COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT 2025 Rule of Law Report Country Chapter on the rule of law situation in Lithuania Accompanying the document Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions 2025 Rule of Law Report The rule of law situation in the European Union

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COMMISSION
Strasbourg, 8.7.2025
SWD(2025) 915 final
COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT
2025 Rule of Law Report
Country Chapter on the rule of law situation in Lithuania
Accompanying the document
Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the
European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions
2025 Rule of Law Report
The rule of law situation in the European Union
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ABSTRACT
The level of perceived judicial independence in Lithuania is high. Judicial appointments
across all instances are taking place in good time, and further steps were taken to improve the
transparency of the process. Efforts to support integrity within the justice system are
underway. The regulation of ‘revolving doors’ in the Constitutional Court appointments is
being discussed in Parliament. Lawyers continue to express concerns regarding the respect of
lawyer-client confidentiality. The Judicial Council has presented a proposal to amend the
Constitution to secure its right of constitutional appeal concerning legislation impacting the
judiciary. While further efforts are being made to allocate adequate human and financial
resources to the justice system, challenges persist, especially in recruiting court staff. The
judicial map reform has been completed and is expected to balance the workload among
courts. Steps were taken to finalise the reform of the legal aid system, such as implementing a
pilot project aimed at ensuring an even workload distribution to legal aid providers. The
justice system is highly digitalised, with ongoing enhancements to the courts’ information
systems, contributing further to its efficient performance, including in commercial cases.
The first year of the implementation plan for the National Anti-Corruption Agenda was
positively evaluated. An implementation plan was launched to address shortcomings in
fighting against foreign bribery. The effective investigation and prosecution of corruption
offences continues, although the rate of acquittals for all corruption charges remains
substantially higher than for other offences. Various initiatives are being carried out to
prevent corruption and promote integrity in the public and private sector. While non-
legislative initiatives are taken to reinforce the existing rules on asset declarations,
shortcomings remain in the legal framework. The new whistleblower protection framework is
being implemented. The authorities continue monitoring and addressing the high-risk areas of
corruption, including public procurement, through tailor-made initiatives.
Changes to the funding model of the public service broadcaster (LRT) are under discussion
while actions by the LRT Council raised concerns. The human resources of the regulator for
audiovisual media services (LRTK) increased slightly. The budget for the Media Support
Fund has increased significantly, and new application rules make more media service
providers eligible for funding. The implementation of the Government action plan for the
protection, safety and empowerment of journalists continues, with the overall situation
regarding the safety of journalists remaining favourable. The situation regarding access to
documents improved, and journalists will have a right to access a new register of members of
political organisations.
The Ministry of Justice is implementing measures to enhance the quality of legislation. The
mandate of the Parliamentary Ombudspersons was extended, and resources have been further
reinforced. Concerns remain among stakeholders regarding the involvement of civil society
in decision-making processes.
2
RECOMMENDATIONS
Overall, concerning the recommendations in the 2024 Rule of Law Report, Lithuania has
made:
• Some further progress in finalising the reform of the legal aid system, in particular by
reducing the administrative burden and ensuring adequate conditions for the participation
of legal aid providers, taking into account European standards on legal aid.
• Some further progress in continuing efforts to improve the transparency of the system of
appointments to judicial positions, notably to the Supreme Court, taking into account
European standards on judicial appointments.
• Some further progress in continuing efforts to provide adequate human and financial
resources for the justice system, taking into account European standards on resources for
the justice system.
On this basis, and considering other developments that took place in the period of reference,
it is recommended to Lithuania to:
• Finalise the reform of the legal aid system, in particular by ensuring adequate conditions
for the participation of legal aid providers, taking into account European standards on
legal aid.
• Step up efforts to improve the transparency of the system of appointments to judicial
positions, notably to the Supreme Court, taking into account European standards on
judicial appointments.
3
I. JUSTICE SYSTEM 1
Independence
The level of perceived judicial independence in Lithuania is high among the general
public and average among companies. Overall, 60% of the general population and 58% of
companies perceive the level of independence of courts and judges to be ‘fairly or very good’
in 202512
. Among the general public, this figure has increased in comparison with 2024
(56%), as well as in comparison with 2021 (55%). The perceived judicial independence
among companies has decreased in comparison with 2024 (62%) and has slightly decreased
in comparison with 2021 (60%).
Procedures for judicial appointments to all instances are taking place in good time, and
there has been some further progress to improve the transparency of the process3.
During the reporting period, while no changes were introduced to the system of
appointments, stakeholders note that its functioning has improved, with appointments taking
place without the delays that were previously observed4
. The Judicial Council and the Office
of the President of the Republic have been cooperating in order to clarify priorities in
announcing competitions and appointing candidates, which has allowed for more
straightforward selection processes. Fewer judicial posts remain vacant for long periods5
.
Regarding the transparency of judicial appointments, different initiatives have been
announced. The Government programme envisages new measures on the assessment criteria
for candidates6
. Discussions are ongoing between the Office of the President of the Republic
and the Judicial Council regarding the objectivity of the existing criteria for evaluating
candidates to judicial posts7
. The Judicial Council created a working group tasked with
proposing concrete changes to the selection process, to improve its transparency and
efficiency8
. While the President of the Republic retains discretion in selecting candidates,
with no obligation provided in the law to provide reasons9
, the Office of the President of the
1
An overview of the institutional framework for all four pillars can be found here
2
Figures 50 and 52, 2025 EU Justice Scoreboard and Figures 49 and 51, 2024 EU Justice Scoreboard. The
level of perceived judicial independence is categorised as follows: very low (below 30% of respondents
perceive judicial independence as fairly good and very good); low (between 30-39%), average (between 40-
59%), high (between 60-75%), very high (above 75%).
3
The 2024 Rule of Law Report recommended to Lithuania to: “[c]ontinue efforts to improve the
transparency of the system of appointments to judicial positions, notably to the Supreme Court, taking into
account European standards on judicial appointments”.
4
Country visit Lithuania, Judicial Council. In 2024, the President of the Republic appointed 28 judges to the
positions of district court judges, 14 judges to the positions of judges of higher-level courts, 3 judges to the
positions of court presidents, 8 judges to the positions of deputy presidents and 4 judges to the positions of
presidents of a court division (ENCJ, written input, p. 27).
5
Country visit Lithuania, Judicial Council and National Courts Administration. ENCJ (2025), written input,
p. 26. See also 2024 Rule of Law Report, Lithuania, p. 5.
6
Lithuanian Government (2025a), written input, p. 3.
7
ENCJ (2025), written input, p. 26.
8
The working group’s conclusions are expected in October 2025. Country visit Lithuania, Judicial Council,
Office of the President of the Republic.
