Ingrida Šimonytė (; born 15 November 1974) is a Lithuanian politician, public servant and economist who served as the 17th
prime minister of Lithuania
The prime minister of Lithuania (, , colloquially also referred to as the premier ) is the head of government of Lithuania. The prime minister is appointed by the President of Lithuania, president with the assent of the Lithuanian parliament, th ...
from 2020 to 2024. She has been a
Member of the Seimas
The Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania (), or simply the Seimas ( ; ), is the unicameralism, unicameral legislative body of the Lithuania, Republic of Lithuania. The Seimas constitutes the legislative branch of Government of Lithuania, govern ...
for the
Antakalnis constituency since 2016 and was
Minister of Finance
A ministry of finance is a ministry or other government agency in charge of government finance, fiscal policy, and financial regulation. It is headed by a finance minister, an executive or cabinet position .
A ministry of finance's portfolio ...
in the
second Kubilius cabinet from 2009 until 2012. Šimonytė was a candidate in the
2019
This was the year in which the first known human case of COVID-19 was documented, preceding COVID-19 pandemic, the pandemic which was declared by the World Health Organization the following year.
Up to that point, 2019 had been described as ...
and
2024
The year saw the list of ongoing armed conflicts, continuation of major armed conflicts, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Myanmar civil war (2021–present), Myanmar civil war, the Sudanese civil war (2023–present), Sudane ...
presidential election, but lost in the second round runoff to
Gitanas Nausėda both times. She has been a member of
Homeland Union since 2022, having previously been an
independent politician
An independent politician or non-affiliated politician is a politician not affiliated with any political party or Bureaucracy, bureaucratic association. There are numerous reasons why someone may stand for office as an independent.
Some politicia ...
.
Born in
Vilnius
Vilnius ( , ) is the capital of and List of cities in Lithuania#Cities, largest city in Lithuania and the List of cities in the Baltic states by population, most-populous city in the Baltic states. The city's estimated January 2025 population w ...
, Šimonytė graduated from
Vilnius University
Vilnius University ( Lithuanian: ''Vilniaus universitetas'') is a public research university, which is the first and largest university in Lithuania, as well as one of the oldest and most prominent higher education institutions in Central and Ea ...
with a degree in business in 1996, later receiving a master's degree in 1998. She began her career as an economist and public servant, working as chief of the tax division within the Ministry of Finance until 2004. She remained in the tax division until being nominated to serve as finance minister in 2009, tasked with stimulating the Lithuanian economy in the aftermath of the
Great Recession
The Great Recession was a period of market decline in economies around the world that occurred from late 2007 to mid-2009. . She resigned from the position in 2012, and was appointed deputy chairperson of the Board of the
Bank of Lithuania
The Bank of Lithuania () is the national central bank for Lithuania within the Eurosystem. It was the Lithuanian central bank from 1922 to 2014, albeit with a long suspension between 1940 and 1993. It issued the Lithuanian litas between 1922 ...
, and chairperson of
Vilnius University
Vilnius University ( Lithuanian: ''Vilniaus universitetas'') is a public research university, which is the first and largest university in Lithuania, as well as one of the oldest and most prominent higher education institutions in Central and Ea ...
Council, a professor of economics at the
Vilnius University Institute of International Relations and Political Science, and of public finance at
ISM University of Management and Economics
ISM University of Management and Economics () is an institution of undergraduate, Graduate school, graduate and post-graduate education in business, management and economics. The university serves as a centre of market analysis, executive tra ...
.
Šimonytė returned to politics in 2016, when she ran as an independent candidate in the
2016 parliamentary election to represent Antakalnis constituency in Vilnius, ultimately winning a seat in parliament. In 2018, Šimonytė announced her campaign in the
2019 presidential election; she won the nomination of the Homeland Union. She narrowly won the first round of the election on 12 May 2019, before placing 33 percentage points behind fellow independent Gitanas Nausėda in the runoff on 26 May.
She was reelected to Parliament in the
2020 parliamentary election, where the Homeland Union won a plurality of seats. Following the certification of the election results, Šimonytė was proposed as the prime ministerial candidate by a coalition consisting of the Homeland Union,
Liberal Movement and
Freedom Party; she took office on 11 December, along with the appointment of her
cabinet. In October 2023, Šimonytė announced that she would once again run for president in the
2024 presidential election. She made it to the runoff but lost again to Nausėda in a landslide receiving 24% of the vote against Nausėda's 76%. She left as prime minister after her party lost to the
Social Democratic Party of Lithuania
The Social Democratic Party of Lithuania (, LSDP) is a centre-left and social democratic political party in Lithuania. Founded as an underground Marxist organisation in 1896, it is the oldest extant party in Lithuania. During the time of the ...
in the
2024 Lithuanian parliamentary election in October.
Early life and education
Šimonytė was born 15 November 1974 in
Vilnius
Vilnius ( , ) is the capital of and List of cities in Lithuania#Cities, largest city in Lithuania and the List of cities in the Baltic states by population, most-populous city in the Baltic states. The city's estimated January 2025 population w ...
to a father who worked as a
civil engineer
A civil engineer is a person who practices civil engineering – the application of planning, designing, constructing, maintaining, and operating infrastructure while protecting the public and environmental health, as well as improving existing i ...
, and a mother, Danutė Šimonienė, who worked as an economist. She moved to the
Antakalnis
Antakalnis (''literally'' ) is an elderships of Lithuania, eldership in Vilnius, Lithuania. Antakalnis is one of the oldest, and largest historical suburbs of Vilnius. It is in the Eastern section of Vilnius, along the left bank of the Neris, ...
district of Vilnius with her parents in 1984, where she spent most of her childhood and formative years. In 1992, Šimonytė graduated from the
Vilnius Žirmūnai Gymnasium, where she was recognised and awarded for her academic skills in mathematics.
After graduating, she enrolled in the Faculty of Economics at
Vilnius University
Vilnius University ( Lithuanian: ''Vilniaus universitetas'') is a public research university, which is the first and largest university in Lithuania, as well as one of the oldest and most prominent higher education institutions in Central and Ea ...
, graduating with a degree in
business administration
Business administration is the administration of a commercial enterprise. It includes all aspects of overseeing and supervising the business operations of an organization.
Overview
The administration of a business includes the performance o ...
in 1996. She subsequently returned to the institution, and received a master's degree in economics in 1998.
Political career
Early career
In 1997, Šimonytė first began working professionally as an economist and
public servant
The civil service is a collective term for a sector of government composed mainly of career civil service personnel hired rather than elected, whose institutional tenure typically survives transitions of political leadership. A civil service offic ...
, after being hired at the
Ministry of Finance
A ministry of finance is a ministry or other government agency in charge of government finance, fiscal policy, and financial regulation. It is headed by a finance minister, an executive or cabinet position .
A ministry of finance's portfoli ...
within its tax division. Between 1998 and 2001, Šimonytė worked as an economist in the ministry's tax and sales division, and later was promoted to head of the ministry's direct taxation division, a position she remained in until 2004, when she became chancellor of the ministry, and later deputy finance minister. She resigned from this position in 2009, to take office as finance minister.
Minister of Finance
In 2009, Šimonytė was nominated to serve as finance minister in the
second cabinet of
prime minister
A prime minister or chief of cabinet is the head of the cabinet and the leader of the ministers in the executive branch of government, often in a parliamentary or semi-presidential system. A prime minister is not the head of state, but r ...
Andrius Kubilius, replacing
Algirdas Šemeta
Algirdas Gediminas Šemeta (born 23 April 1962) is a Lithuanian economist and politician.
Biography
A native of Vilnius, Algirdas Šemeta graduated in 1985 from Vilnius University's Faculty of Economic Cybernetics and Finance with a degree as ec ...
who had stepped down to become
European Commissioner for Budget and Administration
The European Commissioner for Budget and Administration is the member of the European Commission who is responsible for negotiating and managing the EU budget. The current commissioner is Piotr Serafin.
The portfolio is primarily responsible f ...
. Following her nomination, she was appointed by
President
President most commonly refers to:
*President (corporate title)
* President (education), a leader of a college or university
*President (government title)
President may also refer to:
Arts and entertainment Film and television
*'' Præsident ...
Valdas Adamkus
Valdas Adamkus (; born Voldemaras Adamkavičius; November 3, 1926) is a Lithuanian politician, diplomat and civil engineer who served as the fifth and seventh president of Lithuania from 1998 to 2003 and again from 2004 to 2009.
Adamku ...
to serve in the office. Upon taking office, Šimonytė was tasked with recovering the Lithuanian economy in the aftermath of the
Great Recession
The Great Recession was a period of market decline in economies around the world that occurred from late 2007 to mid-2009. , with Lithuania's
gross domestic product
Gross domestic product (GDP) is a monetary measure of the total market value of all the final goods and services produced and rendered in a specific time period by a country or countries. GDP is often used to measure the economic performanc ...
