Law No. XIV-3079 “On national minorities”.

This Law establishes the rights, freedoms and obligations of persons belonging to national minorities, their implementation and the obligations of the state to create conditions for maintaining and fostering the traditions, customs, cultural and linguistic identity of national minorities. A national minority shall be considered a group of persons consisting of citizens of the Republic of Lithuania residing in the national territory, who have long-term, strong and permanent ties with the country, and which is smaller in terms of population than the part of the population of the Republic of Lithuania who is characterized by Lithuanian national identity and is united by the desire to preserve its national identity. This Law emphasizes principles such as the indivisibility of rights, promotion of cultural diversity, and protection against discrimination, aligning with broader policy objectives to ensure equal respect and support for minority groups. The legal framework explicitly defines key concepts including national minority, national identity, and language rights, establishing a basis for legal protections and policy measures. Key measures outlined include the right of minority members to freely use their language in private and public contexts, and to study in their native language or in the language of the minority, with specific provisions for education in minority languages and the establishment of non-state educational institutions. The Law also grants minorities the right to foster and develop their culture, traditions, and language, and to disseminate information through minority-language media, all within the bounds of existing national laws. Additionally, it provides for the participation of minorities in political and social organizations, and establishes the role of the National Minorities Council to represent minority interests, advise authorities, and monitor policy implementation. Implementation mechanisms include the participation of the delegated authority in formulating and monitoring state policies, with measures to promote integration and cultural development financed by state and municipal budgets. The Law specifies timelines for entry into force and the adoption of implementing legislation, including the Ministry of Education and the Authority overseeing minority policies. International cooperation is also recognized as a component of the policy framework, with Lithuania engaging with foreign states and international organizations to uphold minority rights, and requiring authorities to supervise and report on the implementation of international commitments.