9
Including when the decision diverges from the opinion of the Selection Commission, which continues to be
object of discussion among stakeholders (Civil Liberties Union for Europe (2025), p. 629; EAJ, written
input, p. 8). See also 2024 Rule of Law Report, Lithuania, p. 4. The Court of Justice of the European Union
has underlined that it is necessary to ensure that the substantive conditions and procedural rules governing
the adoption of judicial appointment decisions cannot give rise to reasonable doubts as to the
imperviousness of the judges concerned to external factors and as to their neutrality with respect to the
4
Republic has adopted a practice aimed at improving the transparency of these decisions10
. In
particular, the Office of the President of the Republic now presents the reasons for the
appointment decisions orally during the meetings of the Judicial Council, which are publicly
broadcasted. Overall, since various measures have been taken, there has been some further
progress in improving the transparency of judicial appointments.
The Judicial Council presented to the Speaker of Parliament a proposal to amend the
Constitution in order to be granted the right of constitutional appeal regarding
legislation affecting the judiciary. In October 2024, the General Meeting of Judges adopted
a decision calling for the Judicial Council to address the Constitutional Court on the question
the of the compatibility of the specified acts with the Constitution and laws.11
. The Judicial
Council considers this change essential to achieve balance among the state powers, as the
executive and the legislative powers already have this right12
. This request was submitted to
Parliament, proposing an amendment to Article 106 of the Constitution. No draft legislative
proposals in this regard have been registered in Parliament so far13
.
Initiatives to support integrity in the justice system are being implemented or are under
discussion. The Special Investigation Service (STT) is providing training for district and
regional courts, with the aim of fostering an anti-corruption environment in the judiciary14
.
The National Courts Administration has continued the work on the ‘risk map of the justice
sector’15
, and has developed risk scales and impact values for risk assessment16
. The issue of
‘revolving doors’ in appointments to the Constitutional Court continues to be discussed17
. A
draft law concerning the grounds for self-disqualification and disqualification of judges is
being debated in Parliament18
. The procedure for the appointment of judges to the
Constitutional Court was slightly changed by the Parliament in June 202519
.
Lawyers continue to raise concerns regarding the respect for lawyer-client
confidentiality. Lawyers’ concerns stem from practices such as the digital copy of lawyers’
devices seized in the course of criminal proceedings, the video recordings of interactions with
clients in detention facilities, and the alleged use of broad language in search warrants,
allowing for the seizure of documents and materials that can be covered by professional
interests before them, once they have been appointed as judges (see, e.g., CJEU, C-896/19, para. 57, and the
case law cited).
10
Country visit Lithuania, Office of the President of the Republic.
11
Lithuanian Government (2025a), written input, p. 6; ENCJ, p. 11. See also 2024 Rule of Law Report,
Lithuania, p. 24.
12
Country visit Lithuania, Judicial Council.
13
The Judicial Council does not have legislative initiative.
14
Lithuanian Government (2025a), written input, p. 21.
15
2024 Rule of Law Report, Lithuania, p. 6.
16
Country visit Lithuania, National Courts Administration.
17
See also 2023 and 2024 Rule of Law Report, Lithuania, p. 6 and pp. 7-8, respectively.
18
The draft envisages the express provision for disqualification of judges who have submitted to parliament
or voted the law which is under consideration, as well as of judges who had political affiliation with the
party of one of the parties to the proceedings (Draft Law No. XVP-137).
19
The amendment of Art. 4(2) of the Law on the Constitutional Court (Law No. XV-256) aims at clarifying
the timing of the presentation of the proposed candidates for appointments before Parliament and aligns the
end of the term of Constitutional Court judges with the beginning of the Spring session of Parliament, in
order to allow for a longer period of assessment of the candidates by Parliament. The Law also explicitly
includes the requirement of the equal number of candidates submitted by the President of the Republic, the
Speaker of the Seimas and the President of the Supreme Court in the process of the appointment of the
candidates as judges by the Parliament.
5
secrecy, as well as information leaks20
. Lawyers consider that these practices may amount to
violations of professional secrecy21
. According to European standards, all necessary measures
should be taken to ensure the respect of the confidentiality of the lawyer-client relationship.
The Law on the Bar was amended to impose stricter conditions for access to the profession,
and now provides more precise regulations for assessing good reputation, with a view to
ensuring higher standards of professional ethics22
. Lawyers continue to raise concerns as to
the role of the Minister of Justice in access to the profession, as well as in disciplinary
proceedings of lawyers, which they consider detrimental to perceptions of the independence
of lawyers23
.
Quality
There has been some further progress in providing adequate human and financial
resources for the justice system, although some challenges remain, particularly in
attracting court staff24. Following a request for a preliminary ruling from a Lithuanian
court, the CJEU declared that the level of remuneration of judges must be sufficiently high,
having regard to the economic, social and financial situation of the Member State concerned,
in particular with regard to the average salary. The CJEU further clarified that judicial
independence does not preclude their remuneration from being established at a level lower
than that of the average remuneration of other legal professionals25
. The reforms of the
remuneration systems for prosecutors, civil servants, and other court and prosecutorial staff
were finalised in January 202526
. The State budget for 2025-2027 increased the amount
allocated to the justice system27
, and additional funds were allocated to the salaries of judicial
assistants. Courts’ administration can now transfer cost savings to a wage fund, which can be
used for salaries28
. Despite these new arrangements, stakeholders report that salaries have not
yet been raised in practice29
. No additional budget was allocated for the increase of salaries in
the prosecution30
. Consequently, concerns remain among the judiciary and prosecution as to
the difficulties in recruiting and retaining staff,31
and salaries of judicial and prosecutorial
staff remain comparatively low32
. The need to renovate court buildings has also been raised33
.
20
CCBE, written input, p. 132.
21
2024 Rule of Law Report, Lithuania, p. 7. The case regarding alleged control of communications between
lawyers and their clients brought by the Bar Association before the ECtHR (Application no. 64301/19)
remains pending.
22
CCBE (2025), written input, p. 134.
23
CCBE (2025), written input, p. 134. See also 2024 Rule of Law Report, Lithuania, p. 7.
24
The 2024 Rule of Law Report recommended Lithuania to: “[c]ontinue efforts to provide adequate human
and financial resources for the justice system, taking into account European standards on resources for the
justice system”.
25
Judgment of the CJEU of 25 February 2025, joined cases C‑146/23 and 374/23.
26
Regarding these reforms, see also 2024 Rule of Law Report, Lithuania, pp. 8-9.
27
From EUR 120.4 million in 2024 to EUR 122.5 million in 2025. While the budget allocated to the justice
system has been increasing since 2021, the expenditure on Lithuanian courts remains among the lowest in
the EU, both in absolute terms and as percentage of the GDP (Figures 33 and 34, 2025 EU Justice
Scoreboard).