(GDP) having dipped 14.7% in 2009. While in the position, Šimonytė became one of the faces of the
austerity drive implemented by the government in order to improve the Lithuanian economy.
Šimonytė stepped down from her position as finance minister after the
2012 parliamentary election, where the incumbent government suffered defeat at the hands of the
Lithuanian Social Democratic Party and the incoming government of
Algirdas Butkevičius. Following her resignation, Šimonytė was appointed to serve as deputy chairperson of the board of the
Bank of Lithuania
The Bank of Lithuania () is the national central bank for Lithuania within the Eurosystem. It was the Lithuanian central bank from 1922 to 2014, albeit with a long suspension between 1940 and 1993. It issued the Lithuanian litas between 1922 ...
, a role she remained in until 2016, while also becoming a lecturer of economics at the
Vilnius University Institute of International Relations and Political Science, and of public finance at
ISM University of Management and Economics
ISM University of Management and Economics () is an institution of undergraduate, Graduate school, graduate and post-graduate education in business, management and economics. The university serves as a centre of market analysis, executive tra ...
.
Parliamentary career
In 2015, Šimonytė planned her return to politics after confirming her intention to stand as a candidate in the
2016 parliamentary election, aiming to represent the
Antakalnis constituency within
Vilnius
Vilnius ( , ) is the capital of and List of cities in Lithuania#Cities, largest city in Lithuania and the List of cities in the Baltic states by population, most-populous city in the Baltic states. The city's estimated January 2025 population w ...
. The seat had been held by former
prime minister
A prime minister or chief of cabinet is the head of the cabinet and the leader of the ministers in the executive branch of government, often in a parliamentary or semi-presidential system. A prime minister is not the head of state, but r ...
Andrius Kubilius, who opted not to run for reelection in the constituency. Considered to be a safe seat for the
Homeland Union, Šimonytė ran as an
independent candidate
An independent politician or non-affiliated politician is a politician not affiliated with any political party or bureaucratic association. There are numerous reasons why someone may stand for office as an independent.
Some politicians have polit ...
, but received electoral assistance from the Homeland Union.
In the election, Šimonytė was one of only three constituency candidates nationwide to win their elections without having to advance to a second round run-off election, having won 51.54% of the electorate within her constituency in the first round. Following her win, she took her seat in the
Seimas
The Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania (), or simply the Seimas ( ; ), is the unicameralism, unicameral legislative body of the Lithuania, Republic of Lithuania. The Seimas constitutes the legislative branch of Government of Lithuania, govern ...
.
After her election to the Seimas, Šimonytė joined the parliamentary group of the Homeland Union, despite being officially an independent politician. She was appointed to serve as the chairperson of the audit committee, while also serving on the
European affairs committee.
2019 presidential election
In 2018, Šimonytė announced her campaign for
president of Lithuania in the
2019 presidential election. Standing as an independent candidate, Šimonytė sought the nomination of the
Homeland Union political party, facing only
Vygaudas Ušackas for the nomination. She ultimately won the nomination, receiving 79% of the vote.
Going into the election as the Homeland Union candidate, Šimonytė was one of the favourites to win, continuously polling in a near-deadlocked tie for first with independent candidate
Gitanas Nausėda. The first round of the election was held on 12 May 2019, where Šimonytė narrowly placed first with 31.53% of the vote, ahead of Nausėda's 31.16%. The two subsequently advanced to a run-off election on 26 May, where Šimonytė was defeated by Nausėda after receiving only 33.47% of the vote; she had received fewer overall votes cast for her in the second round than she did in the first round, having received about 3,200 fewer votes, compared to Nausėda having received more than 400,000 more votes than he received in the first round.
Prime Minister of Lithuania (2020–2024)
2020 election
Following the 2019 presidential election, Šimonytė had emerged as an unofficial leader of the
Homeland Union and one of the most prominent politicians affiliated with the party, despite being officially an independent.
She stood for reelection to the
Seimas
The Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania (), or simply the Seimas ( ; ), is the unicameralism, unicameral legislative body of the Lithuania, Republic of Lithuania. The Seimas constitutes the legislative branch of Government of Lithuania, govern ...
in the
2020 parliamentary election, where she once again became one of only three constituency candidates nationwide to win their elections in the first round, this time having received more than 60% of the vote. Following the certification of the election results, it emerged that the Homeland Union had won a plurality of seats, overtaking the incumbent government led by the
Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union.
After the election a coalition was expected to be formed between the Homeland Union, the
Liberal Movement, and the
Freedom Party, with all three parties proposing Šimonytė to serve as
prime minister
A prime minister or chief of cabinet is the head of the cabinet and the leader of the ministers in the executive branch of government, often in a parliamentary or semi-presidential system. A prime minister is not the head of state, but r ...
. If confirmed, the government would be led by three women: Šimonytė, Liberal Movement leader
Viktorija Čmilytė
Viktorija may refer to:
* Viktorija (given name), including a list of people with this name
* Viktorija (singer), Serbian singer
See also
* Viktoriya
* Viktoria (disambiguation)
* Victoria (disambiguation)
* Viktor (disambiguation)
* Victor ...
, and Freedom Party leader
Aušrinė Armonaitė, following in the footsteps of the
Marin Cabinet in Finland.
On 9 November, the coalition agreement was signed between the Homeland Union, Liberal Movement, and Freedom Party, paving the way for Šimonytė to become prime minister. On 18 November, she announced the proposed makeup of her
cabinet. Šimonytė was appointed prime minister on 11 December 2020 by President
Gitanas Nausėda, becoming the second woman to serve in the role, following
Kazimira Prunskienė
Kazimira Danutė Prunskienė (; born 26 February 1943) is a Lithuanian politician who was the first prime minister of Lithuania after the declaration of independence on 11 March 1990, and then Minister of Agriculture in the government of Gedimin ...
.
2024 elections
In October 2023, Šimonytė announced that she would once again run for president in the
2024 presidential election, but lost again to incumbent President Nausėda.
Šimonytė's term as prime minister ended following her party's defeat to the
Social Democratic Party of Lithuania
The Social Democratic Party of Lithuania (, LSDP) is a centre-left and social democratic political party in Lithuania. Founded as an underground Marxist organisation in 1896, it is the oldest extant party in Lithuania. During the time of the ...
in the
2024 Lithuanian parliamentary election in October.
Domestic policy
COVID-19 pandemic
The government of Saulius Skvernelis held its last meeting on 9 December 2020, before the new cabinet is expected to assume office on Friday. Then, PM-designate Šimonytė urged the outgoing government to step up coronavirus measures.
Šimonytė's cabinet was sworn in and started working on 11 December 2020, when the number of cases reached 3067. Two days later, restrictions were put in place.
The vaccination program began on 27 December 2020, as in the rest of the
European Union
The European Union (EU) is a supranational union, supranational political union, political and economic union of Member state of the European Union, member states that are Geography of the European Union, located primarily in Europe. The u ...
. The first to receive the vaccine were healthcare professionals working with COVID-19 patients.
On 4 January, Lithuanian government confirmed backlog of 293 deaths that were previously unaccounted in statistic.
From 15 February, partial lifting of lockdown was made, including decision to re-open small shops and beauty salons. Later, wearing face masks no longer required outdoors.
On 17 March Health Minister
Arūnas Dulkys suspended the use of vaccine produced by British-Swedish company
AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca plc () (AZ) is a British-Swedish multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology company with its headquarters at the Cambridge Biomedical Campus in Cambridge, UK. It has a portfolio of products for major diseases in areas includi ...
. On 18 March the
European Medicines Agency
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is an agency of the European Union (EU) in charge of the evaluation and supervision of pharmaceutical products. Prior to 2004, it was known as the European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products ...
said the AstraZeneca vaccine is safe. On 22 March 2021, Šimonytė, Speaker of the Seimas Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen, and Health Minister Arūnas Dulkys also received the same vaccine.
Portfolio of strategic works (projects)
Based on the priority works of the Government's program, the portfolio of the Prime Minister's strategic projects has been compiled. The following five strategic works (projects) have been published in the Prime Minister's portfolio of strategic works (projects) as part of the reforms of the government term:
*restructurization of the civil service;
*educational program "Millennium Schools";
*EDtech digital transformation of education;
*creation of innovation ecosystems in science centers, innovation agencies and mission-based science and business innovation programs;
*creation of a long-term care service delivery model.
The Prime Minister's portfolio of strategic works (projects) also includes the commitment of the implementation plan of the Eighteenth Government Program to prepare the State Progress Strategy "Lithuania 2050" and seven more strategic works (projects) of public management, education and strategic infrastructure:
*Review of functions and optimal network of institutions (public management system).
*Public and administrative services (including their quality assurance in the regions).
*Financial planning of the government sector is oriented towards strategic goals.
*Sustainable interaction between culture and education (inclusion of culture and creativity in education).
*An effective system for increasing resilience to threats, crisis and emergency management.
*Secure electrical energy system (synchronization of the electrical energy system with the West and the blockade of the Astravo nuclear power plant).
