Vilnius

Soviet mentality brakes Lithuanian educational reform

The educational system has changed as many times as the capital of Vilnius has changed hands – the current system is as young as the independent country, and much criticised

by marc serena // 05/11/07

vilnius, university, education system, post-soviet states, society, lithuania

Picturing faith in Vilnius

Vilnius’ landscape is defined by the number of houses of worship scattered throughout it. This reflects the rich heritage Vilnius has with the number of religions that have co-existed together for hundreds of years

by jorden van der ven // 31/10/07

vilnius, russian federation, history, religion, traditions, central and eastern europe, post-soviet states

Justice: common good? Never heard of it

Lithuanian legislation still has many gaps to fill before it complies with EU standards. The adoption of a law on common good is a priority for MPs and players from associations

by amandine agic (avec pa) // 31/10/07

Lithuania: a stranger in the south of the north

Since achieving independence in 1990, it has strived to walk steadily on its own. On the eve of reaching adulthood as a self-governing country, Vilnius is like a little girl who has been picked on too many times by her bigger neighbours

by marta palacín // 31/10/07

vilnius, socialism, communism, elections, world affairs, capitalism, moscou

Bribing doctors: a Lithuanian custom

In Lithuania people must pay for access to the public health system. Many medical specialists receive informal 'under-the-table' payments to give priority or better treatment to generous patients

by Marta Palacín @ // 31/10/07

vilnius, hospitals, public health, healthcare, health, health, central and eastern europe

Gediminas Urbonas: 'There were no real Communist ideas in occupied Lithuania'

The former Soviet soldier, 40, has spent half his life sculpting in Lithuania’s evolving public spaces, prodding the West into understanding what the face of Communism once looked like, and fighting privatisation

by dionizas bajarunas // 08/06/07

vilnius, brunch, sculpture, central and eastern europe, lithuania

Baltic style

33 year-old Daiva Urbonaviciüté is a stylist in Vilnius. Her original brand, both stylish and comfortable, seems all set to infect the West.

by evangeline masson // 21/12/06

vilnius, fashion, lifestyle, culture, society, lithuania

Lithuanians crazy about basketball

Basketball is the most popular and emotionally intense sport in Lithuania, which is quite a conservative catholic country. Basketball becomes the second religion when an important match is taking place and the sport has a long and great history in this Baltic state

by justas brazauskas // 03/05/05

vilnius, sport, barcelona, australia, athens, olympic games, stockholm