Political system

Lithuania is a parliamentary republic with a head of government - the prime minister - and a head of state - the president - who appoints the prime minister. The Parliament is a single-chamber legislative body. The country is divided into 60 municipalities, with directly-elected mayors.

Location on the EU map

Trade and economy

The most important sectors of Lithuania’s economy in 2018 were wholesale and retail trade, transport, accommodation and food services (32.2%), industry (21.9%) and public administration, defence, education, human health and social work activities (14.3%).

Intra-EU trade accounts for 59% of Lithuania’s exports (Latvia 10%, Poland 8% and Germany 7%), while outside the EU 14% go to Russia and 5% to the United States.

In terms of imports, 69% come from EU Member States (Germany 12%, Poland 11% and Latvia 7%), while outside the EU 15% come from Russia and 3% from China.

Lithuania in the EU

European Parliament

There are 11 members of the European Parliament from Lithuania. Find out who these MEPs are.

European Parliament office in Lithuania

Council of the EU

In the Council of the EU, national ministers meet regularly to adopt EU laws and coordinate policies. Council meetings are regularly attended by representatives from the Lithuanian government, depending on the policy area being addressed.

Presidency of the Council of the EU

The Council of the EU doesn't have a permanent, single-person president (like e.g. the Commission or Parliament). Instead, its work is led by the country holding the Council presidency, which rotates every 6 months.

During these 6 months, ministers from that country's government chair and help determine the agenda of Council meetings in each policy area, and facilitate dialogue with the other EU institutions.

Dates of Lithuanian presidencies:

Jul-Dec 2013

Presidency of the Council of the EU

The following link is a redirection to an external websiteCurrent presidency of the Council of the EU

European Commission

The Commissioner nominated by Lithuania to the European Commission is Virginijus Sinkevičius, who is responsible for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries.

The Commission is represented in each EU country by a local office, called a "representation".

Commission representation in Lithuania

European Economic & Social Committee

Lithuania has 9 representatives on the European Economic and Social Committee. This advisory body – representing employers, workers and other interest groups – is consulted on proposed laws, to get a better idea of the possible changes to work and social situations in member countries.

European Committee of the Regions

Lithuania has 9 representatives on the European Committee of the Regions, the EU's assembly of regional and local representatives. This advisory body is consulted on proposed laws, to ensure these laws take account of the perspective from each region of the EU.

Permanent representation to the EU

Lithuania also communicates with the EU institutions through its permanent representation in Brussels. As Lithuania's "embassy to the EU", its main task is to ensure that the country's interests and policies are pursued as effectively as possible in the EU.

Budgets and Funding

How much does Lithuania pay and receive?

How much each EU country pays into the EU budget is calculated fairly, according to means. The larger your country's economy, the more it pays – and vice versa.
The EU budget doesn't aim to redistribute wealth, but rather focuses on the needs of Europeans as a whole. 

2018 figures for Lithuania:

• Total EU spend in Lithuania –  € 2.071 billion 
  (equivalent to 4.80 % of the Lithuanian economy)
• Total contribution to EU budget –  € 0.356 billion
  (equivalent to 0.83 % of the Lithuanian economy)

More figures on the EU budget, revenue and spending:

• EU budget in Lithuania
• EU budget
• EU spending & revenue

EU-funded projects in Lithuania

The money paid into the EU budget by Lithuania helps fund programmes and projects in all EU countries - like building roads, subsidising researchers and protecting the environment.

Find out more about how Lithuania benefits from EU funding.