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During the 25th anniversary edition of the International Vilnius Book Fair, held from February 27 to March 2, the “Grįžtu LT” Consultation Center of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs introduced visitors to the possibilities of returning to Lithuania, the center's services, and invited guests to send a postcard to loved ones abroad, encouraging them to return home.
“Lithuania is waiting for its returnees and aims to make their return as smooth as possible. We are ready to answer any questions from those returning or planning to return, and to help resolve (re)integration challenges. We sincerely invite our compatriots to come back – to be where the heart belongs,” said Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Julius Pranevičius, who visited the Book Fair.
Throughout the event, the ‘Grįžtu LT’ booth attracted significant interest. Visitors inquired about the center's services, showed interest in return migration trends, and shared their own or their relatives’ return stories. Many also took part in the postcard campaign, writing messages to relatives abroad, inviting them to come back to Lithuania. Lietuvos paštas (Lithuanian Post), a partner of the initiative, ensured the free delivery of postcards to recipients around the world.
The Vilnius Book Fair is not only a space for book presentations but also a platform for important conversations. On February 28, a discussion titled “The Search for Identity Among Diaspora Creators: Is It Time to Return to Lithuania?” took place at the 15min Forum, moderated by writer and journalist Akvilė Kavaliauskaitė. The panel included notable Lithuanian authors: novelist Akvilina Cicėnaitė (Australia / Lithuania), historian, writer, and diplomat Prof. Alfonsas Eidintas, and novelist and translator Valdas Papievis (France). The participants discussed the challenges diaspora creators face, how returning to Lithuania influences their creative work, and how cultural identity is maintained while living abroad. One particularly striking idea came from Valdas Papievis:
“Where there is a Lithuanian, there is Lithuania.”
This quote underscored that identity remains strong regardless of where one lives—and that returning to Lithuania can help reinforce and rediscover it.
For the fifth consecutive year, the number of returning citizens has exceeded the number of those emigrating. According to the State Data Agency, in 2024, 18,934 citizens returned to Lithuania, while 9,486 left the country. The 2024 Lithuanian Diaspora Survey revealed that the primary motivation for returning is the presence of family and loved ones in Lithuania. Many respondents planning to return expressed that they feel best in Lithuania, observe positive changes in the country, recognize its high quality of life, and emphasize their desire to contribute to Lithuania’s future.