*Development of strategic rail and road transport connections.
Foreign policy
Baltic States
On 1 January 2021, Šimonytė took over the presidency of the
Baltic Council of Ministers
The Baltic Council of Ministers (BCM) (, , ) is an institution for intergovernmental cooperation between the Baltic states: Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia established in 1994. It has decision-making powers only if representatives of all three Baltic ...
for a term of one year.
Belarus
During a meeting with
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya
Sviatlana Hieorhiyeuna Tsikhanouskaya (; born 11 September 1982) is a Belarusian political activist. After standing as a candidate in the 2020 presidential election against the president Alexander Lukashenko, she has led the political opposit ...
, Šimonytė emphasized that Lithuania seeks to further increase pressure on the Belarusian regime. Lithuania also supports the expansion of EU sanctions. During the meeting, the prime minister said:
<...> Release of political prisoners, end of repression, and free and democratic elections are the key steps that Belarusians are demanding. Lithuania and the entire democratic world demand the same.
China and Taiwan
Following the opening of the
Taiwanese Representative Office in Lithuania in 2021 which resulted in China downgrading
its relations with Lithuania, Šimonytė stated in an April 2022 interview with ''
The Economist
''The Economist'' is a British newspaper published weekly in printed magazine format and daily on Electronic publishing, digital platforms. It publishes stories on topics that include economics, business, geopolitics, technology and culture. M ...
'' that Lithuania does not regret the decision to strengthen its ties with Taiwan. She described
relationship between Taiwan and Lithuania as "vibrant and productive," emphasizing that it was a sovereign decision by Lithuania to enhance its connections with Taiwanese businesses and universities. In an October 2022 interview with ''
Nikkei Asia
''Nikkei Asia'', known as ''Nikkei Asian Review'' between 2013 and 2020, is a major Japan-based English-language weekly news magazine focused on the Asian continent, although it also covers broader international developments. It is headquartere ...
'', she stated that Lithuania's ties with Taiwan can contribute to significant development in industrial fields such as semiconductors and lasers.
Visits
International trips

;2021
* 3 June 2021: (
Brussels
Brussels, officially the Brussels-Capital Region, (All text and all but one graphic show the English name as Brussels-Capital Region.) is a Communities, regions and language areas of Belgium#Regions, region of Belgium comprising #Municipalit ...
), Šimonytė met with
Charles Michel
Charles Michel (; born 21 December 1975) is a Belgian politician who served as the president of the European Council from 2019 to 2024. He previously served as the Prime Minister of Belgium, prime minister of Belgium between 2014 and 2019. Miche ...
,
President of the European Council
The president of the European Council is the person presiding over and driving forward the work of the European Council on the world stage. This Institutions of the European Union, institution comprises the college of heads of state or governme ...
,
Ursula von der Leyen
Ursula Gertrud von der Leyen (; ; born 8 October 1958) is a German politician, serving as president of the European Commission since 2019. She served in the Cabinet of Germany, German federal government between 2005 and 2019, holding position ...
,
President of the European Commission
The president of the European Commission, also known as president of the College of Commissioners is the Head of government, head of the European Commission, the Executive (government), executive branch of the European Union (EU). The president ...
,
Manfred Weber
Manfred Weber (born 14 July 1972) is a German politician who has been serving as President of the European People's Party (EPP) since 2022 and as Leader of the EPP Group in the European Parliament since 2014. He has been a Member of the European ...
,
President of the European People's Party Group in the
European Parliament
The European Parliament (EP) is one of the two legislative bodies of the European Union and one of its seven institutions. Together with the Council of the European Union (known as the Council and informally as the Council of Ministers), it ...
,
Jens Stoltenberg
Jens Stoltenberg (; born 16 March 1959) is a Norwegian politician from the Labour Party. Since 2025, he has been the Minister of Finance in the Støre Cabinet. He has previously been the prime minister of Norway and secretary general of NATO.
...
,
Secretary General of NATO
The secretary general of NATO is the chief civil servant of the NATO, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), an intergovernmental military alliance with 32 member states. The officeholder is an international diplomat responsible for coordinat ...
, and
David Sassoli,
President of the European Parliament
The president of the European Parliament presides over the debates and activities of the European Parliament. They also represent the Parliament within the European Union (EU) and internationally. The president's signature is required for Euro ...
.
* 11–12 June 2021: , Šimonytė met with
Sebastian Kurz,
Chancellor of Austria
The chancellor of Austria, officially the federal chancellor of the Republic of Austria (), is the head of government of the Austria, Republic of Austria.
List of chancellors of Austria, Twenty-nine people have served as chancellor. The curre ...
and discussed the management of the COVID-19 pandemic, the situation in Russia and Belarus, bilateral relations, the European agenda, the Eastern Partnership program, the aspirations of the Western Balkans for integration into the European Union, and the unsafe
Astravets Nuclear Power Plant. Also Šimonytė met with
Wolfgang Sobotka,
President of the National Council, the Lithuanian community in Austria and attended the 25th
Europa-Forum Wachau file:Aerial image of the Göttweig Abbey (view from the southeast).jpg, Location of the "Europa-Forum Wachau"
The Europa-Forum Wachau is a discussion meeting that was first held in 1995 in Göttweig Abbey in Lower Austria. Since 1995, the meeting ha ...
, where she delivered a speech.
* 17–18 June 2021: (
Riga
Riga ( ) is the capital, Primate city, primate, and List of cities and towns in Latvia, largest city of Latvia. Home to 591,882 inhabitants (as of 2025), the city accounts for a third of Latvia's total population. The population of Riga Planni ...
), Šimonytė made an official visit to the Republic of Latvia and met with
Egils Levits
Egils Levits (born 30 June 1955) is a Latvian politician, lawyer, political scientist and jurist who served as the tenth president of Latvia from 2019 to 2023. He was a List of members of the European Court of Justice, member of the European Cour ...
,
President of Latvia
The president of Latvia ( ) is head of state and commander-in-chief of the Latvian National Armed Forces, National Armed Forces of the Latvia, Republic of Latvia.
The term of this office is four years. Before 1999, it was three years. The presi ...
,
Ināra Mūrniece,
Speaker of the Saeima
The Speaker of the Saeima (; literal translation, lit. "Chairperson of the Saeima") is the speaker (politics), presiding officer of the Parliament of Latvia, the Saeima.
If the President of Latvia resigns from office, dies or is removed from off ...
,
Krišjānis Kariņš
Arturs Krišjānis Kariņš (; born 13 December 1964) is a Latvian American politician who served as the prime minister of Latvia from 2019 until 2023. A linguist and businessman by profession, he previously served as Latvia's minister of Economic ...
,
Prime Minister of Latvia
The prime minister of Latvia () is the most powerful member of the Government of Latvia, who presides over the Latvian Cabinet of Ministers. The officeholder is nominated by the president of Latvia, but must be able to obtain the support of a p ...
. The meetings focused on the development of strategic bilateral relations, the EU-NATO agendas, the management of the COVID-19 pandemic and the facilitation of travel for citizens. The unsafe threat of the
Astravets NPP to all EU citizens, the implementation of strategic transport and energy projects were also discussed. Furthermore, the meetings focused on a unified response to the aggressive actions of Belarus and Russia, support for Ukraine, the strengthening of the Eastern Partnership initiative, and the challenges posed by China. The Prime Minister paid tribute to those who died for the freedom of Latvia and the victims of the Latvian occupation - laid flowers at the
Freedom Monument in Riga, paid tribute to the memory of the victims of the Soviet occupation at the
Memorial of the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia. During the visit, she also visited the Riga Lithuanian Secondary School and met with the Lithuanian community in Latvia.
* 1–2 July 2021: (
Tallinn
Tallinn is the capital city, capital and List of cities in Estonia, most populous city of Estonia. Situated on a Tallinn Bay, bay in north Estonia, on the shore of the Gulf of Finland of the Baltic Sea, it has a population of (as of 2025) and ...
), the PM made an official visit to the Republic of Estonia. The visit agenda included meetings with
prime minister of Estonia
The prime minister of Estonia () is the head of government of the Estonia, Republic of Estonia. The prime minister is nominated by the President of Estonia, president after appropriate consultations with the parliamentary factions and confirmed ...
Kaja Kallas and
Speaker of the Riigikogu Jüri Ratas. The meetings covered such items as possibilities of strengthening the bilateral relations and economic cooperation, coordination of national positions before important EU-NATO meetings, support for the Eastern Partnership countries, the security situation in the region, and Belarusian regime's weaponised illegal migration. She intends to raise the issue of the unsafe Astravyets NPP, and discussed the strategic energy and transport projects, and pandemic management. The prime minister Šimonytė also paid tribute to the victims of communism by laying flowers at the Memorial and met with the local Lithuanian community.
* 14–15 July 2021: (
Athens
Athens ( ) is the Capital city, capital and List of cities and towns in Greece, largest city of Greece. A significant coastal urban area in the Mediterranean, Athens is also the capital of the Attica (region), Attica region and is the southe ...