28
Lithuanian Government (2025a), written input, p. 4.
29
Such concerns have been previously raised, see 2024 Rule of Law Report, Lithuania, pp. 8-9.
30
Lithuanian Government (2025a), written input, pp. 19-20.
31
The National Courts Administration estimates that 11% of the posts for court staff remain vacant
(Lithuanian Government (2025a), written input, p. 18). ENCJ, written input, p. 27. According to European
standards, each State should allocate adequate resources to the courts, a sufficient number of judges and
appropriately qualified support staff (Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe (2010), para. 33).
32
Figure 36, 2025 EU Justice Scoreboard.
6
The Judicial Council has called for a new court financing model, based on objective criteria34
.
Overall, there has been some further progress in providing adequate human and financial
resources for the justice system.
The reform of the judicial map has been finalised and is expected to lead to a more even
distribution of workload among courts. Following the implementation of the final phase of
the reform of the judicial map in January 2025, there are now 11 district courts and 26 court
chambers (previously, 12 district courts and 43 court chambers). This was accompanied by
amendments to the Code of Civil Procedure and to the system of allocation of cases, allowing
for the automatic allocation of cases in district courts. This allocation, done through the
Lithuanian Courts Information System, is based on an assessment of the workload of the
courts and judges. It is expected to ensure a more even distribution of the workload among
courts, allow a higher specialisation of judges, and lead to efficiency gains35
. Moreover, as
the optimisation of the existing resources is expected to lead to savings, the authorities plan to
reinvest the savings in the justice system36
.
There has been some further progress towards the finalisation of the reform of legal
aid37. The Minister of Justice has prepared a draft order aimed at ensuring an even workload
distribution to legal aid providers. This envisages the creation of a point system, based on the
complexity of the cases allocated to lawyers, according to which the number of cases
allocated to the same lawyer will be determined. The system was tested as a pilot project
between March and May 2025, after which it will be discussed with the Bar Association and
amended as necessary38
. There are also efforts to reduce the administrative burden for legal
aid providers through the simplification of the Legal Aid Information System39
. However,
while the Government programme foresees an increase of remuneration of legal aid
providers40
, no further measures in this regard were adopted so far, and the remuneration of
legal aid for defence lawyers in criminal cases is the lowest in the EU41
. The Bar Association
has voiced its concerns, calling also for the revision of the value added tax on legal aid
providers42
. According to European standards, an appropriate level of remuneration needs to
be ensured for legal aid providers43
. The Supreme Administrative Court has submitted a
petition to the Constitutional Court concerning provisions of the Law on State Guaranteed
Legal Aid44
. Overall, some further progress has been made in implementing this
recommendation.
The level of digitalisation is high, and further improvements are being made to the
Lithuanian Courts Information System. Electronic communication tools continue to be
33
ENCJ (2025), written input, p. 32.
34
ENCJ (2025), written input, p. 27.
35
Lithuanian Government (2025a), written input, p. 11.
36
Lithuanian Government (2025a), written input, p. 4.
37
The 2024 Rule of Law Report recommended Lithuania to: ‘[f]inalise the reform of the legal aid system, in
particular by reducing the administrative burden and ensuring adequate conditions for the participation of
legal aid providers, taking into account European standards on legal aid.’
38
Country visit Lithuania, Ministry of Justice.
39
Lithuanian Government (2025a), written input, p. 3.
40
Country visit Lithuania, Ministry of Justice.
41
Figure 25, 2025 EU Justice Scoreboard.
42
While legal aid providers whose annual income meets the threshold of EUR 45 000 are subject to VAT, the
hourly fee of EUR 25 remains unchanged in such cases. CCBE, written input, p. 135.
43
Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe (2021), para. 22. See also CCBE (2023), point 3.
44
Country visit Lithuania, Constitutional Court.
7
widely available, both for courts and the prosecution service. Digital solutions to conduct and
follow proceedings in criminal cases could be improved, as it is not yet possible for
defendants in detention to use ICT facilities to prepare for hearings, and defendants cannot
communicate confidentially with their lawyers during remote hearings45
. The project to
integrate the European Case Law Identifier (ECLI) into the Lithuanian Courts Information
System was finalised. A speech recognition software was introduced in courts, which is now
being assessed for further improvement. The court information system is being modernised,
including through the integration of data from different portals, and is expected to be
finalised on 3 November 202546
.
Efficiency
The justice system continues to perform efficiently, particularly at first instance courts.
In 2023, the disposition time in first instance civil and commercial cases (120 days), as well
as in administrative cases (64 days) remained the lowest in the EU47
. The number of pending
non-criminal first instance cases remained stable and comparatively low. Courts continued to
be able to resolve more cases than those received, keeping a positive rate of case resolution.
While no commercial courts exist and general courts have jurisdiction over commercial
cases, stakeholders report that this system works well in practice48
. The amendments to the
Law on Mediation adopted in June 2024 have entered into force and are expected to reduce
the number of cases brought before courts, thus further contributing to the efficiency of the
justice system49
.
II. ANTI-CORRUPTION FRAMEWORK
The perception among experts, citizens and business executives is that the level of
corruption in the public sector remains relatively low. In the 2024 Corruption Perceptions
Index by Transparency International, Lithuania scores 63/100 and ranks 12th
in the European
Union and 32nd
globally50
. This perception has been relatively stable over the past five
years51
. The 2025 Special Eurobarometer on Corruption shows that 80% of respondents
consider corruption widespread in their country (EU average 69%) and 23% of respondents
feel personally affected by corruption in their daily lives (EU average 30%). As regards
businesses, 56% of companies consider that corruption is widespread (EU average 63%) and
21% consider that corruption is a problem when doing business (EU average 35%).
Furthermore, 45% of respondents find that there are enough successful prosecutions to deter
people from corrupt practices (EU average 36%), while 49% of companies believe that
45
Figure 46, 2025 EU Justice Scoreboard.
46
Lithuanian Government (2025a), written input, p. 22.
47
Figures 5 and 7, 2025 EU Justice Scoreboard.
48
Country visit Lithuania, Confederation of Lithuanian Industrialists.
49
Lithuanian Government (2025a), written input, pp. 23-24. See also 2024 Rule of Law Report, Lithuania, p.
12.
50
Transparency International, Corruption Perceptions Index 2024 (2025). The level of perceived corruption is
categorized as follows: low (the perception among experts and business executives of public sector
corruption scores above 79); relatively low (scores between 79-60), relatively high (scores between 59-50),
high (scores below 50).
