of Belarus Alexander Lu- which has been declared a cross- Uzbekistan. He noted that the two to retain control as chairman of the law now enshrined in the constitu- man Rights in the trial of Mikhail Armenia testify to that. stitutional coup d’état” would be a collective efforts at strengthening meet the fundamental interests of kashenko. The message highlights year between our two countries. states have recently accomplished Security Council and leader of the tion. As a member of the Council Khodorkovsky, the formerly im- In recent years, young, urban, ed- more appropriate description, since regional cooperation, maintain- the peoples of the two states and that a significant anniversary was In his message of greetings to a lot to expand their mutually ruling party. In his quest to main- of Europe and the Organization prisoned and now exiled Putin ucated Russians have been increas- the proposed changes are aimed at ing security and developing a re- contribute to ensuring regional se- marked in 2019 – the 20th anniver- President of Moldova Igor Dodon, beneficial bilateral ties in the po- tain his personal power, Putin is at- for Security and Cooperation in opponent. By establishing the ingly asserting their opposition to codifying Putin’s lifetime rule. gional sustainable economy – with curity and stability. sary of the signing of the Treaty es- the Russian President highlighted litical, trade, economic, energy, tempting to transplant the Central Europe, Russia is bound by interna- primacy of domestic statutes, the Putin’s authoritarian consolidation. The planned “reform” will sig- most of the 15 sovereign states that In his greetings addressed to tablishing the Union State of Russia the long-standing bonds of friend- humanitarian and many other Asian model to European soil. tional standards on human rights, Kremlin intends to free itself from The 2011-2012 winter protests, the nificantly weaken the presidency, emerged and re-emerged from the President of the Republic of Azer- and Belarus, a supranational union ship and spiritual closeness be- areas. Putin expressed confidence “In the 21st century, Russia is civil liberties and the rule of law its remaining formal commitments nationwide anti-corruption rallies shifting the power to nominate the dissolution of the Union of Soviet baijan Ilham Aliyev, he emphasized consisting of the Russian Federa- tween Russia and Moldova and that Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s state ruled by a backward and ineffec- — including democratic elections, under international law, signaling in 2017, or last summer’s demon- Socialist Republics (USSR) in 1991. the high level of Russian-Azerbai- tion and the Republic of Belarus. expressed confidence that the de- visit to the Russian Federation in prime minister and the cabinet to tive authoritarian system, a system protections from arbitrary impris- yet another milestone in its grow- strations against the removal of In his message to President of jani relations and expressed confi- Russia and Belarus have been velopment of constructive bilateral 2020 would help consolidate pri- the State Duma, the lower house that has no respect for people, no onment, and freedoms of the me- ing isolation. opposition candidates from local the Republic of Abkhazia Raul Kh- dence that Russia and Azerbaijan able to do a lot to develop the en- dialogue and cooperation in vari- or achievements and outline the of Parliament. At the same time, vision for the future, and no moral dia, assembly, and association. The changes are being ushered elections all offer cases in point. The adjimba, Putin noted the dynamic would jointly ensure the further tire range of bilateral ties and im- ous fields meets the common inter- prospects for further cooperation a hitherto toothless advisory body compass,” wrote Grigory Yavlinsky, In practice, the Putin regime at a breath-taking pace: Constitu- only force that can hinder Putin’s development of Russian-Abkha- development of their strategic plement joint projects in various ests of the two countries. between the two states. known as the State Council will get the founder of Yabloko, Russia’s has long ignored these commit- tional amendments are due to take plans for lifetime rule is organized zian relations based on the princi- In his New Year greetings to Kester Kenn Klomegah is an in- an upgrade to constitutional status, last remaining major liberal party. ments — even though it is periodi- effect by May, and there is growing public resistance from Russian citi- ples of alliance and strategic part- President of the Republic of South dependent researcher and writer with its powers as yet unspecified. “Putin is proposing to not only cally reminded of them by rulings talk of an early parliamentary