Lithuania
Political overview
Lithuania announced the restoration of its independence from the Soviet Union on 11 March 1990, adopting a new constitution on 25 October 1992. Legislative power is vested in the Seimas, a unicameral parliament with 141 members who are elected in direct elections for a four-year term. The executive body is the Government, which is made up of the Prime Minister and a Cabinet of 14 ministers. The head of state is the President, who is elected in a direct election to a term of office of five years, for no more than two consecutive terms.
Foreign policy
Lithuania’s foreign policy is carried out by the President and the Government. The Resolution of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania on Directions in Foreign Policy, published in December 2020, states that Lithuania’s foreign policy is based on common values, democracy, respect for human rights, and geopolitics underpinned by strong defence of freedom and democracy against autocracies.
Lithuania joined the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in 1991, the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in 2004 and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in 2018. Lithuania joined the European Union in 2004, including the Schengen area in 2007 and the Eurozone in 2015.
Lithuania has close ties with the Nordic and Baltic countries. Lithuania is a member of the Baltic Assembly, the Council of the Baltic Sea States, the Nordic-Baltic Eight and the European Union’s Nordic Battle Group.
In 2023, Lithuania released its Indo-Pacific Strategy.
Bilateral relations
Australia was one of the first countries to recognise Lithuania’s independence. Australia and Lithuania established diplomatic relations in 1991 and have friendly relations, based on shared interests and close people-to-people links. As of the 2021 Australian census, there were 2,582 people born in Lithuania in Australia and 19,430 Australian residents of Lithuanian descent.
Australia and Lithuania share a commitment to the fundamental values of democracy, peace and free trade.
Lithuania has an Embassy in Canberra, a Consulate-General in Melbourne and Sydney, and consulates in Adelaide, Brisbane and Darwin.
Fast facts
- Lithuanian visitors to Australia (visitor arrivals - 2023) – 2,030
- Australian visitors to Lithuania (resident returns – 2023) – 1,000
- Resident Australian population born in Lithuania (2021 census) – 2,582
- Australian residents of Lithuanian descent (2021 census) – 19,430
High level engagement
- October 2023 – Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda visited Australia.
- July 2023 – the Hon Anthony Albanese MP became the first Australian Prime Minister to visit Lithuania.
- February 2022 – Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis visited Australia.
Agreements and Arrangements with Lithuania
- Investment Promotion and Protection (2002)
- Trade and Economic Cooperation (1993)
A comprehensive list of bilateral agreements and texts is available at the Australian Treaties Database.
Public diplomacy
The Australian Embassy in Warsaw is responsible for Lithuania.
The Australian Embassy in Warsaw takes opportunities to promote Australian culture and values in Lithuania.
Economic diplomacy
In 2023, Australia's two-way goods and services trade with Lithuania was valued at $247.3 million. Australia’s primary import from Lithuania was simply worked wood.
Other imports included fertilisers, milk, cream, whey and yoghurt, furniture, mattresses and cushions. Australia's major exports were education-related travel, recreational travel, services, miscellaneous chemical products, and business-related travel.
More economic and trade information can be found in the Lithuania country economic factsheet [PDF].
Business
Austrade's Vilnius office opened in 2023. The office assists Australian companies to build and implement their export strategies. Austrade offers practical advice, market intelligence, and ongoing support to Australian companies seeking to grow their business in Lithuania. Austrade also works to attract productive foreign direct investment into Australia and promote R&D collaboration.
Niche investment opportunities exist in several sectors of the Lithuanian economy. Laser/optics, life sciences and financial technologies are in demand – Lithuania has a significant and growing fintech sector and the sector is a priority for the government.
Lithuania launched a Startup Visa program in 2017 to encourage citizens from outside the EU, including Australia, to set up businesses in Lithuania. Australia also encourages startup investment by Lithuanian businesses.
Australian Embassy
The Australian Embassy in Warsaw is responsible for Australia’s relations with Lithuania.
Australia has a Consulate in Vilnius, headed by an Honorary Consul.
Travel
See Smartraveller for information on travelling to Lithuania.