51
In 2020, the score was 60, while, in 2024, the score is 63. The score significantly increases/decreases when
it changes more than five points; improves/deteriorates (changes between 4-5 points); is relatively stable
(changes from 1-3 points) in the last five years.
8
people and businesses caught for bribing a senior official are appropriately punished (EU
average 33%)52
.
The first year of the implementation plan for the National Anti-Corruption Agenda was
evaluated. Based on the agreed methodology53
, the first year of the implementation plan
2023-2025 of the National Anti-corruption Agenda for 2022-203354
was evaluated positively,
with progress on 74% of the measures, and many initiatives implemented ahead of schedule.
The implementation was coordinated by a working group composed of the representatives of
the institutions responsible for the implementation of the Plan and observers from civil
society organisations.
The effective investigation and prosecution of corruption offences continues, although
the rate of acquittals remains substantially higher than for other offences. In view of
addressing the length of investigations, including those on corruption, a working group has
prepared draft amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure, which have been submitted to
the Ministry of Justice55
. While the number of reports on corruption decreased (5 529 in 2024
compared to 6 599 in 2023), the number of pre-trial investigations stemming from them
increased (72 in 2024, compared to 44 in 2023), suggesting an improvement of their
quality56
. Overall, in 2024, the Special Investigation Service (STT) opened 103 pre-trial
investigations, including one case related to misuse of the EU funds under the competence of
EPPO, and transferred 75 pre-trial investigations to court57
. Overall, 120 persons were
convicted in 2024, of which 7 persons were sentenced to imprisonment, while 27 persons
were acquitted58
. Around 88% of convictions were accompanied by fines. According to the
Prosecutor General’s Office, between 1 January and 30 November 2024, 220 offences
(compared to 269 offences in 2023 for the same period) of a corruption (bribery, influence
trading, abuse of office) were registered. Between January and June 2024, 21% persons were
acquitted of corruption-related offences (compared to 18.8% in 2023) while the average
acquittal rate is around 1.5%59
. In January 2025, seven high-level and complex corruption
cases were being investigated60
. On 24 October 2024, the Supreme Court ruled in a high-level
corruption case, upholding the convictions imposed by the Court of Appeal61
.
An implementation plan was launched to address shortcomings in fighting against
foreign bribery. In view of addressing the recommendations of OECD62
, in November 2024,
an implementation plan was approved by the Minister of Justice. It outlines the steps, timing
52
Data from Special Eurobarometer 561 (2025) and Flash Eurobarometer 557 (2025).
53
STT (2024), No. 2-95.
54
According to the OECD criteria, Lithuania scores above the EU average on the coverage of strategic
framework (7 out of 7), on the adequacy of implementation structures and reporting (13 out of 15) and
implementation of activities (80 out of 100) but below the EU average on transparency of evaluation
practices and use in decision making (1 out of 5).
55
Country visit Lithuania, Public Prosecutor’s Office.
56
Country visit Lithuania, STT.
57
Lithuanian Government (2025a), written input, p. 39. Overall, two cases of corruption were investigated in
2024 under the control of EPPO. EPPO (2025), p. 41.
58
Those sentences were given by the first instance court and/or higher instance court, if a different decision
was adapted in the appeal instance. Lithuanian Government (2025a), written input, p. 39. For 2023 see also
2024 Rule of Law Report, Lithuania, p. 13-14.
59
Country visit Lithuania, Public Prosecutor’s Office.
60
Lithuanian Government (2025a), written input, p. 39.
61
Lithuanian Supreme Court, judgment no. 2K-7-119-719/2024.
62
OECD (2023); 2024 Rule of Law Report, Lithuania, pp. 14-15.
9
and responsible authorities that are to address the recommendations put forward by OECD63
.
A project ‘Prevention and Investigation of Corruption, including Bribery in International
Business Transactions’ is being implemented with the aim to use good practices to strengthen
capabilities to prevent bribery in international business transactions, identify and investigate
such international criminal acts of corruption, as well as enhance awareness raising64
.
Various initiatives are being carried out to prevent corruption and promote integrity
in the public and private sector. The evaluation report65
of the amendments to the Law on
Prevention of Corruption was open for public consultation and was finalised on 2 May of
2025. The results of the evaluation were publicly presented during a dedicated event,
highlighting the impact of the current legal framework on corruption prevention66
. In relation
to the implementation of the Law on Prevention of Corruption, in 2024, the Guidelines for
Creating an Anti-Corruption Environment in the Public Sector were updated, and several
events were organised related to building an anti-corruption environment, including with
business associations67
. The new Regulation for the Integrity Academy was adopted to
establish the capacity building programme for corruption prevention specialists of the public
sector entities68
.
While non-legislative initiatives are taken to reinforce the existing rules on asset
declarations, shortcomings remain in the legal framework. Despite previous
announcements and identified shortcomings in the asset declaration process69
, there are no
plans to change the existing legal framework70
. As a result, it remains the case that
declarations of private interests are not checked systematically71
. Nevertheless, implementation of
the current rules is being actively pursued by the Chief Official Ethics Commission (COEC), through
the development of the new distance learning programmes on the post-service restrictions as
well as on the identification and management of conflicts of interest and lobbying72
. The
COEC is cooperating with the relevant institutions through actions including meetings with
compliance officers and recommendations in the area of integrity73
.
63
Country visit, Lithuania, STT.
64
Lithuanian Government (2025a), written input, p. 27.
65
The results of the evaluation are expected to provide guidance on potential further improvement of the
legislative framework and the implementation mechanism. Order on the approval of the ex-post assessment
plan of the legal regulation of the law on the amendment of the law on the prevention of corruption.
Lithuanian Government (2025a), written input, p. 40.
66
Lithuanian Government (2025b).
67
During the meeting with the business associations and confederations, the Special Investigative Service
(STT) and private sector exchanged views on possible cooperation in identifying possible corruption risks
in both the private and the public sectors (Lithuanian Government (2025b)).
68
Order No 2-116 on the approval of the regulation of the activities of the Integrity Academy Initiative.
69
Including lack of manual check of submitted declarations and need for clarification of the mandatory data to
be provided in the declarations. 2024 Rule of Law Report, Lithuania, pp. 15-16.
70
The Law on the Adjustment of Public and Private Interests. Country visit Lithuania, COEC.
71
While the number of notifications received is decreasing (215 notifications were received in 2024 in
comparison to 247 in 2023), the proportion of irregularities found remains high (in 2024, 28 conducted
investigations led to confirmation of 25 infringements. COEC (2024), p. 7.
72
In 2024, as regards lobbying, 17 notifications were received, 6 preliminary investigations were opened, 2
investigations were carried out and one decision of COEC was challenged before a court. COEC (2024), p.
8.
73
Lithuanian Government (2025a), written input, p. 31.