elec- zens. How strong it will be is now nership and expressed confidence Russian President Vladimir Putin is keen to deep- Ossetia Anatoly Bibilov, Putin on African affairs in the EurAsian “It’s almost certain that Putin will maintain this system but to make it from the European Court of Hu- tion this year. The Kremlin is re- the only real question. that they would further build up en and strengthen relations with the former So- noted that many projects have region and former Soviet republics. become its chairman,” Alexander even more authoritarian and even man Rights. The latest came just ported to be in the process of cre- Vladimir Vladimirovich Kara- more closed.” a day before Putin’s constitutional ating several fake political parties mutually beneficial cooperation in viet republics, particularly those which initially been implemented recently that He wrote previously for African Solovyev, an opposition politician, Murza is a Russian opposition poli- various fields. have promoted South Ossetia’s Press Agency, African Executive told Echo of Moscow radio this tician. He serves as vice-chairman formed the Commonwealth of Independent States and . Earlier, he week. “So he is setting himself up of Open Russia, a NGO founded by The Russian leader also extend- socioeconomic development and The changes are being ushered at a breath-taking pace: Constitutional ed New Year greetings to Arme- (CIS) and joined the Collective Security Treaty Or- statehood, and expressed hope for had worked for The Moscow Times, to be sort of a father of the nation, Russian businessman and former oli- an ayatollah, a demigod.” garch Mikhail Khodorkovsky, which nian President Armen Sarkissian ganization (CSTO) after the breakup in 1991 continued joint work to build up a reputable English newspaper amendments are due to take effect by May, and there is growing talk of and Prime Minister Nikol Pash- bilateral cooperation on various The commentary first appeared For some time now, the Kremlin an early parliamentary election this year. The Kremlin is reported to be in promotes civil society and democracy inyan, pointing out that relations tracks in 2020. on www.indepthnews.net has been floating ideas about how in Russia. He currently acts as Senior best to overcome the “2024 prob- the process of creating several fake political parties that would dilute the Fellow to the Raoul Wallenberg Cen- lem.” One scenario involved creat- protest vote, ensuring the continued dominance of the ruling United Russia tre for Human Rights. He was award- Establishment of EU civil protection ing a new state by incorporating ed the Civil Courage Prize in 2018. 285 counterfeit euro notes found in Estonia in 2019 Belarus. In the end, though, Putin party despite its falling support. The commentary first appeared BNS/TBT Staff centre in Vilnius discussed decided to simply follow the exam- on www.washingtonpost.com A total of 285 counterfeit euro The Lithuanian government Nordic and Baltic countries. Lithu- banknotes were detected in Estonia BNS/TBT Staff Kotka said that as chair of the on January 22 endorsed plans for anian will try to convince the EU of in 2019, the lowest number of forged group, she aims to offer potential the country to submit an applica- the necessity of such a centre in the Members of the Riigikogu, the Group for ties with Croatia, single parents banknotes in the last six years. solutions for creating an environ- tion for the establishment of a re- country as Belarus is getting ready parliament of Estonia, have estab- On average, 400-600 counterfeits ment supportive of the develop- gional EU civil protection centre in for the launch of the Astravyets lished a group for ties with the par- are usually found in Estonia each association set up in Estonian parliament the country that would cover the nuclear power plant. liament of Croatia and a support ment of such families. year. Based on the results for both group for parents and persons rais- "Often such families have more 2019 and previous years, Estonia ing a child alone. talia Malleus, Tonis Molder, Kalev European Union in the first half of The chair of the support group economic, social and psychologi- has the lowest number of counter- The group for Estonia-Croatia Kallo, Urve Tiidus, Kalle Laanet, this year. for parents and persons raising cal problems, and different sur- feits compared to all other euro area Forged 50 euro banknotes were there were 38 counterfeit 20 euro interparliamentary ties is chaired Madis Milling, Kalle Grunthal, "At a time when Croatia is un- a child alone is Siret Kotka and veys confirm that with such living countries. One reason for this is found the most in Estonia last and 100 euro banknotes found. Giv- by Anneli Ott and its deputy chair