Headline: Head of European Commission representation in Lithuania ends term, succeeded by Martikonis

The head of the European Commission’s representation in Lithuania, Marius Vaščega, has concluded his term after four years and four months, as reported by LRT and ELTA.

In a Facebook post, Vaščega reflected on his tenure, stating that his work was driven by the belief that the European project takes shape not in distant institutions but in daily decisions, discussions, and collective efforts in Lithuania. “When asked how I find meaning in my work every day, my answer has always been clear: working for what matters. For Europe. For Lithuania. For the people you work with and for whom you work,” he wrote.

He expressed gratitude to his team for their professionalism, trust, responsibility, ideas, and often unseen but essential daily work. “In February 2022, it was hard to foresee how demanding this journey would be and how much it would give. Today, as it ends, I feel immense gratitude for the trust, solidarity, and the honour of being part of it,” Vaščega said.

Rytis Martikonis, a diplomat with extensive experience in various European Commission roles, will succeed Vaščega. The representation’s responsibilities include informing the public and media about the Commission’s activities, organising events, updating the Commission on developments in Lithuania, and coordinating visits by Commission members and officials. The office employs 18 staff, with regular internships for local and foreign university students.