The Union of Farmers and New Democratic Parties founded and lead by Kazimira Danutë Prunskienë celebrated its 10th anniversary in December 2005. On the eve of the new year, the staff of the Ministry of Agriculture together with representatives of rural regions marked the one year anniversary of the Minister Prunskienë holding this post. On the initiative of Kazimira Danutë Prunskienë, a Coalition of Public Leaders was created last year.
The Minister of Agriculture Kazimira Danutë Prunskienë, a woman as rigorous to herself as to other people, shared her ideas with Business and Exhibitions journalist Raimonda Karosaitë on how prosperous was the year 2005 to the Lithuanian countryside and food sector, personally to her, the Lithuanian Amber Lady.
The ending year was not easy, however meaningful and productive. The economic field I am leading – agriculture, food sector and rural development secured a proper position in the Government Programme and decision-making. On the joint efforts with my colleagues in the ministry we succeeded in imparting more dynamics to the Ministry of Agriculture and institutions subordinate to it, reached quicker and more efficient solution of problems exiting in agriculture and countryside. In 2005, we effectively implemented EU aid instruments, carefully analysed the inherited lag-behind of 2004. The agricultural sector received over 1 100 000 litas, income of agricultural entities increased by 26 percent this being much quicker growth as compared to any other EU Member State. Budgetary growth in the field of agriculture and rural development for 2006 is expected to make 40 percent. The constructive work helped to reach an agreement with the municipalities on channelling a part of EU and national support administration functions to local administrations so securing jobs, computerised work places and funds.
Last year was the time when social tension in the countryside lessened, people started believing in reliability of EU and national policy and long-term perspectives, and also became well disposed towards future works.
My work schedule was very busy, actually without any moments of rest except for small sleeping hours, however I am very happy to show everybody the fruits of this arduous work.
I have been recently re-elected as a Chairman of the National Farmers' Union (it is the new name of the party I preside) for the next 4 year term of office. I was very pleased to receive help and support from the new members of the union. Last year we gained the status of a parliamentary party and joined the ruling coalition. It is a great challenge to us that requires concentration of all our best efforts.
- What were the positive developments in the agricultural sector in 2005?
- Actually I have already answered this question. I may only add that in 2005 economic relations between agricultural producers, buyers and processors of agricultural products improved. This was achieved due decrease of differences in prices. The growth of purchasing prices of agricultural production, particularly milk and meat have averagely by 18 percent brought them nearer to the actual farmers' input into the value of a final product. Investment into agriculture, food industry and rural businesses moved forward, like did quality certification according to the EU standards and enhancement of production competitiveness. All these developments were clearly proved by growing export volumes.
One of the major achievements in agricultural sector in 2005 was the positive foreign trade balance. Export of food products totalled 2.8 billion litas this exceeding import by 206 million litas.
-Which achievements, to your opinion, were the most important?
-I think that major developments were dynamics of agricultural sector, effective employment of EU and national aid, resulting into positive social tendencies in rural areas, significant growth (26 percent) of farmers' income and improving living standard in the countryside.
-What were the main failures?
- We failed to complete the intended reorganization in the fisheries sector. From strategic aspects, this sector required essential changes and new, progressive solutions. These solutions were actually developed however their implementation will demand the first half of 2006. When I was appointed the Minister of Agriculture I was greatly shocked by situation exiting in this sector, particularly inland fisheries, my predecessors' negligence what led to absolute mismanagement. The situation in fisheries will soon radically change, the necessary solutions have been already developed. Once we measured twice, we must cut.
-The Ministry of Agriculture is the organizer of the largest agricultural exhibition in the Baltic countries Agrobalt. Did the 14th exhibition justify the expectation to become the food producers' forum of the neighbouring countries? Did it stir up the dialogue of the Baltic region?
- Agrobalt exhibition is not only an instrument for developing the dialogue among the Baltic States but also a place to present their production to other markets. Agrobalt 2005 was noted for successful forums that welcomed many foreign business partners and state representatives. The exhibition was the place to discuss achievements and problems of the first year of the EU membership, talk about future works.