Peeter Ernits, Ruuben Kaalep, Tar- der stepped-up attention, this pro- deputy chair Signe Riisalo. Its model those who are most unhap- that cash authentication devices are year, altogether 165 counterfeit en the volume of euro banknotes in is Juri Jaanson, spokespeople for mo Kruusimae, Aivar Soerd and vides an opportunity for develop- members are MPs Riina Sikkut, py are the children," Kotka said. widely used in Estonia to limit the banknotes, which made up 58 per- circulation, the esti- the Riigikogu said on Thursday. Ivari Padar. ing closer cooperation with the Helmen Kutt, Oudekki Loone, The 14th Riigikogu has so far spread of counterfeit banknotes, the cent of the total number of coun- mates that the number of counter- The members of the parliamentary Ott said that Croatia is the EU member state also bilater- Marek Jurgenson, Merry Aart formed altogether 64 parliamen- (ECB) said. terfeit banknotes detected. In 2019, feits in Estonia is low. group are Marika Tuus-Laul, Na- president of the Council of the ally," Ott said. and Jaak Valge. tary groups and 66 support groups. 22 January 28, 2020 – February 25, 2020 January 28, 2020 – February 25, 2020 23

Aleksejs Naumovs is a hundred years ago, in 1814, and disparate range of styles, main annual meeting place painter, while Vilen Kün- and today based in the new their sound distils these of publishers, authors and napu – an architect. In this Queen Elisabeth Hall in styles, unifying them with readers that attracts more IN & OUT project, Naumovs and Kün- Antwerp the Orchestra per- a unique instrumentation than 60.000 visitors. The Fair napu express their interest forms throughout Belgium. and fearless approach. Audi- is visited by the stars of the in architecture as the em- On February 5, it will vis- ences and critics inevitably literary and culture from all Movie Guide Wining & Dining Guide bodiment of the place, and it the Lithuanian National confuse the meeting point Since the year of its foun- over the world. Vilnius Book the painting as the story Philharmonic Hall. Togeth- of the composed and the im- dation in 1978 the Strauss Fair is always dynamic, ac- her own terms – is both timeless and timely. starts with a glass of aperitif, chef compli- around 15 companies to and the image. The artists er with Czech pianist Lukáš provised, an effect achieved Festival Orchestra , tive and forward-looking. with its highly acclaimed Portraying Jo, Meg, Amy, and Beth March, ments and intriguing food stories told by De- serve a wide variety of vegan take their energy from the Vondráček, the indisputable by countless hours the band It’s like an adventure story performances in the great the film stars Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, ivydas Praspaliauskas himself. His kitchen is meals throughout the day in environment and transform winner of the Queen Elisa- has spent practicing to- full of life, inspiring those concert halls of the world Florence Pugh, Eliza Scanlen, with Timothée a laboratory. Lingonberries are buried under accordance with the current it through themselves. The beth Piano Competition in gether. The resulting music in their twenties and those has established itself as a Chalamet as their neighbor Laurie, Laura ibérico cheek, duck breast comes with a pear season. Find out how di- works have been created 2016, and Hong Kongese operates on a number of lev- who were twenty years old top-class ensemble for the Dern as Marmee, and Meryl Streep as Aunt and pepper sauce, parsnips with beetroot verse and rich the vegetarian by painting in plein airs in conductor Elim Chan, cur- els, making it accessible and 20 years ago. More informa- authentic interpretation of March. and goat cheese, fried pumpkin with apples cuisine is! Delicious burg- many parts of the world, and rent principal conductor cerebral. More information tion is available at www.vil- Viennese music. In the years after the Civil War, Jo March and courgette with salty Pecorino cheese. ers, all sorts of sweets and often the creative synergy of of the Antwerp Symphony on the event is available on niausknygumuge.lt Next to its loyalty to tra- lives in New York and makes her living as a The restaurant has a 7-course set menu drinks, spicy Asian cuisine, the two artists is literal – as Orchestra, the musicians Facebook and tickets can be ditional style and the true February 28, Concert by writer, while her sister Amy studies painting that one gets to taste, especially during the proper “homemade food”, they have chosen places to will present academic music purchased online at www. Filipe Raposo, White Piano Viennese sound, the special in Paris. Amy has a chance encounter with summers. One can find a lot of vegetarian gluten-free and raw-food paint together. The entrance