10
The new whistleblower protection framework is being implemented. The amendments to
the Law on the Protection of Whistleblowers74
aiming at adjusting the rules on processing of
personal data, as well as establishing a prohibition against adverse effects, entered into force
in November 202475
. A public awareness campaign that started in September 2023 and
continued in 2024 led to positive results, according to the authorities76
. In 2024, a total of 80
whistleblower reports were submitted77
and 64 of them were sent for investigation.
Whistleblower status was granted 40 times. In 2024, a total of 10 pre-trial investigations were
initiated, while 18 other cases resulted in decisions not to proceed with launching such
investigations78
. General trainings were organised to enhance the capacity of institutions and
professionals with regard to whistleblowing79
. The Office of the Prosecutor General has
developed recommendation guidelines to support whistleblowers and strengthen internal
reporting channels, and is in the process of developing further recommendations for
prosecutors dealing with cases arising from whistleblower reports, in view of ensuring
effectiveness and consistency in handling of cases across all stages of the criminal
investigation procedure80
.
The authorities continue monitoring and addressing the high-risk areas of corruption,
including public procurement, through tailor-made initiatives. Businesses’ attitudes
towards corruption in the EU show that 32% of companies in Lithuania (EU average 25%)
think that corruption has prevented them from winning a public tender or a public
procurement contract in practice in the last three years81
. 49% of companies perceive the
level of independence of the public procurement review bodies (district courts) as very or
fairly good82
. The Single Market and Competitiveness Scoreboard on access to public
procurement in Lithuania reports 37% of single bids for 2023 (29% EU average). In 2024,
the STT carried out nine corruption risk analyses and more that 20 anti-corruption
assessments of legislation in high-risk areas. Since 2024, STT has started promoting
strategic anti-corruption recommendations for each newly appointed minister and will be
monitoring their implementation83
. The National Audit Office carries out regular
assessments of corruption risks in various sectors84
. In 2024, a project was launched aiming
at identification of corruption risks based on artificial intelligence in cases of use of public
74
Articles 7 and 10, Law on the protection of whistleblowers.
75
In particular, the amendments explicitly establish a prohibition against adverse effects on a broader range of
persons, including facilitators who support the process of reporting information on infringements obtained
in work-related circumstances, as well as legal entities owned by, employing or otherwise associated with
the whistleblower in work-related circumstances. Lithuanian Government (2025a), written input, p. 32.
76
The number of the whistleblower reports increased from 53 in 2022 to 80 in 2024. Lithuanian Government
(2025a), written input.
77
In comparison to 76 reports received in 2023. 2024 Rule of Law Report, Lithuania, p. 18.
78
For the 2023 data, see 2024 Rule of Law Report, Lithuania, pp. 13-14.
79
In 2024, 8205 persons attended extensive training sessions (online and in person). In addition tailored
sessions were also organised for the healthcare sector (2160 persons attended), municipalities (1313 persons
attended) auditors and public procurement experts. Lithuanian Government (2025a), written input, p. 36.
80
Lithuanian Government (2025a), written input, p. 38.
81
Flash Eurobarometer 557 on Businesses’ attitudes towards corruption in the EU (2025). This is 7
percentage points above the EU average.
82
Figure 59, 2025 EU Justice Scoreboard.
83
Those recommendations target both the integrity of the office as well as the main corruption risks in the
area of responsibility of each minister and bring potential good practices in tackling them. Lithuanian
Government (2025a), written input, p. 35.
84
In 2024, the National Audit Office analysed the use of public procurement, organising, maintenance and
development of roads of national significance, and did financial audits of various public sector bodies.
Lithuanian Government (2025a), written input.
11
and EU funds. In 2024, the Procurement Office established a department responsible for
procurement governance85
and presented analytical findings revealing the reasons for the
persistently high single supplier indicator86
. In the context of centralisation of activities
related to public procurement, the first round of inspections of 14 central contracting
authorities at municipal level was carried out87
.
III. MEDIA PLURALISM AND MEDIA FREEDOM
The human resources of the regulator for audiovisual media services, Lietuvos radijo ir
televizijos komisija (LRTK), have slightly increased. Even with the additional
competences88
, the funding of the LRTK is still assessed as sufficient and the human
resources were slightly increased. From July 2025, LRTK will take on additional
responsibilities regarding accessibility of media services89
. In view of these new
responsibilities, the human resources might increase even further. The LRTK continued to
implement the prohibition of the retransmission or internet distribution of television and radio
channels and programmes that can be linked to Russia or Belarus90
. The Media Pluralism
Monitor (MPM 2025) reports a continuously low risk for the independence and effectiveness
of the audiovisual media authority91
. The Office of the Inspector of Journalist Ethics observed
a continued increase in complaints about disinformation92
, while the media self-regulatory
body reported an increase of complaints in relation to the activities of influencers and the use
of artificial intelligence in media93
.
Changes to the funding model of Lietuvos nacionalinis radijas ir televizija, the public
service broadcaster (LRT) are under discussion while actions by the LRT Council
raised concerns. The LRT continued to operate independently. The amendment of the Law
on the LRT of June 2024 introduced additional safeguards for greater transparency and
independence of LRT, including through new rules for the appointment of its supervisory
body, the LRT Council. LRT broadly welcomed the additional safeguards but noted since 8
out of the 12 members are appointed by political institutions, there continues to be a risk of
political influence on the Council94
. Following criticism from stakeholders95
, the Government
85
The aim was to assess procurement governance practices, identify both good and poor practices, compile
annual summaries based on these findings, and actively promote the importance of effective procurement
governance. Lithuanian Government (2025a), written input.
86
Lithuanian Government (2025a), written input, p. 33. The 2024-2026 Supplier Engagement Action Plan
was also approved in 2024. The purpose of the Plan is to ensure a consistent increase in the number of
newly registered suppliers in the Central Public Procurement Information System during each reporting
year of the 2024–2026 period and to enhance their interest in participating in public procurement processes.
Lithuanian Government (2025a), written input, p. 33. Due to the delay of the new e-procurement system
SAULE, an interim system was put in place. 2024 Rule of Law Report, Lithuania, p. 19.
87
The obligation for the municipalities to have at least one central contracting authority has been in force
since 1 January 2023. Lithuanian Government (2025a), written input, p. 33.
88
2024 Rule of Law Report, Lithuania, p. 20.
89
As set out in the Directive (EU) 2019/882 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 April 2019
on the accessibility requirements for products and services.
90
Exceptional derogations to this prohibition can be authorised by the LRTK. Country visit Lithuania, LRTK.
91
Media Pluralism Monitor (2025), p. 20.
92
Country visit Lithuania, Office of the Inspector of Journalist Ethics.
93
Country visit Lithuania, Public Information Ethics Association.