From 2006 Agrobalt will be arranged every two years in regions, the first exhibition to be arranged in Ðiauliai. In this way, we hope to award Lithuania's regions more attention and vitality, attract the participation of regions of foreign countries.
-The largest in Great Britain and one of the largest agro-exhibitions in the world Royal Show is arranged in Birmingham. Last year, the Ministry of Agriculture came to this exhibition to introduce the Lithuanian agricultural sector for the first time. How successful was Lithuania's exposition?
- We usually do not take large expositions either to the United Kingdom, or Green Week in Berlin, or somewhere else. Vice versa, they attract by their original style, national exhibits, warm relations to visitors. With each year, we will promote the participation of agricultural sector in foreign exhibitions, choosing some of the as priority. Among such priority exhibitions will be the approaching Green Week in Berlin, where we plan to demonstrate new ideas and invite more active participation of the Lithuanian mass media.
- How productive and promising is cooperation of the Lithuanian Minister of Agriculture Kazimira Danutë Prunskienë and EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Marian Fisher Boel?
- Me and the Commissioner Marian Fisher Boel are engaged in business-like and also hearty and warm relations what becomes extremely important during the EU Council meetings on agriculture. The Commissioner M. Fisher Boel is professional, highly-organized and simple to communicate with. I respect her work and ideas and enjoy our fruitful cooperation.
- Which of the national and foreign events will remain important to the Ministry of Agriculture next year? Will we succeed in preserving the agro-name of Lithuania?
- Among the major events of the coming year I would mention the regional Agrobalt exhibition to be arranged in Ðiauliai, exhibition Kà pasësi in University of Agriculture in Kaunas, the national harvest festival in Panevëþys, also 3-4 exhibitions in the EU countries. Currently we are engaged into preparation of an information publication on national and regional events in agriculture and food sector. The new publication will help to better coordinate organization of events, their dates and thematic. In this field we also need to bring more order, introduce a general system, and save money.
- Is the Lithuanian sugar really deemed to disappear from the market?
- I am definitely sure it will not, at least for the next coming years. It is very important to keep sugar plants operating and I do not see any other dangers to sugar-beet growers. The conditions that we have negotiated allow them to continue earning profit.
- You are the first and the only woman-Prime Minister in Lithuania's history, one of the women's minority in the Seimas and Government. Is it difficult for a women to be in politics? Does the femininity help or bring trouble?
- Politics is a difficult field of activity. I am an economist what, to my opinion, is of great help working as a minister or a prime minister. Femininity by no means brings trouble. Vice versa, it helps in solving some sensitive issues, taming ambitions that usually arise among competing men. However, men who rival for all main posts are very much interested to push out women from the game. Luckily, it is not only their wishes but also support of people that plays a decisive role.
When no place is left for making reproaches on professional skills such instruments are invited like discrediting or involving into some kind of nonsense. It is usually supposed that women are more vulnerable, although I think such an opinion to be to be old-dated.
- The phenomenon of Kazimira Danutë Prunskienë rests on the western attitude towards politics, politicians and order in the country. What does this mean?
- To me this means openness, adherence to principle, endeavouring for better life to people and the state. We must seek for diminishing disputes among politicians, better cooperation, concentration on solving the national problems so as to make works and human love and recognition they bring suffice all of us. Instead of fighting with each other, politicians should consolidate their efforts and look for gains for all of us. So far it is just a nice dream since populism, selfishness, indifference and adaptation prosper in Lithuania.
- Why has Kazimira Danutë Pruns­kienë decided to form the Coalition of Public Leaders? What makes to become a public leader?
- Nobody forces anybody to do unwanted things. During the 2004 elections together with our party members we invited many people-statesmen to join our forces and ideas and so this was how the name of our election list was born. I think that not only the cleverest politicians but also professional and non-political leaders should make politics.