masterpieces. The concert kakava.lt Hall, Vilnius Theodore, a childhood crush who proposed and Scandinavian options on the menu as options – everything you program includes Rach- trademark of the SFO is its to the exhibition is free. Open till February 09, charm and joy in making Filipe Raposo, the to Jo but was ultimately rejected. Their oldest well. Fabulous desserts too. want to taste in one place maninov’s Third Piano Con- French Film Festival music at the highest artis- born pianist, collaborated sibling, Meg, is married to a schoolteacher, Amandus, Vilnius The interiors of the restaurant are kept at the AUGam plant-based February 26, Chamber certo, composed in 1909. ‘Ecrans D’Hiver’, various tic level. There is space for as arranger, composer and while shy sister Beth develops a devastating Amandus is not just a restaurant but a gas- minimal yet elegant that resonates a cozy food festival. The food fes- Music Concert by Khacha- Even though it was one of his cinema theatres in Vilnius humor and entertainment, pianist alongside many of illness that brings the family back together. tronomical retreat. Situated in the heart of ambiance. It is a nice place to have a quiet tival is organized four times turian Trio, Chamber Hall, last compositions, it beams as well as artistic profound- the leading names in Por- It is a glorious, passionate film, filled with the capital city – Vilnius, Amandus stretches and relaxing dinner. Whether it is a business per year – emphasizing the VEF Culture Palace, Riga with joy and memories of siblings who love and fight with each other lunch or à la carte selection, all guests can ness during the concerts. tuguese music and film. He through two floors at the fashionable Hotel variety of seasonal food that idyllic walks and horse-rid- with an equal fierceness that none of the other Artagonist and takes pride in creating inter- always be sure to get impressed by the dy- The SFO, which consists of also worked with big names is available at that certain ing during summers spent of the fado scene like Car- adaptations has managed to convey. The ro- esting and noteworthy dishes based on tradi- namic menu and nature-inspired tastes that in Ivanovka. Many pianists members of the large Vien- time of the year. The en- nese orchestras and excellent minho or Camané, and fado Little Women (2019) – mances and rivalries of the March sisters may tional Lithuanian recipes. change constantly. consider this concerto to trance is free. specialists, has developed singer Joana Amendoeira. in cinemas from Friday, January 24 have been published more than 150 years ago, The young Deivydas Praspaliauskas, the Customer feedback is one of Deivydas’ be extremely challenging. into a worldwide leading They even came together Writer-director Greta Gerwig (Lady Bird) but this tale of sisterhood and female empow- owner and head chef of Amandus, has to be primary sources of inspiration. On your next Open from February 19, While the Eight Symphony ensemble. Peter Guth, the to Vilnius, where they had has crafted a Little Women that draws on erment is perpetually evergreen. Moments one of the most vibrant personas in modern visit, you might well encounter something Exhibition ‘Jurmala 100’, composed in 1889 by An- internationally renowned beautiful concerts with the both the classic novel and the writings of like these are reminders of the urgency of the Lithuanian restauration. The list of restau- your own suggestions inspired. This is the City Museum, Jurmala tonín Dvořák, who called Louisa May Alcott, and unfolds as the au- text, and of how rewarding it can be for a con- rants he has established is lengthy. And his power of inspiration. Strauss specialist shares the St. Christopher Chamber himself “a simple Czech It’s a delight for film con- thor’s alter ego, Jo March, reflects back and temporary audience to re-examine the classic very own restaurant is its logical apogee. The The address is 34 Pilies Street, Hotel Ar- post of musical director with Orchestra. Ten years ago musician”, is the second of noisseurs and Francophiles forth on her fictional life. In Gerwig’s take, stories we read in our childhood. organizational pinnacle reached, Deivydas tagonist, Vilnius. You can also contact the Willy Büchler, concert mas- Filipe Raposo already played The world renowned trio, his Three Great Symphonies alike. The cozy and subtle the beloved story of the March sisters – four More info on this movie can be found at focuses his remarkable energy on food. restaurant staff via email [email protected] or ter of the Vienna Symphony a memorable solo concert at named in honor of the out- (together with symphonies film festival presents an ar- young women each determined to live life on www.imdb.com Gastronomic