94
Country visit Lithuania, Lithuanian Radio and Television.
95
Council of Europe Safety of Journalist Platform (2024) and Mapping Media Freedom (2024); The Safety of
Journalist Platform reported the draft amendment as a serious threat to media freedom as it would risk the
financial stability of LRT.
12
withdrew from Parliament a draft law introduced in June 2024, which aimed at changing the
funding rules of the public service broadcaster by removing the main guarantee for minimum
funding. A revised draft amendment submitted in July proposed changing the funding model
by linking funding adjustments to the growth of the GDP, which according to LRT would
introduce and element of unpredictability96
. Additional criticism was raised by stakeholders
in relation to an internal audit commissioned by the LRT Council on whether journalists at
LRT adhere to the principles of political neutrality in content creation and management. The
head of the internal auditor and the Chair of the LRT Council criticised the audit and resigned
from their positions. The Director-General of LRT also expressed concerns that the audit
might infringe the editorial independence of its journalists97
. Parliament tasked the National
Audit Office with a further audit, inspecting the accountability, transparency, efficiency and
effectiveness of LRT between 2021 and 2024. The audit is expected to be concluded by
November 202598
. The MPM 2025 confirms that the independence of public service media is
at low risk99
.
The budget for the Media Support Fund has increased significantly, and new
application rules make more media service providers eligible for funding. The budget
allocated to Media Support Fund100
is EUR 10.5 million, EUR 4 million over the initial
budget. The 2025 revised budget application rules include lower minimum requirements for
all funding programmes, which are expected to help emerging media to apply101
. While the
revised rules were broadly welcomed, the Lithuanian Journalists’ Union reported that the
rules still favour existing and larger media service providers, making it difficult for smaller
and new media service providers102
. The data from Viešosios informacijos rengėjų ir
skleidėjų informacinė Sistema (VIRSIS), a public information system, shows that state
advertising is not distributed to a wide plurality of media service providers103
. While
technical changes to VIRSIS improved access and export of information from the system, the
current legal regime still does not account for ownership via proxies104
. According to the
MPM 2025, media ownership transparency is at low risk. While news media concentration is
very high, Lithuanian law does not provide for specific rules on market concentration in the
media sector105
. A working group tasked by the Ministry of Culture with adapting the
national legislative framework to the rules of the European Media Freedom Act is examining
necessary changes, including measures to address media concentration106
.
The situation regarding access to documents improved, and journalists will have a right
to access a new register of members of political organisations. The guidelines for the
reconciliation of personal data protection requirements and freedom of expression and
information continue to be implemented by public authorities at all levels of government. The
compliance with the guidelines improved and public authorities generally provide the
96
Country visit Lithuania, Lithuanian Radio and Television.
97
Country visit Lithuania, Lithuanian Radio and Television. See also LRT (2025).
98
LRT (2025).
99
Media Pluralism Monitor (2025), p. 20.
100
Established by the Government in September 2023 to promote media pluralism.
101
Country visit Lithuania, Ministry of Culture.
102
Country visit Lithuania, Lithuanian Journalists Union.
103
Media Pluralism Monitor (2025), p. 23.
104
Country visit Lithuania, Ministry of Culture.
105
Media Pluralism Monitor (2025), p. 16.
106
Lithuanian Government (2025a), written input, p. 43.
13
requested information107
, with the exception of public authorities at lower levels of
government, who seem more reluctant to provide access to information108
. To further
improve compliance with the guidelines, outreach measures were conducted to inform public
authorities and media about their rights and responsibilities109
. In November 2024, the Law
on Political Organisations was amended, establishing the right for journalists to receive data
concerning members of political organisations free of charge from a register. The register will
become operational in April 2026110
.
The implementation of the Government action plan for the protection, safety and
empowerment of journalists continues, with the overall situation regarding the safety of
journalists remaining favourable. The situation regarding the safety of journalist remains
overall good111
. Since the publication of the 2024 Rule of Law Report, no new alerts have
been published regarding Lithuania on the Council of Europe’s Platform to promote the
protection of journalism and safety of journalists112
. However, verbal attacks against
journalists aiming to discredit their work were reported113
. In this context, the Mapping
Media Freedom platform issued an alert in relation to a member of a governing party
discrediting LRT in relation to its alleged USAID funding114
. The implementation of the
Government action plan for the protection, safety and empowerment of journalists continued.
During 2024 different public authorities conducted training sessions for the judiciary and law
enforcement on various safety-related topics115
. However, the implementation of some other
actions is delayed or no longer envisaged116
. Strategic Lawsuits against Public Participation
(SLAPPs) remain a minor occurrence in the country117
. The procedural safeguards of the civil
justice system are considered sufficient to prevent SLAPPs against journalists118
. The
Ministry of Justice is preparing amendments to the Code of Civil Procedure to implement the
anti-SLAPP Directive119
.
IV. OTHER INSTITUTIONAL ISSUES RELATED TO CHECKS AND BALANCES
The Ministry of Justice continues to implement measures to improve the quality of
legislation. Responding to the Legislative Methodological Recommendations and
Recommendations for Codification of 2024, the Ministry of Justice is organising training for
staff in ministries who are responsible for drafting legal acts, aiming at ensuring a higher
quality of legislation and making legislative practice more consistent120
. The Ministry has
also prepared ‘Recommendations for Draft resolutions of the Government’, which are
107
Country visit Lithuania, Ministry of Culture.
108
Country visit Lithuania, Lithuanian Journalists Union and The Office of the Inspector of Journalist Ethics.
109
Country visit Lithuania, The Office of the Inspector of Journalist Ethics.
110
The register was originally foreseen to be operational in July 2025; Country visit Lithuania, Ministry of
Culture.
111
2024 Rule of Law Report, Lithuania, pp. 22-23.
112
Council of Europe Platform to promote the protection of journalism and safety of journalists (2025).
113
Delfi (2025).
114
Mapping Media Freedom (2025).
115
Lithuanian Government (2025a), written input, p. 44.
116
Country visit Lithuania, Ministry of Culture.
117
Country visit Lithuania, Internet Media Association, Lithuanian Radio and Television and The Office of the
Inspector of Journalist Ethics.
118
Country visit Lithuania, The Office of the Inspector of Journalist Ethics.
119
‘Strategic lawsuits against public participation’ Directive; Lithuanian Government (2025a), written input, p.
44.
120
Lithuanian Government (2025a), written input, pp. 45-46.
14
intended to bring a more uniform drafting of Government resolutions in response to draft
legal acts of Parliament. In the context of the legislative process, the Ministry also conducts a
systematic assessment of compliance of the drafts with the applicable legislative principles
and may propose changes121
. The assessment of regulatory burden for businesses is
underway, and a compliance cost reduction goal has been established122
.
