Baltic Roundup | April 2025

A look back at April in the Baltic states.

May 06, 2025

Six HIMARS missile systems produced by Lockheed Martin were handed over to the Estonian Defense Forces to fulfill a 2022 procurement contract. (Flickr | Estonian Centre for Defence Investments)

Dear Readers,

Scholars from across disciplines gathered at the University of Cambridge for the 16th Conference on Baltic Studies in Europe: “Converging Paths: The Baltic Between East and West.” See the program here. Here is a look back at some events from April in the Baltic states.

Defense & Security

Baltic officials have warned of violations of international law as the Trump administration has floated recognizing Russia’s occupation of Crimea. “By questioning the principles of international law, by questioning the issue of Crimea’s status, we are opening a hell from which devils will crawl out that no one will contain,” said Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys, adding that recognition would lead to “dramatically diminished” US influence.

At the end of April, Estonia received six HIMARS contracted in 2022 in one of Estonia’s largest arms procurements. Latvia, Germany, and Norway signed a multilateral agreement to procure anti-tank mines, scheduled for delivery in 2027. Lithuania will buy two attack boats from Finland. The EU declined to fund a joint Estonian-Lithuanian proposal for a drone wall initiative to detect and neutralize drones along the borders with Russia and Belarus. However, officials are optimistic about securing alternative funding.

“By questioning the principles of international law, by questioning the issue of Crimea’s status, we are opening a hell from which devils will crawl out that no one will contain.” - Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys

Belarusian and Russian secret services have initiated a series of suspicious attacks against the Belarusian diaspora in Vilnius to incite conflict between locals and Belarusian exiles, Lithuanian officials say. And, The New York Times explains how a Ukrainian teenager was allegedly lured into setting fire to IKEA in Vilnius as part of a Russian sabotage campaign.

Domestic Affairs

As part of Prime Minister Evika Siliņas initiative to slash bureaucracy by 25%, Latvia has developed a 21-point plan for reducing bureaucratic burdens. AI will likely have a role in eliminating tedious paperwork. Estonia and Lithuania are also considering ways to cut red tape.

Banks in Lithuania made a record-breaking €1 billion in profits in 2024, prompting criticism from politicians who say banks are taking advantage of consumers. Remigijus Žemaitaitis, leader of the ruling Nemunas Dawn party, who was recently denied access to classified material, says he will propose extending the “solidarity tax” on windfall profits, which, under the current structure, has led banks to contribute an estimated €600 million over a three-year period. Also, the Bank of Lithuania will send more than €130 million to the state, nine times the amount of last year. Much of the funds from banks go to supporting defense expenditures.

Around 6,000 candidates, ranging in age from 18 to 88, are running for 730 local council seats in Latvia’s June 7 municipal elections.

The institution of partnership as currently defined in Lithuania's civil code is unconstitutional because it excludes same-sex relationships, the constitutional court says. For Baltic Worlds, Ausra Padskocimaite considers the progression of LGBT+ rights in Lithuania.

Thousands of supporters attend a Vilnius march commemorating Lithuania Pride in 2024. (Facebook | Baltic Pride)

Economy

Despite a 90-day pause, the Baltic countries are bracing for Trump’s tariffs. Lithuania’s Ministry of Economy and Innovation anticipates GDP reductions of up to 0.65 percentage points over the next few years. The government has developed an action plan including up to €12 million in business support measures to help companies diversify exports and remain competitive. Estonian and Latvian experts expect indirect impacts of the tariffs to hit through trade with other EU countries. In 2024, the US was Lithuania’s fifth-largest trading partner, while it was Estonia's 15th.

Retirees living in Estonia and Latvia who typically receive pensions from Russia did not receive their funds in the first quarter of 2025. The ministries of foreign affairs issued diplomatic notes to Russian embassy officials about the delayed payments, which affected around 14,000 people in both countries.

Diaspora

The Joint Baltic American National Committee organized Baltic Advocacy Days, bringing together around 100 diaspora representatives in Washington, DC, to meet with US lawmakers. The event focused on Baltic defense and regional security. It included 75 meetings and a panel discussion hosted by the Hudson Institute: “The Perfect Allies: Examining the US Baltic Relationship under the Trump Administration.”

Aitäh, paldies and ačiū,

Indra Ekmanis
Baltic Bulletin Editor