journey at Amandus always by phone +370 675 41 191. Orchestra. With the violin White Piano Hall, which standing Armenian com- No. 7 and No. 9). Dvořák ray of film stars and young in hand they both carry on at that time was still called poser Aram Khachaturian, composed the symphony in directors, avant-garde films, the tradition of the Strauss Piano.lt, as part of the Vil- is characterized by its vir- an amazingly short time – and even a program for chil- dynasty in the 21st century. nius Jazz Festival. And now The exhibition is dedi- tuoso and brilliant perfor- two and a-half months. To dren. You just might meet It is with great optimism he will be back in Vilnius, cated to the 100th anniver- mances, subtle sense of style, learn more about the con- your favorite film stars, too. and pleasure that the Strauss for one show only at White Event Guide sary since the establishment warm sound and deep mu- cert and to buy tickets on- Tickets can be purchased Piano Hall, the atmospheric Festival Orchestra Vien- of the city of Jurmala. The sicality. The Khachaturian line please visit www.filhar- online at www.tiketa.lt and na earns enthusiasm and concert place in the heart unshakable and admirable. This large-scale exhibi- in form, emphasizing the ex- spiration for the exhibition’s exhibition is based on mate- Trio was established in 1999 monija.lt ESTONIA full festival information cheers, proclaiming the eter- of the Old Town – a perfect To learn more please visit tion focuses on the changes perimental nature of cinema artists. Learn more at www. rials and historical testimo- and is made up of three well February 08, Concert by can be found at www.zie- nally youthful fascination of spot for a soulful evening February 06-09, Inter- www.kunstihoone.ee/en/ in women’s self-awareness and delving into new pur- putti.lv nies from the collection of known chamber musicians Trio HLK, Jazz Cellar 11, mosekranai.lt Viennese music. Tickets can with piano solo. He will national Middle Eastern and social position that suits. The aim of the festival the Jurmala City Museum, – Armine Grigoryan, piano, present “Øcre”, his latest February 15-23, Foodlover February 14, Hollywood Vilnius Open till February 16, be purchased online at www. Dance Festival ‘Zafa’, started in the early 19th cen- is to promote the short film which tells about the estab- Karen Shahgaldyan, violin, solo recording, and the first Restaurants Week, various Love Stories, Exhibition ‘Meetings in the bilietai.lt and more informa- Kuressaare, Saaremaa tury, and that are reflected genre, acquaint viewers with lishment and life in the city and Karen Kocharyan, cello. one of a trilogy, an artistic restaurants in Tallinn Previous Century’, Nation- tion on the festival is avail- in the work of female artists European and world cinema, of Jurmala at the time and The trio performs a wide reflection on the influence al Museum of Lithuania, able at www.sfo-vienna.at and in the way women are as well as observe the devel- the atmosphere of that era. range of musical styles. Dur- of three colors in art: red, The exhibition is about Vilnius depicted. The exhibition will opment of Baltic film art and The exhibition will cover ing the Riga concert, the au- February 20-23, Vilnius black and white. This time it sisters in their best effort be organized in collabora- trends in the global context. the years since Jurmala was dience will be able to enjoy Book Fair, Exhibition is “ochre”, kind of a “red”. But to understand one another tion with the Ateneum Art In 2018, 2ANNAS became a established as a city in 1920 the music of Sergey Rach- and Convention Center can words or colors describe and the shared choice of be- Museum and will present member of the international until 1946, when the seaside maninov, Arvo Part, Georgs “Litexpo”, Vilnius music? They can, but you’d ing an artist. The exhibition comparative Estonian and short film association Short resort city was incorporated Pelecis, Mikalojus Ciurlio- better listen to the art of this Sisters displays mostly wa- Finnish art from the mid- Film Conference, thus offi- into the city of Riga as the Ju- nis, Alexander Spendiarov, Trio HLK is the union Zafa Festival is a four-day talented musician and to the tercolor works and smaller 19th century to the mid- cially being included on the rmala Region. The entrance Arno Babadjanyan and of three distinct, forward international dance festival in beautiful melodies you can sculptures. And one paint- 15 to 23 February 2020 20th century. To find out list of the world’s top On Valentine’s Day eve, to the exhibition is free. For Aram Khachaturian, per- thinking musical personali- Kuressaare, featuring various hardly forget once you have ing, as to not forget the main will be the