Vilnius limits Russian-language services, sparking integration debate

Vilnius Municipality’s decision to stop accepting written requests and complaints in Russian has sparked a debate over language policy, LRT reports. Mayor Valdas Benkunskas says the move is part of a consistent strategy to strengthen the position of Lithuanian, while public figure Viktor Vorontsov calls it a pre-election political gesture that could make integration more difficult for migrants and Russian-speaking residents.

The city administration will no longer accept requests or complaints in Russian. Information in Russian and other non-European Union languages will be provided only orally and only if a particular employee speaks the relevant language.

Russian will also no longer be used on the municipality’s website or in its customer queue management system.

Benkunskas calls move part of consistent policy

Ben kunskas said the decision was not an isolated initiative but a continuation of a policy course chosen earlier.

He pointed to previous initiatives aimed at preventing children of foreigners arriving from third countries from attending Russian-language schools, expanding opportunities for foreigners to learn Lithuanian, and now reducing the availability of Russian in public services.

“This is not politicking, but specific measures that show policy consistency,” the mayor said.

He stressed that the city was not fighting the Russian language itself. People would not be prohibited from speaking Russian in public, he said, and when a resident does not speak Lithuanian but a municipal employee can speak Russian, assistance will continue to be provided.

However, the municipality does not intend to provide special support for infrastructure delivering services in Russian.

At the same time, Vilnius is expanding Lithuanian-language learning programmes. More than 1,000 foreigners will be able to attend free courses this year, supported by an additional 300,000 euros. Language clubs are also scheduled to begin operating in the autumn, and the city plans to launch a special online platform for foreigners to study Lithuanian independently.

Minister calls for stricter language requirements

Interior Minister Martynas Katelynas said the discussion should cover not only restrictions on Russian-language services but also stricter Lithuanian-language requirements for foreigners arriving in Lithuania and the integration of people already living in the country.

He said newcomers could be required to learn Lithuanian to a certain level within a specified period. Katelynas also noted that Russian has become more common in Vilnius streets, adding that the government should consider whom it allows into the country.

He also pointed to Lithuanian citizens who have lived in independent Lithuania for 36 years but still speak Lithuanian with difficulty, calling this a reflection of the country’s education system.

Former minister warns of opposite effect

Former Interior Minister Vladislav Kondratovičius said such initiatives could have the opposite effect to the goals they are intended to achieve.