Lithuanian parliament backs proposed changes to diplomatic service

Lithuania’s parliament is inclined to consider amendments to the Diplomatic Service Law covering incentives, compensation for diplomats and reimbursement for material damage linked directly to their work, LRT reported.

The amendments proposed by the Foreign Ministry were supported by 98 lawmakers, with none voting against or abstaining. The bill was referred to the parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee and the Committee on Energy and Sustainable Development for consideration.

The amendments are scheduled to be considered in the parliament’s chamber on October 15.

Under the current rules, only diplomats whose performance is assessed as exceeding expectations can qualify for promotion, a higher salary or incentives. The ministry proposes allowing incentives to be granted also to diplomats whose work is assessed as meeting expectations.

The bill would also establish cases in which diplomats or their family members could receive direct compensation for material damage related to the diplomat’s appointment, removal from office or transfer to work at a diplomatic mission. The ministry said these situations are not currently regulated.

Proposed changes to holiday recalls

The ministry also proposes changing the procedure for recalling diplomats from annual leave. At present, a diplomat can be recalled only with their consent.

The ministry said this can create difficulties when unexpected circumstances arise, a replacement cannot be arranged and it is essential to perform Foreign Ministry duties, such as providing consular services at a diplomatic mission.

Under the proposed changes, a diplomat could be recalled from annual leave without consent. The diplomat or their family members would be compensated for resulting material losses, including personally purchased flight tickets and the cancellation of private holiday trips.

Six month probation proposed for new diplomats

The ministry also wants candidates who win competitions to join the diplomatic service to sign a standard diplomatic service contract with a six month probationary period, instead of a service contract for a preparatory period. The foreign minister could shorten the probationary period to three months.

During the probationary period, the candidate’s suitability for diplomatic service would be assessed under procedures set by the foreign minister. The candidate would also be able to assess whether diplomatic service was suitable for them.

According to the ministry, the change would reduce the administrative burden by eliminating the need to end a fixed-term contract after the preparatory period, settle outstanding payments such as compensation for unused annual leave and then hire the person again under a diplomatic service contract.

The amendments would also harmonise the conditions for Foreign Ministry employees working under employment contracts at diplomatic missions. In certain cases, they would be eligible for open-ended employment contracts.

The form of the employment contract would depend on the needs of the diplomatic mission, the organisation of its work, the security situation in the country, information protection risks and other criteria.