Over half of the companies surveyed in Lithuania express confidence in the effectiveness
investment protection. 59% of companies are very or fairly confident that investments are
protected by law and courts123
. Stakeholders consider that the short timeframes for public
consultations, as well as the fact that these only take place in the final phase of the reforms,
negatively affect the protection of investors124
. As regards authorities relevant for economic
operators, 41% of companies perceive the level of independence of the national competition
authority (the Competition Council of the Republic of Lithuania) as very or fairly good125
. A
number of judicial mechanisms are in place at the level of the Supreme Administrative Court
to ensure the implementation of administrative court judgments, including disciplinary
actions against the responsible officials, the possibility to substitute the annulled
administrative act, and to award direct and consequential damages and compensation126
.
On 1 January 2025, Lithuania had 20 leading judgments of the European Court of
Human Rights pending implementation, a decrease of 2 compared to the previous
year127. At that time, Lithuania’s rate of leading judgments from the past 10 years that had
been implemented was at 68% (compared to 66% in 2024; 32% remained pending), and the
average time that the judgments had been pending implementation was 4 years and 7 months
(compared to 3 years and 8 months in 2024)128
. The oldest leading judgment, pending
implementation for almost 17 years, concerns the lack of legislation governing the conditions
and procedures relating to gender reassignment129
. As regards the respect of payment
deadlines, on 31 December 2024 there were no cases awaiting confirmation of payments
(same as in 2023)130
. On 16 June 2025, the number of leading judgments pending
implementation had decreased to 18131
. Following the European Court of Human Rights
decision in Macatė v Lithuania and subsequent Government application to the Constitutional
Court, this Court declared the contested provision of the Law on the Protection of Minors
incompatible with the Constitution132
.
121
Lithuanian Government (2025b), written input, p. 9.
122
Lithuanian Government (2025b), written input, p. 10.
123
Figure 54, 2025 EU Justice Scoreboard. 27% and 21% of the surveyed investors respectively perceive the
frequent changes in legislation or concerns about the quality of the law-making process, and the quality,
efficiency or independence of justice, respectively, as a reason for the lack of confidence in investment
protection.
124
Country visit Lithuania, Confederation of Lithuanian Industrialists.
125
Figure 60, 2025 EU Justice Scoreboard.
126
Figure 49, 2025 EU Justice Scoreboard. The data presented reflects exclusively the mechanisms in place at
the level of the highest administrative jurisdictions; the same or other mechanisms may be in place at lower
instance administrative courts.
127
For an explanation of the supervision process, see the website of the Council of Europe.
128
All figures calculated by the European Implementation Network (EIN) and based on the number of cases
that are considered pending at the annual cut-off date of 1 January 2025. EIN (2025), written input, p.6.
129
Judgment of the ECtHR, 27527/03, L. v Lithuania, pending implementation since 2008.
130
Council of Europe (2025), p. 157.
131
Data according to the online database of the Council of Europe (HUDOC).
132
Constitutional Court of Lithuania, No KT101-N15/2024. 2024 Rule of Law Report, Lithuania, p. 25.
ECtHR, Macatė v Lithuania, case no. 61435/19.
15
The resources allocated to the Parliamentary Ombudspersons further increased, in line
with the extension of its mandate. In November 2024, the mandate of the Seimas
Ombudspersons was extended to include the role of ‘National rapporteur on trafficking in
human beings’, and additional budget was allocated in this regard133
. While concerns remain
regarding the adequacy of the resources to fulfil the broad mandate of the institution, it is
acknowledged that the situation is improving134
. In May 2024, the Office of the
Parliamentary Ombudspersons was re-accredited with ‘A’ status135
. While the accreditation
committee recommended to ensure the formalisation of a clear, transparent, and participatory
selection and appointment process of Ombudspersons, and to provide for an independent and
objective dismissal process, the Government is not envisaging changes136
. It is reported that
98% of the recommendations made in 2024 by the Parliamentary Ombudspersons were
implemented or taken into account, and the institution can exercise its mandate without any
threats, intimidation or harassment137
. However, challenges remain regarding the
Ombudspersons’ access to policy makers and the involvement in the legislative process, as
there is no systematic notification of draft laws by the parliamentary committees138
.
Stakeholders continue to express concerns regarding the effective participation of civil
society in decision-making processes, in particular at local level. While the civic space
continues to be considered open139
, civil society organisations (CSOs) continue to report
some challenges regarding their participation in decision making, particularly the short and
unclear consultation timelines, and the lack of clear feedback mechanisms, especially at local
level140
. Stakeholders have called for minimum consultation periods to be established141
.
Non-governmental organisations’ (NGOs) right of access to information from the Centre of
Registers remains subject to evidence of direct interest and to the payment of a fee, which
further limits their capacity to participate in the decision-making process142
. The National
NGO fund continues to be an important source of financing for NGOs, and feedback on its
functioning is positive. However, challenges remain regarding the limited availability of
funds and the bureaucratic hurdles to access them143
. NGOs have welcomed amendments to
the Law on Personal Income Tax that came into force and provide that taxpayers can allocate
a certain percentage of their income tax to non-profit organisations. However, these NGOs
have also expressed concerns about the obligation to have an ‘NGO marker’ to be eligible for
133
Lithuanian Government (2025a), written input, p. 49; ENNHRI (2025), p. 4.
134
ENNHRI (2025), pp. 4 and 5. 2024 Rule of Law Report, Lithuania, p. 26; Country visit Lithuania, Office of
the Parliamentary Ombudspersons. The 2024 Rule of Law Report considered that Lithuania had made
significant progress concerning the 2023 recommendation on the resources at the disposal of the
Ombudspersons (2024 Rule of Law Report, Lithuania, p. 2).
135
Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) (2024).
136
GANHRI (2024); ENNHRI (2025), p. 1.
137
Lithuanian Government (2025a), written input, p. 49; ENNHRI (2025), p. 5.
138
ENNHRI (2025), p. 4.
139
Rating by CIVICUS; ratings are on a five-category scale defined as: open, narrowed, obstructed, repressed
and closed.
140
According to a study of the Office of the Seimas Ombudspersons, municipalities do not always consult with
the public and non-governmental organisations when making important decisions (Lithuanian Government
(2025a), written input, p. 46). Country visit Lithuania, Human Rights Monitoring Institute, NGO Coalition.
141
Civil Liberties Union for Europe (2025), pp. 638-639. Country visit Lithuania, Confederation of Lithuanian
Industrialists.
142
2024 Rule of Law Report, Lithuania, p. 27. Country visit Lithuania, Human Rights Monitoring Institute,
NGO Coalition.
