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From February 27 to March 2, the 25th International Vilnius Book Fair will take place at the LITEXPO Lithuanian Exhibition and Congress Center. During the event, the “Grįžtu LT” Consultation Center of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will present its activities. Throughout the fair, visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about the center’s work and invite their loved ones to consider returning to Lithuania.
“Our message to Lithuanians abroad is this: you are always welcome in Lithuania, where you have every opportunity to grow and thrive. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs' ‘Grįžtu LT’ Consultation Center is ready to provide all necessary information and assist in successful reintegration into life in Lithuania – and each of us can play a part in extending that invitation,” emphasized Minister of Foreign Affairs Kęstutis Budrys.
According to preliminary data from the State Data Agency, 18,934 Lithuanian citizens returned to Lithuania in 2024, while 9,486 emigrated. This is the lowest number of departures recorded since the restoration of Lithuanian independence in 1990. Most returnees came from the United Kingdom, Norway, Germany, Ireland, and the Netherlands. The trend toward returning is also supported by the 2024 Annual Survey of the Lithuanian Diaspora, in which 22% of respondents stated they plan to return to Lithuania, and another 57% said they do not rule out the possibility.
At the Vilnius Book Fair, the “Grįžtu LT” Consultation Center will welcome visitors in Hall 3, Booth 3.23. Attendees will not only learn about the center’s services and participate in contests to win prizes but will also be able to send a free postcard to friends and family living abroad, inviting them to return to Lithuania. These postcards will be delivered free of charge by Lithuania Post to any country in the world.
On February 28 at 2:00 p.m., visitors are invited to a discussion titled “The Search for Identity Among Diaspora Creators: Is It Time to Return to Lithuania?”, moderated by writer and journalist Akvilė Kavaliauskaitė at the 15min Forum. Participants will include novelist Akvilina Cicėnaitė (Australia / Lithuania), historian, writer, and diplomat Prof. Alfonsas Eidintas, and writer and translator Valdas Papievis (France). The discussion will explore how living abroad and returning to Lithuania shape authors’ identities and creative work—and how this experience enriches Lithuanian literature.
The Vilnius Book Fair is the largest book fair in the Baltic States, bringing together writers, readers, and literature lovers from around the world. Now in its 25th year, the fair offers not only book launches and author meet-and-greets, but also a space for conversations about identity, creativity, and connection to Lithuania. Each year, the fair also features Lithuanian authors living abroad.