fourth Foodlover more about the exhibition, the Riga Orchestra has in- more information please go formed by the trio. To learn ties. A belief in the high art oriental dance styles and inter- Restaurants Week where visi- Open till February 11, heard them. “Øcre” com- activity of the author of the please visit the museum’s vited several soloists to per- to www.visitjurmala.lv more about the concert and of improvisation and the esting dance concert/competi- tors from all over Estonia will International Exhibition The photography exhibi- bines original compositions watercolors, Mall Paris. The page www.kumu.ekm.ee form in a special concert – to buy tickets online please science of rhythm brings tions on two nights. The festi- be able to visit the participat- of Contemporary and Open till February 22, Ex- tion Meetings in the Previous of the pianist with personal repetition of these works is the charming Aija Vitolina, visit www.bilesuparadize.lv H, L and K together. They val is meant to attract people ing restaurants on a special Conceptual Jewelry “Star hibition by Aleksejs Nau- Century invites you to meet arrangements of music from maddening at first, but af- LATVIA the young and charismatic address ambitious improvi- to spend their winter holidays menu, which is cheaper than Luster in Your Window”, movs and Vilen Künnapu famous artists of the previous Since its start in the year the northern Portuguese re- ter a while, it wins the heart Katrina Paula Felsberga and LITHUANIA sational frameworks which in Saaremaa. During four day usual. The campaign aims February 10-16, Riga Putti Art Gallery, Riga ‘Place. Image. Energy’, century: they will look at the of 2000, the International gion of Trás-os-Montes, the of the viewer with its subtle the beloved Daumants Kal- often resembling contem- festival you can take part of to revitalize the restaurant’s International Short Film MuseumLV, Riga February 05, Concert visitors the same way as they Vilnius Book Fair is the big- Azores or the world famous nuances. Edith Karlson’s nins will sing well-known porary classical music. Their hafla, workshops, lectures and culture with vegetarian food. Festival 2ANNAS, Splendid by Antwerp Symphony looked at that time, through gest and most important classic composers Bach and sculptures are either “sculp- Hollywood love songs and music features dense, com- Monteverdi. Jazz, classic and boot camp. The festival’s target The list of restaurants and Palace, Riga Orchestra, Lithuanian the photographic lens of pho- book fair in the Baltic States. tural watercolors” – color- duets from such classic plex rhythms and textures, traditional Portuguese mu- group is dancers from the is- ful floating polyester wax other information is available movies as the Sound of Mu- National Philharmonic, tographer Algimantas Kun- It gives a possibility to eval- land, elsewhere in Estonia, and and virtuosic improvisa- sic flow together so naturally clouds, and smaller abstract at www.toidunautleja.ee sic, My Fair Lady and many Vilnius cius, who has captured cultural uate the whole publishing foreign countries. The pro- tion. Their pieces are strewn in the hands of this magic concrete compositions. The Open throughout Feb- others. To learn more about Possibly one of the lead- life. Learn more at www.lnm.lt market of Lithuania and the gram and festival passes guar- with temporal distortions, ‘alchemist of sounds’. Don’t latter give a gorgeous im- ruary, Exhibition ‘Creating the concert and to buy tick- ing Belgian collectives, An- neighboring countries. At antee something exciting to do modulations, implied mod- February 17, Strauss miss one of Portuguese fin- pression of Sculpting 101 the Self: Emancipating The winter exhibition ets online please visit www. twerp Symphony Orchestra the same time, it has become for both beginners and more ulations, rhythmic tricks, Festival Orchestra Vienna, est musicians. Tickets can be and could serve as a starting Women in Estonian and will feature artists’ dreams, bilesuparadize.lv experienced dancers. Profes- can boast its long history. and harmonic ambiguities. Concert Hall Compensa, the well-known cultural purchased online via www. point for both the Venus of Finnish Art’, Kumu Art wishes, thoughts and reflec- sionals, as well as artists from February 16, Plant-Based Established more than two Whilst they reference a huge Vilnius event in Lithuania and the bilietai.lt Willendorf as well as monu- Museum, Tallinn The 2ANNAS festival will tions on the interaction be- abroad, will share their knowl- tween a man and nature. It is Food Festival AUGam, Tal- mental modernist mute me- screen films that widen cin- Chairman: Advertising: [email protected] The opinions in the opinion section are not edge. For more