), Šimonytė met with
prime minister of Greece
The prime minister of the Hellenic Republic (), usually referred to as the prime minister of Greece (), is the head of government of the Greece, Hellenic Republic and the leader of the Cabinet of Greece, Greek Cabinet.
The officeholder's of ...
Kyriakos Mitsotakis
Kyriakos Mitsotakis (, ; born 4 March 1968) is a Greek politician currently serving as the prime minister of Greece since July 2019, except for a month between May and June 2023. Mitsotakis has been president of the New Democracy (Greece), New ...
,
Speaker of the Hellenic Parliament
The President of the Hellenic Parliament is the presiding officer of the Parliament of Greece. The president's term coincides with the term of the assembly,and is chosen by a vote during the opening session, after each legislative election. Fol ...
Konstantinos Tasoulas, also she visited
Operations Center of the Hellenic Coast Guard. The meetings focused on Greece's experience in managing illegal migration, discussed possible Greek expert support and training of Lithuanian officials in the implementation of asylum procedures in Lithuania, and also discussed were bilateral relations and opportunities for strengthening economic cooperation.
* 2–3 September 2021: (
Rome
Rome (Italian language, Italian and , ) is the capital city and most populated (municipality) of Italy. It is also the administrative centre of the Lazio Regions of Italy, region and of the Metropolitan City of Rome. A special named with 2, ...
,
Vatican
Vatican may refer to:
Geography
* Vatican City, an independent city-state surrounded by Rome, Italy
* Vatican Hill, in Rome, namesake of Vatican City
* Ager Vaticanus, an alluvial plain in Rome
* Vatican, an unincorporated community in the ...
), PM Šimonytė met with
prime minister of Italy
The prime minister of Italy, officially the president of the Council of Ministers (), is the head of government of the Italy, Italian Republic. The office of president of the Council of Ministers is established by articles 92–96 of the Co ...
Mario Draghi
Mario Draghi (; born 3 September 1947) is an Italian politician, economist, academic, banker, statesman, and civil servant, who served as the prime minister of Italy from 13 February 2021 to 22 October 2022. Prior to his appointment as prime mi ...
in Rome and discussed the strengthening of bilateral relations and economic cooperation, security, the situation in Afghanistan, Belarus and Russia, also the European Union's relations with China. The prime ministers focused on the irregular migration and the situation on the Lithuania-Belarus border. Together they also stressed the need to strengthen the transatlantic relations, discussed the possibilities of strengthening the bilateral relations, while particularly focusing on economic cooperation. EU challenges of illegal migration were also on the meeting agenda. The counterparts agreed that both Lithuania and Italy are strong supporters of European integration and that they care about the future of the EU, which should build on the principles of solidarity and strong European values. The situation in Afghanistan was also discussed at large, including the evacuation of Afghans who had helped Lithuania and Italy, the security situation in the country, the importance of the efforts of the international community in preventing a possible humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. The prime ministers of Lithuania and Italy also discussed the prospects for EU-China relations. PM Šimonytė noted that talks with China should take place in non-divisive for Europe formats. As part of her visit to Italy, the prime minister of Lithuania met also with the senior management of Italian life sciences companies and Lithuanian community in Italy. At the
Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna, the PM of Lithuania visited an exhibition of works by
Antonietta Raphaël Mafai, a well-known Litvak artist.
As part of the visit to Italy, prime minister Ingrida Šimonytė met with
Pope Francis
Pope Francis (born Jorge Mario Bergoglio; 17 December 1936 – 21 April 2025) was head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State from 13 March 2013 until Death and funeral of Pope Francis, his death in 2025. He was the fi ...
in
Vatican
Vatican may refer to:
Geography
* Vatican City, an independent city-state surrounded by Rome, Italy
* Vatican Hill, in Rome, namesake of Vatican City
* Ager Vaticanus, an alluvial plain in Rome
* Vatican, an unincorporated community in the ...
. This was the first meeting between the prime minister and the Pope. The prime minister thanked the Pope for his consistent attention to Lithuania and its people. PM Šimonytė also expressed support for the activities of the Holy See and of the Pope aimed at promoting peace in the world, advocating for greater respect for women, protection of the environment, and the principles of human dignity. Lithuania supports the actions of the Holy See in Ukraine, therefore, on behalf of Lithuania, the prime minister handed over 10 000 euros to the Pope for Ukraine Foundation. After the meeting with Pope Francis, she met with the
Secretary of State of Holy See Cardinal
Pietro Parolin
Pietro Parolin (, ; born 17 January 1955) is an Catholic Church in Italy, Italian Catholic prelate who has served as the Holy See, Vatican's Cardinal Secretary of State, Secretary of State since 2013, and has served as a member of the Council o ...
and with
Secretary for Relations with States of Holy See the Archbishop
Paul Richard Gallagher to discuss the bilateral relations and international policy.
PM Šimonytė also met with
Grand Chancellor of the Order of Malta Albrecht Freiherri von Boeselager in
Rome
Rome (Italian language, Italian and , ) is the capital city and most populated (municipality) of Italy. It is also the administrative centre of the Lazio Regions of Italy, region and of the Metropolitan City of Rome. A special named with 2, ...
to discuss the bilateral relations and the activities of the Order in Lithuania. The meeting also covered irregular migration across the Lithuania-Belarus border and the activities of the Order of Malta in this regard.
* 9 September 2021: (
Berlin
Berlin ( ; ) is the Capital of Germany, capital and largest city of Germany, by both area and List of cities in Germany by population, population. With 3.7 million inhabitants, it has the List of cities in the European Union by population withi ...
), PM Šimonytė met with
Chancellor of Austria
The chancellor of Austria, officially the federal chancellor of the Republic of Austria (), is the head of government of the Austria, Republic of Austria.
List of chancellors of Austria, Twenty-nine people have served as chancellor. The curre ...
Sebastian Kurz and
President of the European People's Party Group in the
European Parliament
The European Parliament (EP) is one of the two legislative bodies of the European Union and one of its seven institutions. Together with the Council of the European Union (known as the Council and informally as the Council of Ministers), it ...
Manfred Weber
Manfred Weber (born 14 July 1972) is a German politician who has been serving as President of the European People's Party (EPP) since 2022 and as Leader of the EPP Group in the European Parliament since 2014. He has been a Member of the European ...
, participated in discussions, and delivered a speech at the
EPP Conference on the Future of Europe.
* 17 September 2021: (
Warsaw
Warsaw, officially the Capital City of Warsaw, is the capital and List of cities and towns in Poland, largest city of Poland. The metropolis stands on the Vistula, River Vistula in east-central Poland. Its population is officially estimated at ...
), PM Šimonytė met with
prime minister of Poland
A prime number (or a prime) is a natural number greater than 1 that is not a product of two smaller natural numbers. A natural number greater than 1 that is not prime is called a composite number. For example, 5 is prime because the only wa ...
Mateusz Morawiecki
Mateusz Jakub Morawiecki (; born 20 June 1968) is a Polish economist, historian and politician who served as the prime minister of Poland between 2017 and 2023. A member of the Law and Justice (PiS) party, he previously served in the Cabinet of ...
,
Marshal of the Sejm
The Marshal of the Sejm (, ) is the speaker (chair) of the Sejm, the lower house of the Polish Parliament. The office traces its origins to the 15th century. In modern Poland, the full title is Marshal of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland (). ...
Elżbieta Witek, and
Marshal of the Senate Tomasz Grodzki. The prime ministers of Lithuania and Poland chaired the second intergovernmental meeting of the Lithuanian and Polish Governments attended by 9 Lithuanian Ministers and 6 Vice-Ministers. During the intergovernmental meeting, the prime ministers signed a joint declaration on the bilateral cooperation. The meetings sought opportunities to further strengthen Lithuanian-Polish bilateral cooperation, especially in areas such as security and defence, home affairs, economy, and energy. Implementation of strategic infrastructure projects and cooperation between the countries in the EU and NATO formats were discussed. The intergovernmental meeting discussed the importance of preserving the identity of national minorities as well as their contribution to the strengthening of bilateral relations. During her visit, prime minister Šimonytė visited
POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews, paid tribute to the memory of the Warsaw Ghetto fighters, and laid flowers at
Monument to the Fallen and Murdered in the East.
* 22–23 October 2021: (
Dubai
Dubai (Help:IPA/English, /duːˈbaɪ/ Help:Pronunciation respelling key, ''doo-BYE''; Modern Standard Arabic, Modern Standard Arabic: ; Emirati Arabic, Emirati Arabic: , Romanization of Arabic, romanized: Help:IPA/English, /diˈbej/) is the Lis ...
,
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is the capital city of the United Arab Emirates. The city is the seat of the Abu Dhabi Central Capital District, the capital city of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and the UAE's List of cities in the United Arab Emirates, second-most popu ...