- Do you think the awards that you have received – Minerva Prize in Rome, Great Cross of the Order of Merits of the Federal Republic of Germany with a star, Order of the International Chamber of Personalities International Honour, regalia of duchess's title – to be a sign of evaluation, surprise or obligations?
- Each of these awards I have taken as a great evaluation of my work. All of them have been a real surprise carrying their own reasons and results. If the first awards that I received in western countries were hushed up by my opponents, as if not noticed and this meant devalued, so the last ones that were more public than state awards were very widely discussed. The tile of duchess caused extremely large hysterics among my opponents. I don't even remember who was the first to say this title meant the status of the Russian duchess, meanwhile the accompanying letter indicated it to be an international name. The question why somebody wishes to artificially link my name with the name of Russia I think needs no explanations. Such name of Prunskienë or the way how she is introduced to the society becomes unacceptable and strange.
- You are a scientist, politician and mother to three children. Which role is closest to you heart?
- All roles are very important and dare to me. I would put them in the following order: a human, representative of our nation, mother, scientist, politician tasked to implement tasks entrusted by the Lithuanian nation.
- You are surrounded by the growing tempo of life, busy and strict schedule, not speaking about social activities. What are the hobbies and moments in life that help you to preserve the evident optimism, physical and emotional energy?
- I get inspiration from my warm relations with the closest people and nature. The native places near Labanoras forest help to regain strength, spiritual balance, forget the political tension and philistinism. I am a born optimist and firstly search for the best sides in people, events and phenomena, while the disappointments only bring in new experience, although this experience is too painful sometimes.
- Hasn't the career of a politician disappointed you? Do you imagine working in absolutely different field? What is you vision about Lithuania's future and your role in the general perspective of our country?
- I must be open in saying that I did experienced disappointments. I wanted to retire from politics, in 1993-1996 did not participate in it, had no plans to come back, and still returned. I think it is my destiny to be involved into politics for long. Besides making politics I would be really interested in trying my strengths in scientific work, business, writing publicistic articles. So far, I leave these plans for the future.
I see Lithuania as the country that becomes stronger spiritually, economically and socially, the country that is proud of its diligent and creative people, trustworthy, good-willing and happier masters of their life. Lithuanians have a huge spiritual and creative potential and what they need is consolidation, singleness, positive thinking and goodwill. I would be very happy to help people in all these aspirations, since, to my opinion, I not only have true-hearted willingness but also experience and knowledge. My present duties of the minister who is in charge of agriculture and rural development is a role I enjoy playing and appreciate very much. I still have lots of work to do to make Lithuanian people live better, to make Lithuania country dare to live and attractive to the wider world.
- What is happiness to you?
- Happiness is the ability of a man to master the situation, become stronger in overcoming difficulties and be happy in doing kindness. Happiness is warm-hearted relations of a man with the surrounding environment, love for people and receiving their mutual feeling. The source of happiness is a man himself, his spiritual world, positive disposition towards the meaning in life, the art of giving sense to the life by generous work and love for a man.
- Thank you very much for an interview. Let the sparkling glass of hope and willpower of 2006 justify its meaning as to you as to Lithuania.

On the eve of coming holidays journalist
Rûta Ðtombergytë interviews
Modestas KASELIAUSKAS, Master of Law and Head of State Tax Inspectorate under the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Lithuania.
– Tax Inspectorate is probably one of the strictest institutions in the state, isn't it?
– Tax Inspectorate has to maintain responsibility and earnestness in its activities. It has to guarantee major part of state revenue and has neither the right to exempt from obligatory taxes nor to reduce them.
Professor V.Jurgutis, the founder of Lithuanian finance, said that taxes provide the greatest asset of all mankind – freedom.
The state can only be independent from other countries and freely manage its internal activities provided it gets its own revenue consisting of different kinds of taxes.
In 2005, national budget revenues from taxes administered by State Tax Inspectorate made by 1 billion litas more than planned. It is the first such “productive” year since the restoration of Lithuanian independence. Greater income will allow increasing various payments from state budget.
