Friday 21 November @ 9:30-15:00 CET

On Friday, 21 November, ECR MEP Aurelijus Veryga brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including Ministers, Members of the Lithuanian Parliament, business representatives, regional towns’ mayors, and other professionals to address the pressing challenges facing Lithuania’s regions.

Aurelijus Veryga says: “If we want Lithuania’s regions to survive and grow, we must ensure that people have not only the right to travel but also the right to stay.”

For decades, public discussions in Lithuania have focused on the freedom to travel, work, and study abroad. This event shifted attention to a different but equally fundamental issue: the right of people to remain in their home regions and enjoy equal access to opportunities and essential services.

Participants highlighted the persistent population decline across many Lithuanian regions, driven by economic imbalances, limited services, and unequal development.

Speakers expressed concern that Lithuania is becoming a one- or two-city country, as investment in regional infrastructure - such as roads, education, and healthcare - continues to be undervalued or deprioritised.

“If we want Lithuania’s regions to survive and grow, we must ensure that people have not only the right to travel but also the right to stay,” says Aurelijus Veryga. “This requires long-term policies, strategic investment, and a clear political commitment to balanced development across the entire country.”

Throughout the conference, attendees examined how other European countries address similar regional challenges and discussed practical steps that could help Lithuania create sustainable, attractive conditions for families, workers, and businesses outside major cities.

The conference was organised by the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) Group in the European Parliament.