), PM Šimonytė opened the Lithuanian National Day at
EXPO 2020 Dubai, and also the Business Forum of Lithuania and the UAE. The Lithuanian pavilion
EXPO 2020 Dubai was visited by
vice-president and prime minister of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh
Sheikh ( , , , , ''shuyūkh'' ) is an honorific title in the Arabic language, literally meaning "elder (administrative title), elder". It commonly designates a tribal chief or a Muslim ulama, scholar. Though this title generally refers to me ...
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (; born 15 July 1949) is an Emirati politician and royal who is the current ruler of Dubai, and serves as the Vice President of the United Arab Emirates, vice president and Prime Minister of the United Arab ...
, together with prime minister of Lithuania and
Minister for Economy and Innovation of Lithuania Aušrinė Armonaitė. Šimonytė also met with
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh
Sheikh ( , , , , ''shuyūkh'' ) is an honorific title in the Arabic language, literally meaning "elder (administrative title), elder". It commonly designates a tribal chief or a Muslim ulama, scholar. Though this title generally refers to me ...
Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of State and Director General of
Expo 2020
Expo 2020 () was a World Expo hosted in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022.
Originally scheduled for 20 October 2020 to 10 April 2021, it was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Ara ...
Reem Al Hashimi, and Minister of Economy
Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, to discuss the relevant issues in regional security, the situation in Afghanistan, and the UAE's relations with Israel. The prime minister brought forward the need to continue strengthening the bilateral relations, economic, and cultural cooperation. She also emphasized the importance of bilateral agreements for further development of the relations. Negotiations are under way on the promotion and protection of investment, mutual assistance in criminal matters, extradition, and the transfer of sentenced persons. The parties of the meeting also discussed Minsk regime-sponsored hybrid attack on Lithuania and the European Union. The national day of Lithuania at
EXPO 2020
Expo 2020 () was a World Expo hosted in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022.
Originally scheduled for 20 October 2020 to 10 April 2021, it was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Ara ...
ended with the
Vilnius City Opera, the
Lithuanian State Symphony Orchestra, and prominent Lithuanian opera singers. At the end of her visit to UAE, the prime minister of Lithuania met with members of the local Lithuanian community.
* 10 December 2021: (
Chișinău
Chișinău ( , , ; formerly known as Kishinev) is the Capital city, capital and List of cities and towns in Moldova, largest city of Moldova. The city is Moldova's main industrial and commercial centre, and is located in the middle of the coun ...
), during an official visit PM Šimonytė met with
prime minister of Moldova
The prime minister of Moldova () is Moldova's head of government. The prime minister is formally appointed by the president of Moldova and exercises executive power along with the Cabinet of Moldova, cabinet, subject to Parliament of Moldova, p ...
Natalia Gavrilița
Natalia Gavrilița (; born 21 September 1977) is a Moldovan economist and politician who served as prime minister of Moldova from 2021 until her resignation in February 2023 after failure to get her reform package enacted. ,
president of Moldova
The president of the Republic of Moldova () is the head of state of Moldova. The current president is Maia Sandu, who assumed office on 24 December 2020.
Duties and functions
The president "represents the State" and is "…the guarantor of n ...
Maia Sandu
Maia Sandu (; born 24 May 1972) is a Moldovan politician who is serving as the sixth president of Moldova since 2020. She is the founder and former leader of the Party of Action and Solidarity and was Prime Minister of Moldova, prime minister o ...
, and
President of the Moldovan Parliament
The president of the parliament of Moldova () is the speaker (politics), presiding officer of the parliament of Moldova. The current president of the Parliament is Igor Grosu since 29 July 2021.
History Moldavian Democratic Republic
Moldavia ...
Igor Grosu
Igor Grosu (born 30 November 1972) is a Moldova, Moldovan politician who is the President of the Moldovan Parliament, President of the Parliament of Moldova since 29 July 2021. He has been a member of the Parliament of Moldova, Moldovan Parliamen ...
. In the meeting with the prime minister of Moldova, PM Šimonytė of Lithuania expressed support for the reforms undertaken by the Moldovan Government and its aspiration to move closer towards the EU. Šimonytė also emphasised that the implementation of the EU-Moldova Association Agreement, including its part on a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, also contributes to these ambitious goals. The counterparts discussed areas where Lithuania could step up its support for Moldova through shared expertise and closer inter-institutional cooperation, namely energy, reforming of justice and home affairs, anti-corruption, the environment, and others. During the visit, the Lithuanian and Moldovan Deputy Foreign Ministers signed a memorandum of understanding on strengthening Moldova's institutional capacity and governance. Lithuania will provide 350 thousand euros for the implementation of this memorandum.
In the meeting with President of Moldova Maia Sandu, prime minister Šimonytė talked over the reforms, the regional security, co-operation with the EU, and the prospects of the Eastern Partnership policy in the context of the forthcoming Eastern Partnership Summit. The Prime Minister of Lithuania welcomed Moldova's ambitious attitude as regards the future of this policy, while encouraging to continue the joint efforts between Moldova, Ukraine and Sakartvelo towards closer dialogue with the EU.
In her meeting with Speaker of the Moldovan Parliament Igor Grosu, the prime minister of Lithuania once again thanked the Moldovan Parliament for having been the first to recognise the restoration of the independent state of Lithuania 30 years ago. Šimonytė pointed out the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in gaining international support for Moldova's reform processes.
Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė also participated in discussion with Lithuanian experts working in Moldova and together with the Prime Minister of Moldova opened an honorary consulate of the Republic of Lithuania.
;2022
* 7–8 February 2022: (
London
London is the Capital city, capital and List of urban areas in the United Kingdom, largest city of both England and the United Kingdom, with a population of in . London metropolitan area, Its wider metropolitan area is the largest in Wester ...
), during a working visit the PM met with
prime minister of the United Kingdom
The prime minister of the United Kingdom is the head of government of the United Kingdom. The prime minister Advice (constitutional law), advises the Monarchy of the United Kingdom, sovereign on the exercise of much of the Royal prerogative ...
Boris Johnson
Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson (born 19 June 1964) is a British politician and writer who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Leader of the Conservative Party (UK), Leader of the Conservative Party from 2019 to 2022. He wa ...
and
UK Secretary of State for Defence Ben Wallace. One topic discussed in the meetings was the security situation in Europe amidst tensions caused by Russia's military build-up along the borders with Ukraine and Belarus. The parties also talked about diplomatic de-escalation efforts, the reinforcement of NATO's eastern flank, assistance to Ukraine, and sanctions against Russia and Belarus. The bilateral trade, economic relations and closer partnership at all levels were also among the items of the meetings' agendas between the prime ministers of Lithuania and the United Kingdom. During the visit to London, PM Šimonytė also addressed the annual event of the German Symposium at the
London School of Economics
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), established in 1895, is a public research university in London, England, and a member institution of the University of London. The school specialises in the social sciences. Founded ...
, participated in a roundtable discussion with experts from the research institute
Chatham House
The Royal Institute of International Affairs, also known as Chatham House, is a British think tank based in London, England. Its stated mission is "to help governments and societies build a sustainably secure, prosperous, and just world". It ...
, and met with the Lithuanian community in the UK.
* 10–11 February 2022: (
Kyiv
Kyiv, also Kiev, is the capital and most populous List of cities in Ukraine, city of Ukraine. Located in the north-central part of the country, it straddles both sides of the Dnieper, Dnieper River. As of 1 January 2022, its population was 2, ...
,
Luhansk Oblast
Luhansk Oblast (; ), also referred to as Luhanshchyna (), is the easternmost Administrative divisions of Ukraine, oblast (province) of Ukraine. Its administrative center is the city of Luhansk. The oblast was established in 1938 and bore the n ...
), PM Šimonytė paid an official visit to Ukraine. In the meetings in Kyiv with
President of Ukraine
The president of Ukraine (, ) is the head of state of Ukraine. The president represents the nation in international relations, administers the foreign political activity of the state, conducts negotiations and concludes international treaties. ...
Volodymyr Zelensky
Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy (born 25 January 1978) is a Ukrainian politician and former entertainer who has served as the sixth and current president of Ukraine since 2019. He took office five years after the start of the Russo-Ukraini ...
,
Prime Minister of Ukraine
The prime minister of Ukraine (, , ) is the head of government of Ukraine. The prime minister presides over the government of Ukraine, Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, which is the highest body of the executive branch of the government of Ukrain ...
Denys Shmyhal and
Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada
The chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine () is the presiding officer of the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine
Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the List of European countries by area, second-largest country in Europe after Russi ...
Ruslan Stefanchuk
Ruslan Oleksiyovych Stefanchuk (; born 29 October 1975) is a Ukrainian politician and lawyer serving as the chairman of the Verkhovna Rada since October 2021.
Stefanchuk was touted as the ideologue of Volodymyr Zelenskyy's election campaign in ...