– Would tax inspector defending state interests be always more righteous than the businessman fulfilling tax obligations?
– New Law on Tax Administration compatible with the European Union requirements and based on experience of other countries came into force half a year ago. The Law in fact enforced new attitude towards tax administration. Tax Inspectorate is not only obliged to control tax payers but is also required to provide services to them. All tax liabilities have to be clear and their execution must be simple and easy. Tax administrators and taxpayers have to work hand in hand as equal partners.
The new Law provided taxpayers with the new rights. Now the taxpayers can ignore unlawful orders of tax administrators and have the right to personally participate in solving various issues with tax administrator as well as be present in resolving tax related disputes in arbitrating institutions. Taxpayers can also request for timely return of tax overpayments and compensation of material and non-material damage caused by illegal activities of tax administrator.
New tax administration tool – tax analysis was put into force. Tax analysis allows indicating to tax payers their mistakes and provides possibility to correct them. The Law has also legitimated agreement procedure on tax size in case both sides have insufficient evidence to prove their calculations.
– Will these taxpayer rights be in fact implemented?
– Since the enforcement of the new law a lot of activities ensuring its implementation have already been performed, important projects were realised which resulted in modernising tax administration in Lithuania and advanced it to a completely different level. Taxpayers were provided not only with the new rights but also with European opportunities.
The procedure and rules for the enforcement of new tax administration regulations are already in place.
Newly introduced information technologies render taxpayers the possibility to exchange information with all EU states. The exchange of information is successfully taking place.
State Tax Inspectorate introduced electronic declaration system last year, which allows companies and residents to electronically fill in and submit their tax declarations to State Tax Inspectorate. Electronic completing of declarations ensures automatic correction of mistakes of content and form. Declarations can be submitted at any time. Taxpayer is electronically informed upon the acceptance of declaration.
We have also updated the website for taxpayers (www.vmi.lt). Its version in the English language was developed. Now the website provides more information for taxpayers. Tax laws, other legal acts and their commentaries, document forms and rules for their completion are published in the website. One can order required certificate, register individual activities or specify data in taxpayers' register by Internet. Taxpayers can send their opinions, wishes or check reliability of their business partners in the website; there they can also find other necessary topical information.
– There are a lot of ongoing discussions about the cooperation of tax administrators and business. Is such cooperation already taking place?
– Yes indeed, such cooperation is real and nothing could stop it now. It has been subject to the development of new rights and progressive reorganisation in our country. New forms of cooperation with business are evolving; various meetings take place, cooperation agreements are being signed, etc.
Cooperation is necessary for both sides. Taxpayers, while directly communicating with tax administrators, can define their problems and better perceive tax calculation peculiarities in a specific area of activities. In return, tax administrators can provide recommendations and explain questionable issues. Thus tax administrators learn what services are requested by taxpayers, etc.
We are fully aware about the damage of non-observed economy for business. It violates equal competition conditions in the market. Honest business can provide and provides a lot of useful information that enables to find out about tax evasion cases and criminal schemes.
– Obviously Tax Inspectorate performs many activities; does that result in more lenient control of taxpayers?
– Only one third of all employees of State Tax Inspectorate work in taxpayers' control departments. However, this does not mean that taxpayers are not controlled. Tax Inspectorate has already accumulated databases on taxpayers and receives information from third entities on paid income to companies and individuals in Lithuania. Following separate agreements we receive necessary information from foreign countries. We can also use databases of other state institutions of our country. We can compare and specify information received from companies and residents. We see all attempts to disguise received income in the databases. We can check the accuracy of tax calculation and payment even without going to the company. Following progressive methods of economic analysis we define risky areas of activities in terms of tax payment and closely control them.
We have started to introduce information system of computerised audit enabling to effectively plan and perform audit procedures.
– What developments await taxpayers in 2006?