information on a story of a small star in the linas Street Quarter, Riga morial. The dual exhibition ema's technical and artistic Gene Zolotarev Subscription: [email protected] the festival please visit www. vast sky, which, when seen, To introduce Riga and necessarilly those of The Baltic Times or its of Edith Karlson and Mall borders, as well as talk about Editor in chief: Editor in chief: [email protected] zafafest.eu/en converts a thought into a city guests to environmen- staff. The Baltic Times is an equal Paris fits together perfectly, current subjects locally and Linas Jegelevicius TALLINN: [email protected] jewel. The winter starry sky, opportunity employer. Open till February 09, thanks to, obviously, Edith’s around the world. The festi- tally and animal-friendly BALTIC NEWS Ltd. All rights reserved. Online editor: Karina Tutina MAIN OFFICE Mall Paris and Edith Karl- materialized and muted dia- val’s organizers will present with its beauty, mystery and food, AUGam is organiz- The Baltic Times is published monthly Production design: Rupniecibas St 1-5, LV-1010, Latvia The Baltic Times is not responsible for con- son’s Exhibition ‘Sisters’, logue with Mall Paris, whose an unprecedented film expe- delightful depth, has served ing a vegetarian food festi- Published in Kretinga, Lithuania Vilma Gudeikaitė Tel. (371) 67 229 978, fax. (371) 67 783 602 tent of advertisements. Art Hall Gallery, Tallinn need to do what she does is rience both in content and as a powerful source of in- val that will bring together 24 OUTLOOK January 28, 2020 – February 25, 2020

Latvian Public Broadcasting/ TBT Staff Latvian words for “scooter”, “like” and “influencer” The 2019 world of the year can- didates include new Latvian words for “scooter”, “like” and “influencer”, up for word of the year as well as new words for several other modern phenomena , accord- that have been divorced from their ing to Riga Latvian Society's Latvi- original meaning, but have already an Language Advancement Group become widely used in society. For representative Ieva Kolmane. example, “patiesais labums”, or Many English words, such as “true benefit”, has become divorced “like” have developed new mean- from the original expression “pa- ings in the age of technology, and tiesais labuma guvējs” for “true the is trying to beneficiary”. Another candidate is catch up. In the beginning many of the Latvian for alarm “raisers”, or the English words go through the “cēlēji” and “cēlāji”. 'Latvian treatment' with a slightly Kolmane said the “verbiage of changed spelling to make it more the year” category is still in de- phonetic and a Latvian ending. mand. It includes the strangest That's how a social media “like” string of text heard or read in seri- became “laiks” in Latvian, which ous texts, including amusing mis- could be confusing as it's also the spellings or misspeaking. Some word for time or weather. The sug- contestants include “abolition of gestion of the language group took intimacy of members of parlia- the root of the verb “tikt”, mean- ment”, “I don't have a Pandora's ing “to enjoy”, and added an end- box from which to take this pay!”, ing (same as the one for thumb) to “Authorities captured 33kg of make it a noun. hashish on the border” and others. One of the nominated words, The survey conducted by the “valstsgriba”, or “national will”, language group in cooperation has been closely associated with with the Latvian Writer's Union President for his use of is officially closed, and a panel the word in speeches, and the Lat- of judges will take the week to vian word that would possibly re- look through the material that place “influenceris” (“influencer”), confused for a Latvian version of The literal translation for “black has a feminine ending, but when have been received over the year. “domvedis” (“thought leader”), has grandpa or opa. ice”, “melnais ledus” is also on the associated with a man (for exam- The winners for the categories also been included in the shortlist. The “non-word of the year” cat- shortlist, as the proper Latvian ple, in relation to the horoscope), it of word of the year, non-word, However there are a few arguably egory includes such Latvian words translation is “atkala”. Other candi- should be conjugated with a mas- winged words and verbiage will strange suggestions, such as call- as “ofiss”, which is used for the dates include wrongly conjugated culine ending. be announced at the Riga Latvian ing the “Whatsapp” chat applica- English “office” instead of the Lat- words, for example - the Latvian The “winged words” category Society House Club Hall at 11:00 tion “vecpaps”, which could also be vian words “birojs” or “kantoris”. word for “lion” is “lauva”, which includes phrases or expressions a.m. on January 27.