, topics discussed included the tense security situation amid the mounting pressure from Russia on Ukraine's eastern and northern borders. Lithuania's support for Ukraine was also discussed. PM Šimonytė of Lithuania has emphasised that Lithuania and Ukraine have enjoyed the strategic partnership strengthened by the shared history and the common need to withstand challenges. She also thanked Ukraine for its helping hand when Lithuania found itself on the frontline of Lukashenka's hybrid aggression. Prime Minister Šimonytė pointed out that Lithuania has always supported Ukraine and will continue to do so in the face of the threats posed by Russia. Lithuania is also increasing the number of military instructors as part of the Lithuanian military training mission in Ukraine and resuming the rehabilitation of Ukrainian soldiers in Lithuania. On the second day of the visit, the prime ministers of Lithuania and Ukraine visited the Luhansk region.
* 26 November 2022: (
Kyiv
Kyiv, also Kiev, is the capital and most populous List of cities in Ukraine, city of Ukraine. Located in the north-central part of the country, it straddles both sides of the Dnieper, Dnieper River. As of 1 January 2022, its population was 2, ...
), Šimonytė attended a summit launching the "Grain from Ukraine" initiative, which aims to export Ukrainian grain to countries vulnerable to famine and drought, along with prime minister of Belgium
Alexander De Croo
Alexander De Croo (; born 3 November 1975) is a Belgian politician and businessman who served as Prime Minister of Belgium from 2020 to 2025. Previously from 2012 to 2020, De Croo served as deputy prime minister in the governments of Elio Di Rup ...
, prime minister of Poland
Mateusz Morawiecki
Mateusz Jakub Morawiecki (; born 20 June 1968) is a Polish economist, historian and politician who served as the prime minister of Poland between 2017 and 2023. A member of the Law and Justice (PiS) party, he previously served in the Cabinet of ...
, president of Hungary
Katalin Novák, and president of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Welcomed delegations
* 26 January 2021: , Šimonytė met with Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Dr
Petar Rajič
Petar Antun Rajič (born 12 June 1959) is a Croatian/Canadian prelate of the Catholic Church who has worked in the diplomatic service of the Holy See since 1993. He was named Apostolic Nuncio to Apostolic Nunciature to Italy, Italy and Apostolic ...
.
* 29 January 2021: , she met with Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, leader of democratic society in Belarus, to discuss the political situation in Belarus and Lithuania's further support to the people of Belarus.
[Prime Minister discusses situation in Belarus with Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya ](_blank)
/ref>
* 3 March 2021: , Šimonytė met with Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid
Kersti Kaljulaid (; born 30 December 1969) is an Estonia, Estonian politician who served as the fifth president of Estonia between 2016 and 2021, and was its first and only female head of state since the country declared independence in 1918. S ...
to discuss the management of the pandemic, economic recovery, and digital and green agendas.
* 7 March 2021: , Šimonytė met with Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain Arancha González Laya to discuss the pandemic management and the development of bilateral relations.
* 23 April 2021: , PM Šimonytė met with deputy prime minister for European Integration of North Macedonia
North Macedonia, officially the Republic of North Macedonia, is a landlocked country in Southeast Europe. It shares land borders with Greece to the south, Albania to the west, Bulgaria to the east, Kosovo to the northwest and Serbia to the n ...
Nikola Dimitrov to discuss the country's EU integration process and bilateral relations.
* 2 May 2021: , She met with Prime Minister of Poland
A prime number (or a prime) is a natural number greater than 1 that is not a product of two smaller natural numbers. A natural number greater than 1 that is not prime is called a composite number. For example, 5 is prime because the only wa ...
Mateusz Morawiecki
Mateusz Jakub Morawiecki (; born 20 June 1968) is a Polish economist, historian and politician who served as the prime minister of Poland between 2017 and 2023. A member of the Law and Justice (PiS) party, he previously served in the Cabinet of ...
and discussed bilateral cooperation and strategic partnership.
* 12 May 2021: , Šimonytė met with President of the National Assembly of Armenia
The president of the National Assembly of Armenia () is the Speaker (politics), speaker of the house in the National Assembly (Armenia), Parliament of Armenia. The incumbent speaker is Alen Simonyan, since 2 August 2021.
Predecessors of the Na ...
Ararat Mirzoyan and the parliamentary delegation, and discussed bilateral cooperation, democratic reforms, Armenia-EU relations, and the fight against COVID-19.
* 31 May 2021: , Šimonytė met with European Commissioner for Internal Market
The Commissioner for Internal Market is a member of the European Commission. The post is currently held by Stéphane Séjourné, appointed on December 2024.
Responsibilities
The portfolio concerns the development of the 480-million-strong Europ ...
Thierry Breton
Thierry Breton (; born 15 January 1955) is a French-Senegalese business executive, politician, writer and former Commissioner for Internal Market of the European Union from 2019 to 2024. Breton was vice-chairman and CEO of Groupe Bull (1996–19 ...
and has presented Lithuania's life sciences potential.
* 4 June 2021: , she met with First Vice-President of the European Commission, Executive Vice President of the European Commission for the European Green Deal Frans Timmermans
Franciscus Cornelis Gerardus Maria Timmermans (; born 6 May 1961) is a Dutch politician who served as Executive Vice President of the European Commission for the European Green Deal and European Commissioner for Climate Action in the von der ...
and discussed environmental issues, European Green Deal
The European Green Deal, approved in 2020, is a set of policy initiatives by the European Commission with the overarching aim of making the European Union (EU) climate neutral in 2050. The plan is to review each existing law on its climate meri ...
.
* 10 June 2021: , the PM met with Vice President of the European Commission for Values and Transparency Věra Jourová and discussed the EU's efforts to combat disinformation, the deteriorating media and human rights situation in Belarus and Russia, and support for the Eastern Partnership countries in this area.
* 2 July 2021: , she met with President of the European Commission
The president of the European Commission, also known as president of the College of Commissioners is the Head of government, head of the European Commission, the Executive (government), executive branch of the European Union (EU). The president ...
Ursula von der Leyen
Ursula Gertrud von der Leyen (; ; born 8 October 1958) is a German politician, serving as president of the European Commission since 2019. She served in the Cabinet of Germany, German federal government between 2005 and 2019, holding position ...
and discussed the EC's assessment of the national recovery and resilience plan ‘Next Generation Lithuania’, economic recovery of the European Union (EU), efforts to control the COVID-19 pandemic, and EU's response to the challenges posed by the Belarusian regime. There was an exchange of views on the rapidly spreading COVID-19 Delta mutation and the resulting risks in the fight against the pandemic, the pace of economic recovery in the EU, and the risk of inflation. Prime Minister Šimonytė and President of the EC von der Leyen have also discussed the unprecedented illegal migration organised by the Belarusian regime across the Lithuanian-Belarusian border. The prime minister thanked the EC and other EU institutions for their support in sending officials and planning additional funding for reinforced control of the EU's external borders. They also visited Vilnius transformer substation where together with President of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda they presented the national recovery and resilience plan ‘Next Generation Lithuania’.
* 3 July 2021: , Prime Minister Šimonytė met with Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Toshimitsu Motegi and discussed ways to strengthen the bilateral strategic ties and political and economic cooperation, also the latest developments in the European Union's Eastern neighbourhood and in the Indian Pacific regions. The parties have brought up the need for closer cooperation, particularly in the context of the growing geopolitical and security tensions in the neighbourhood of both Lithuania and Japan. They have also discussed synchronisation, energy and Rail Baltica. Other items discussed have included the illegal migration weaponised by the Belarusian regime, propaganda-posed challenges, and initiatives to commemorate Sugihara.
* 6 July 2021: , the PM met with President of the European Council
The president of the European Council is the person presiding over and driving forward the work of the European Council on the world stage. This Institutions of the European Union, institution comprises the college of heads of state or governme ...
Charles Michel
Charles Michel (; born 21 December 1975) is a Belgian politician who served as the president of the European Council from 2019 to 2024. He previously served as the Prime Minister of Belgium, prime minister of Belgium between 2014 and 2019. Miche ...
. They visited the Lithuanian-Belarusian border to see the border surveillance system, met with representatives of the Frontex mission and also visited the premises of temporary isolation of illegal migrants at the Border Guard School in Medininkai. The Prime Minister thanked Charles Michel for his time to visit the EU external border, which now must cope with the increasing flows of illegal migration schemed by the Belarusian authorities.
* 7 July 2021: , she met with prime minister of Ukraine
The prime minister of Ukraine (, , ) is the head of government of Ukraine. The prime minister presides over the government of Ukraine, Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, which is the highest body of the executive branch of the government of Ukrain ...