143
For instance, NGOs criticise that the regulation of public procurement is not clear, as some agencies that
provide funding for NGOs automatically apply public procurement rules (Country visit Lithuania, NGO
Coalition).
16
these allocations144
, as they fear this may open the door to abuses by for-profit organisations.
Concerns have also emerged about incidents of negative rhetoric targeting certain NGOs and
calls for disclosure of data on foreign funding, which were subsequently accompanied by
social media posts revealing the identity of some of the beneficiaries.
144
Country visit Lithuania, Human Rights Monitoring Institute, NGO Coalition. Civil Liberties Union for
Europe (2025), p. 642. See also 2023 Rule of Law Report, Lithuania, p. 23 (Law on Personal Income Tax).
17
Annex I: List of sources in alphabetical order*
* The list of contributions received in the context of the consultation for the 2025 Rule of Law report
can be found at https://commission.europa.eu/publications/2025-rule-law-report-targeted-
stakeholder-consultation_en.
Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom (2025), Media Pluralism Monitor 2025, Country
report for Lithuania.
Civicus (2025), Monitor tracking civic space – Lithuania,
https://monitor.civicus.org/country/lithuania/.
Civil Liberties Union for Europe (2025), Contribution from Civil Liberties Union for Europe for the
2025 Rule of Law Report.
COEC (2025), Annual Report 2025.
Constitutional Court of Lithuania, judgment of 18 December 2024, No KT101-N15/2024.
Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE) (2025), Contribution from the Council of Bars
and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE) for the 2025 Rule of Law Report.
Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE) (2023), CCBE Recommendations on legal aid.
Council of Europe: Committee of Ministers (2000), Recommendation No. R(2000)21 of the
Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on the freedom of exercise of the profession of
lawyer.
Council of Europe: Committee of Ministers (2010), Recommendation CM/Rec(2010)12 of the
Committee of Ministers to member states on judges: independence, efficiency and responsibilities.
Council of Europe: Committee of Ministers (2021), Guidelines on the efficiency and the effectiveness
of legal aid schemes in the areas of civil and administrative law, CM(2021)36.
Council of Europe: Committee of Ministers (2025), Supervision of the execution of judgments and
decisions of the European Court of Human Rights, 18th
Annual Report of the Committee of Ministers,
https://rm.coe.int/gbr-2001-18e-rapport-annuel-2024/1680b4d77d.
Council of Europe, Platform to promote the protection of journalism and safety of journalists –
Lithuania (2025), https://fom.coe.int/en/pays/detail/11709544.
Consultative Council of European Judges (CCJE) (2002), Opinion no. 3 of the Consultative Council
of European Judges (CCJE) to the attention of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe
on the principles and rules governing judges’ professional conduct, in particular ethics, incompatible
behaviour and impartiality.
Court of Justice of the European Union, judgment of 25 February 2025, XL and Others v Sąd
Rejonowy w Białymstoku and Lietuvos Respublika, joined cases C-146/23 and C-374/23,
ECLI:EU:C:2025:109.
Court of Justice of the European Union, judgment of 20 April 2021, Repubblika v Il-Prim Ministru,
C-896/19, ECLI:EU:C:2021:311.
European Association of Judges (EAJ) (2025), Contribution from EAJ for the 2025 Rule of Law
Report.
18
European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (2025), Mapping Media Freedom, Lithuania country
profile, https://www.mappingmediafreedom.org/.
European Commission (2025), 2025 EU Justice Scoreboard.
European Commission (2025), Flash Eurobarometer 557 on Businesses’ attitudes towards corruption
in the EU.
European Commission (2025), Special Eurobarometer 561 on Corruption.
European Commission (2024), 2024 EU Justice Scoreboard.
European Commission (2024), 2024 Rule of Law Report, Country Chapter on the rule of law situation
in Lithuania.
European Commission (2023), 2023 Rule of Law Report, Country Chapter on the rule of law situation
in Lithuania.
European Court of Human Rights, judgment of 16 June 2022, Zurek v. Poland, case no. 39650/18.
European Court of Human Rights, judgment of 23 January 2023, Macatė v Lithuania, case no.
61435/19.
European Implementation Network (EIN) (2025), written input for the 2025 Rule of Law Report.
European Network of Councils for the Judiciary (2025), Contribution from the European Network of
Councils for the Judiciary (ENCJ) for the 2025 Rule of Law Report.
European Network of National Human Rights Institutions (ENNHRI) (2025), Contribution from the
European Network of National Human Rights Institutions for the 2025 Rule of Law Report.
European Public Prosecutor’s Office (2025), Annual Report 2024.
Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), Sub-Committee on Accreditation
(SCA) (2024), Report and Recommendations of the Session of the Sub-Committee on Accreditation
(SCA), Online, 26-28 March 2024 Geneva, 29 April-3 May 2024.
Lithuanian Government (2025a), Input from Lithuania for the 2025 Rule of Law Report.
Lithuanian Government (2025b), Additional written contribution for the 2025 Rule of Law Report.
OECD (2023), Implementing the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention, Phase 3 Report: Lithuania
https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/implementing-the-oecd-anti-bribery-convention-phase-3-report-
lithuania_640d636a-en.html.
Supreme Court of Lithuania, decision of 24 October 2024, MG Baltic case, No. 2K-7-119-719/2024.
Special Investigation Service (2025), 2024 Activity Report.
Special Investigation Service (2024), Lithuanian Map of Corruption 2023/2024.
Special Investigation Service (2024), Order on the adoption of the methodology for monitoring and
evaluating progress in the implementation of the National Agenda for the Prevention of Corruption
for 2022-2033, .
Transparency International (2025), Corruption Perceptions Index 2024.
19
Annex II: Country visit to Lithuania
The Commission services held virtual meetings in February 2025 with:
• Bar Association
• COEC
• Confederation of Lithuanian Industrialists
• Constitutional Court
• Human Rights Monitoring Institute
• Judicial Council
• Lithuanian Journalists Union
• Lithuanian Radio and Television
• Media Authority – Radio and Television Commission of Lithuania
• Ministry of Culture
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Ministry of Justice
• National Courts Administration
• National NGO Coalition
• Office of the President of the Republic
• Office of the Prosecutor General
• Office of the Seimas Ombudspersons
• Online Media Association
• Public Information Ethics Association
• Public Procurement Service
• Special Investigation Service
• Supreme Court
• Transparency International Lithuania
* The Commission also met the following organisations in a number of horizontal meetings:
• Amnesty International
• Araminta
• Civil Liberties Union for Europe
• Civil Society Europe
• European Civic Forum
• European Partnership for Democracy
• European Youth Forum,
• International Commission of Jurists
• International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH)
• JEF Europe
• Philea – Philanthropy Europe Association.
• Transparency International