Denys Shmyhal and discussed prospects for bilateral cooperation. The Foreign Ministers of both countries also joined the meeting. Prime Minister Šimonytė reiterated that Lithuania has been firmly and consistently supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russia's aggression, and Ukraine's European and Euro-Atlantic integration aspirations, and that it stands ready to continue sharing experience and expertise as Ukraine carries on with reforms. On Ukraine's European aspirations, the importance of closer cooperation and coordination between the three associated partners, Ukraine, Sakartvelo and Moldova, was pointed out. The parties also discussed NATO's partnership with Ukraine and Ukraine's contribution to the Euro-Atlantic security. On the bilateral economic relations, the parties noted that there is still room for improvement in not only the traditional but also innovative sectors of the economy. Lithuanian business is particularly interested in taking further relations with Ukraine. The counterparts also touched upon the deteriorating situation in Belarus and A. Lukashenko's hybrid aggression waged against Lithuania. The prime minister thanked Ukraine for the decisions made by Rada and Ukraine's State Regulatory Commission for Energy and Utilities to curb electricity imports from Russia and Belarus. PM Šimonytė of Lithuania expressed hope that this decision will be long-lasting and underlined that through solidarity shown in this respect, together they will undermine Belarusian regime's schemes to profit from the unsafe NPP, and will also bring down Russia's influence in the region.
* 8 July 2021: , Šimonytė met with prime minister of the Kingdom of Spain Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón. The items covered included the Lithuanian-Spanish bilateral relations; economic cooperation; cooperation on EU, NATO and security issues; the situation in Belarus and Russia; illegal migration; threats posed by unsafe Astravets NPP, and EU relations with its southern and eastern neighbours. On economic cooperation, the counterparts agreed about the need to focus more on life sciences, high technologies, green energy, along with the traditional industries. Prime Minister Šimonytė thanked the Prime Minister Sánchez for Spain's contribution to the Baltic security. The Prime Ministers talked about Belarusian regime-facilitated flow of illegal migrants posing a threat to the entire EU. The Lithuanian Prime Minister has pointed out that Belarusian regime's unpredictability has further highlighted the problem of the unsafe Astravets NPP. Also, the prime ministers discussed the significantly deteriorating human-rights situation in Belarus and Russia, and the challenges posed by China. The counterparts have talked about the forthcoming Eastern Partnership Summit and agreed about the need to strengthen EU's relations with its southern and eastern neighbours. Both prime ministers had a brief tour of Vilnius University.
* 2 August 2021: , the PM met with European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson and discussed the situation and the European Commission's assistance in the face of the steady increase, with the assistance of the regime, in the flow of irregular migrants through Belarus to Lithuania. PM Šimonytė has noted the deteriorating situation, which calls for urgent decisions at both national and EU level and stressed that in the last two days alone, almost half a thousand irregular migrants had crossed the border. It was agreed at the meeting that joint efforts should first and foremost focus on reducing migratory flows, returning irregular migrants to their countries of origin, and urging Iraq to comply with its international obligations. Also prime minister of Lithuania noted that Lithuania is bearing a significant financial burden. Hence possibilities of financial assistance from the European Commission, including technical assistance in installing border surveillance and control systems, were discussed at the meeting with Commissioner Johansson. According to Šimonytė, Lithuania is doing its utmost to ensure that irregular migrants are promptly detained and that no new transit route is created. The necessary legislative changes have been adopted to allow all planned asylum procedures to be carried out without delay. The meeting emphasised the need to prevent human trafficking, dismantle irregular migration networks, and deter migrants from attempting to cross the EU's external border illegally. Furthermore, PM Šimonytė emphasised that the Government does not see any alternative to creating a physical barrier.
* 13 August 2021: , the PM met with Secretary of State of the Holy See Pietro Parolin
Pietro Parolin (, ; born 17 January 1955) is an Catholic Church in Italy, Italian Catholic prelate who has served as the Holy See, Vatican's Cardinal Secretary of State, Secretary of State since 2013, and has served as a member of the Council o ...
for a tête-à-tête meeting. The Prime Minister and the Cardinal Secretary of State discussed the Lithuanian-Vatican bilateral cooperation and the human rights situation in Belarus. The prime minister emphasised during the conversation that Lithuania supports the call by the Church for a peaceful and just solution to the situation in Belarus, based on sincere dialogue, rejection of violence, and respect for justice as well as fundamental human and civil rights. The meeting addressed also the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Belarusian regime-sponsored irregular migration to the EU, the situation in the occupied Crimea and Donbas, support for Taiwan, and relations with China.
* 18 August 2021: , the PM met with President of the European Parliament
The president of the European Parliament presides over the debates and activities of the European Parliament. They also represent the Parliament within the European Union (EU) and internationally. The president's signature is required for Euro ...
David Sassoli to discuss irregular migration from Belarus to Lithuania and the European Union initiatives in this regard. In the meeting it was agreed that pressure on the Belarusian regime should continue to grow, and that EU sectorial sanctions should continue to be applied. It is also necessary to extend personal sanctions to all those directly and indirectly involved in the organisation of illegal migration flows. The meeting focused on strengthening the Eastern Partnership, as well as the forthcoming Eastern Partnership Summit. Prime Minister Šimonytė assured President of the European Parliament Sassoli that Lithuania is ready to work to strengthen the strategic content of the Eastern Partnership and to offer motivating objectives to the Eastern Partners. Participants in the meeting also discussed the European integration of the Western Balkans and the situation in Afghanistan.
* 4 September 2021: Lithuania's PM met with Margaritis Schinas Vice-President of European Commission for Promoting our European Way of Life, and discussed migration and other matters on the European Union agenda. The meeting focused on the New Pact on Migration and Asylum. They visited the Belarus-Lithuania border, met with the executive director of European Border and Coast Guard Agency (FRONTEX) Fabrice Leggeri, representatives of the mission, and officials of the European Asylum Support Office (EASO), and saw a camp for irregular migrants at the Border Guard School in Medininkai.
* 6 September 2021: , Lithuania's PM met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland Zbigniew Rau and discussed the bilateral relations and economic cooperation and ways to strengthen them; the development of joint infrastructure projects; Lithuania-Poland cooperation to address regional security issues and the challenges of irregular migration; also Eastern Partnership, and the European Union's relations with Russia. Russia's aggressive policies have been discussed as well.
* 7 September 2021: , Lithuania's PM met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic
The minister of foreign affairs of the Czech Republic () is a senior official of the Government of the Czech Republic, and as the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Czech Republic), Ministry of Foreign Affairs is concerned with Foreign relat ...
Jakub Kulhánek and discussed bilateral economic co-operation and ways to strengthen it; also tourism, regional security, the co-operation between the countries in the fight against irregular migration, and the importance of EU solidarity in response to Russia's malicious actions. The parties have discussed the EU's migration and asylum policy and the need to strengthen the protection of the EU's external borders.
* 24 September 2021: , PM Simonyte met with First Vice-President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola
Roberta Metsola (; ; born 18 January 1979) is a Malta, Maltese politician who has served as the president of the European Parliament since January 2022. She is a member of Malta's Nationalist Party (Malta), Nationalist Party (PN) and the European ...
and discussed measures to combat the hybrid attack by Belarus against the EU, challenges posed by irregular migration used by authoritarian regimes, the European Green Deal, and other policy matters.
* 29 September 2021: , PM Simonyte met with President of the European Court of Auditors Klaus-Heiner Lehne and Member of the European Court of Auditors Rimantas Šadžius to discuss, among other issues, the current report, the conclusions of which are as never before responsive to the challenges currently faced by Lithuania, which is currently subjected to a hybrid attack of artificially construed flows of irregular migrants.
* 30 September 2021: , PM Simonyte met with Her Royal Highness Mary, Crown Princess of Denmark
Mary (born Mary Elizabeth Donaldson; 5 February 1972) is List of Danish royal consorts, Queen of Denmark as the wife of King Frederik X.
Mary met Frederik (then Crown Prince of Denmark) while attending the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney. Wedd ...
. Great potential for cooperation has been noted in high value-added production, biotechnology (vaccine development), life sciences, alternative fuel sources, science and studies, and culture. With regard to COVID-19 challenges, rapid vaccination rollout has been pointed out as a key priority. It was also pointed out that the support and assistance of the closest partners has significantly helped to cope with the migration crisis on the Lithuanian-Belarusian border, noting Denmark's support in particular.
* 4 October 2021: , Lithuania's PM met with prime minister of Armenia
The prime minister of Armenia () is the head of government and most senior minister within the Government of Armenia, Armenian government, and is required by the constitution to "determine the main directions of policy of the Government, manage ...
Nikol Pashinyan
Nikol Vovayi Pashinyan (born 1 June 1975) is an Armenian politician who is serving as the 16th and current Prime Minister of Armenia, prime minister of Armenia since 8 May 2018. A journalist by profession, Pashinyan founded his own newspaper in ...
and his delegation while on an official visit to Lithuania. During the meeting, further prospects for Lithuanian-Armenian bilateral relations, the European Union-Armenia cooperation, regional matters, and preparation for the Eastern Partnership Summit, to be held on 15 December 2021, were discussed. Particular attention was paid to strengthening bilateral cooperation in the field of health. On the margins of the meeting, the Lithuanian and Armenian Ministers of Health signed a cooperation agreement.
* 20 October 2021: , The Prime Minister met with president of the Republic of Poland
The president of Poland ( ), officially the president of the Republic of Poland (), is the head of state of Poland. His or her prerogatives and duties are determined in the Constitution of Poland. The president jointly exercises the executiv ...
Andrzej Duda
Andrzej Sebastian Duda (born 16 May 1972) is a Polish lawyer and politician who has served as the sixth president of Poland since 2015. Before becoming president, he served as a Member of the Sejm from 2011 to 2014 and before becoming Member of ...
. The Prime Minister expressed her delight at the fact that the meeting took place to commemorate the 230th anniversary of the Mutual Pledge of the Two Nations, and that Poland and Lithuania are more and more often celebrating the mutually important dates together. Šimonytė also thanked the President of Poland for the assistance in combating the ongoing hybrid attack at the borders and for the excellent cooperation between the border and other services in addressing the challenges at the European Union's external border. The prime minister of Lithuania and the President of Poland have discussed the importance of cooperation between the two countries in the field of defence and security and within the EU. Their meeting focused on the implementation of the strategic infrastructure projects (synchronisation of electricity networks, gas connections, Rail Baltica, Via Baltica, and Via Carpathia
Via Carpathia (also Via Carpatia) is a under construction transnational highway network connecting Klaipėda in Lithuania with Thessaloniki in Greece. It is currently planned to open in 2025. The route largely runs through the Carpathian Mountains ...
).
Political stances
Foreign policy
In October 2018, during a debate on foreign policy for the Homeland Union nomination in the 2019 presidential election, Šimonytė stated that if elected president, she would increase funding for national security and defense. She has referred to Russia
Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a country spanning Eastern Europe and North Asia. It is the list of countries and dependencies by area, largest country in the world, and extends across Time in Russia, eleven time zones, sharing Borders ...
as a "state that has broken all international agreements", and called Russia a threat to European security. Additionally, Šimonytė has referred to Poland
Poland, officially the Republic of Poland, is a country in Central Europe. It extends from the Baltic Sea in the north to the Sudetes and Carpathian Mountains in the south, bordered by Lithuania and Russia to the northeast, Belarus and Ukrai ...
as an ally, and has encouraged improving relations between the two countries. She said that Russia offers its Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine
Sputnik V (, the brand name from the Russian Direct Investment Fund or RDIF) or Gam-COVID-Vac (, the name under which it is legally registered and produced) is an Adenoviridae, adenovirus viral vector vaccine COVID-19 vaccine, for COVID-19 de ...
"to the world as another hybrid weapon to divide and rule."
Šimonytė supports scientific data on climate change
Present-day climate change includes both global warming—the ongoing increase in Global surface temperature, global average temperature—and its wider effects on Earth's climate system. Climate variability and change, Climate change in ...
, and referred to Donald Trump
Donald John Trump (born June 14, 1946) is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who is the 47th president of the United States. A member of the Republican Party (United States), Republican Party, he served as the 45 ...
's decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement
The Paris Agreement (also called the Paris Accords or Paris Climate Accords) is an international treaty on climate change that was signed in 2016. The treaty covers climate change mitigation, adaptation, and finance. The Paris Agreement was ...
as a "mistake".
Šimonytė's new ruling coalition has agreed to defend "those fighting for freedom" in Taiwan
Taiwan, officially the Republic of China (ROC), is a country in East Asia. The main geography of Taiwan, island of Taiwan, also known as ''Formosa'', lies between the East China Sea, East and South China Seas in the northwestern Pacific Ocea ...
, suggesting that Lithuania's relations with China
China, officially the People's Republic of China (PRC), is a country in East Asia. With population of China, a population exceeding 1.4 billion, it is the list of countries by population (United Nations), second-most populous country after ...
would not be a priority for her government.
In June 2023, during a visit to Israel
Israel, officially the State of Israel, is a country in West Asia. It Borders of Israel, shares borders with Lebanon to the north, Syria to the north-east, Jordan to the east, Egypt to the south-west, and the Mediterranean Sea to the west. Isr ...
, she urged Israel to join the anti-Russian coalition of Western countries. She said that the Holocaust
The Holocaust (), known in Hebrew language, Hebrew as the (), was the genocide of History of the Jews in Europe, European Jews during World War II. From 1941 to 1945, Nazi Germany and Collaboration with Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy ...
was "an indescribable trauma upon Lithuania, leaving lasting scars that persist even to this day."
In April 2024, the Lithuanian government considered repatriating Ukrainian men of military age living in Lithuania to Ukraine to be drafted into the Ukrainian army. Šimonytė voiced support for the repatriation of military-age Ukrainian men to Ukraine.
Domestic policy
Šimonytė has stated that she did not oppose the introduction of same-sex civil unions to Lithuania, which attracted the support of LGBT rights activists. Additionally, Šimonytė stated that while she would never have an abortion
Abortion is the early termination of a pregnancy by removal or expulsion of an embryo or fetus. Abortions that occur without intervention are known as miscarriages or "spontaneous abortions", and occur in roughly 30–40% of all pregnan ...
herself, she would not condemn women who choose to do so.
Šimonytė was criticized by the Jewish community in Lithuania after she opposed removing a plaque to Jonas Noreika
Jonas Noreika (8 October 1910 – 26 February 1947), also known by his post-war nom de guerre Generolas Vėtra (), was a Lithuanian anti-Soviet partisan, military officer, and Nazi collaborator.
In July 1941, he was the leader of the Lithuan ...
, who had signed the declaration to establish Jewish ghettos
In the Jewish diaspora, a Jewish quarter (also known as jewry, ''juiverie'', ''Judengasse'', Jewynstreet, Jewtown, Judería or proto-ghetto) is the area of a city traditionally inhabited by Jews. Jewish quarters, like the Jewish ghettos in Euro ...
in Lithuania during the German occupation of Lithuania in 1941.
Personal life
In addition to her native Lithuanian, Šimonytė also speaks English, Polish, and Russian
Russian(s) may refer to:
*Russians (), an ethnic group of the East Slavic peoples, primarily living in Russia and neighboring countries
*A citizen of Russia
*Russian language, the most widely spoken of the Slavic languages
*''The Russians'', a b ...
, as well as basic-level Swedish. She is unmarried and has no children. The Good Soldier Švejk
''The Good Soldier Švejk'' () is an unfinished satirical dark comedy novel by Czech writer Jaroslav Hašek, published in 1921–1923, about a good-humored, simple-minded, middle-aged man who appears to be enthusiastic to serve Austria-Hungary i ...
, a satirical
Satire is a genre of the visual arts, visual, literature, literary, and performing arts, usually in the form of fiction and less frequently Nonfiction, non-fiction, in which vices, follies, abuses, and shortcomings are held up to ridicule, ...
dark comedy
Black comedy, also known as black humor, bleak comedy, dark comedy, dark humor, gallows humor or morbid humor, is a style of comedy that makes light of subject matter that is generally considered taboo, particularly subjects that are normally ...
by Czech
Czech may refer to:
* Anything from or related to the Czech Republic, a country in Europe
** Czech language
** Czechs, the people of the area
** Czech culture
** Czech cuisine
* One of three mythical brothers, Lech, Czech, and Rus
*Czech (surnam ...
writer Jaroslav Hašek
Jaroslav Hašek (; 1883–1923) was a Czechs, Czech writer, Humorism, humorist, Satire, satirist, journalist, Bohemianism, bohemian, first anarchist and then communist, and commissar of the Red Army against the Czechoslovak Legion. He is best k ...
, is one of Šimonytė's favorite books, whose characters she has often publicly quoted during her political career.
Honours and awards
Honours
National honours
* : Officer's Cross of the Order of Vytautas the Great
The Order of Vytautas the Great () is the Lithuanian Presidential Award.''Lietuvos Respublikos Konstitucija. 84 straipsnis''. Priimta 1992 It may be conferred on the heads of Lithuania and foreign states, as well as their citizens, for distinguish ...
(16 February 2015)
Awards
* „Baltoji banga“ award for 'transparent and accountable activity' (2012)
* Delfi
Delfi (occasionally capitalized as DELFI) is a news website in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania providing daily news, ranging from gardening to politics. It ranks as one of the most popular websites among Baltic users.
Delfi operates in the re ...
Women of the Year 2019 (Politics) (26 July 2019)
* Delfi Women of the Year 2020 (Politics) (19 August 2020)
References
External links
Official biography of PM Ingrida Šimonytė
{{DEFAULTSORT:Simonyte, Ingrida
1974 births
21st-century Lithuanian politicians
21st-century Lithuanian women politicians
Independent politicians in Lithuania
Lithuanian economists
Lithuanian people of Polish descent
Living people
Members of the Seimas
Ministers of finance of Lithuania
Politicians from Vilnius
Prime ministers of Lithuania
Vilnius University alumni
Academic staff of Vilnius University
Female finance ministers
Women government ministers of Lithuania
Women members of the Seimas
Women prime ministers in Europe
Ingrida Šimonytė
European Court of Auditors
21st-century economists