– We have gone through uneasy period of preparation for the membership in the EU. The first year of membership has required to complete a whole set of important tasks. Due to this rush and full engagement tax payers' service system in State Tax Inspectorate has fallen behind in comparison to service providing private sector. Therefore our aim is to improve service provision to tax payers. I have recently endorsed procedure for service provision to newly registered taxpayers. Each newly registered taxpayer will receive a file with the most important information. Newly registered taxpayers will be given exclusive attention during the first months of their activities. Better service provision schemes are also being developed for other taxpayer groups. Code of Conduct of State Tax Inspectorate Employees was approved. It determined norms of conduct governing mutual relations with taxpayers.
Tax Information Centre will start its activities next year. It will provide taxpayers with the possibility to receive necessary information by telephone and will also improve the quality of information. This novelty will eliminate different interpretation of certain provisions of laws thus reducing the amount of mistakes made by taxpayers. In the second quarter of the coming year Tax Information Centre will start consulting residents regarding income tax. We will not only answer the questions via telephone, but will also reply to electronic inquiries.
– What would be your greetings for taxpayers on the occasion of coming holidays?
– We wish that 2006 would be the year of new findings, meaningful activities and successful decisions for all readers of the magazine and all taxpayers.
I wish all of you health and personal happiness
Happy New Year!

Self-government plays a very important role in the democratic state of Lithuania. It helps the Lithuanian residents to directly participate in the community life and though solve the arising problems, feel and be true masters of their land and citizens of their state.
Tauragë County that has just marked the 10th anniversary is the smallest by its area in Lithuania. It borders the Kaliningrad Region of the Russian Federation along the Nemunas River and consists of Tauragë, Jurbarkas, Ðilalë and Pagëgiai municipalities. The formation of municipality budgets is governed by laws passed by the Seimas (Parliament). Municipalities must perform the following state-delegated functions: registration of family status documents, management of registers, civil safety, fire prevention, calculation of aid payments -30 functions in total. Implementation of these functions receives targeted financing. Another 27 functions, like education, social support to the poor, transportation of school-children from more distant areas to schools, territorial planning, supply of heat and water, waste management, improvement of environment quality and its protection, maintenance, repairs and laying of local importance roads, etc. are performed in cooperation with the state institutions. The third group of functions exercised by municipalities is special programmes financed from municipal budgets. The programmes vary from tourism, business, culture to sports and social services. Tauragë County municipalities actively participated in the EU pre-accession programmes (SAPARD, ISPA, PHARE). A number of wastewater management projects were successfully implemented, so showing several thousand residents that the EU support was not empty rhetoric but very concrete works. Today, the municipalities face a new challenge and that is getting ready for assimilation of structural funds money. It has to be learned to educate administrative capacities, understand EU principals and mechanisms, speak foreign languages. This year, Lithuanian farmers have received the first payments for crop areas and milk quotas, what has greatly changed the opinion of rural residents: scepticism has been replaced with understanding that farms producing agricultural production for sale must be developed, moreover that the land price goes up. There are no large cities in municipalities of Tauragë County and Tauragë with the population of 32 thousand is the largest among them. Companies with the Swedish, German, Danish, Norwegian, Dutch capital manufacture furniture, fishing nets, electronic devices, also export peat, wooden articles and other production. It has been observed that construction business and manufacture of building materials is advancing, banking services are being developed, and shops belonging to the chains of the largest supermarkets are being opened. Figures show that that purchasing power of residents is constantly growing. These facts demonstrate that the economic progress is observed not only in the capital city Vilnius, port town Klaipëda but also in more remote regions of Lithuania. Municipalities within Tauragë County are becoming more and more open to the world. They enter into new partnership relations and record the growing investment. We highly hope that the land of Tauragë will become attractive both to our neighbours and the wide world. We invite you to visit our land, see the beauties of its nature, learn the unique history, culture and traditions. You will be always welcomed by hospitable, diligent, uncomplaining and initiative people of Tauragë land.

Pakruojis District resources: natural – protected areas, nature monuments; historic – estates, windmills, mounds, barrows, places of interest associated with the life of prominent people; ethnic – old ethnographic villages, cherishers of folk traditions, folk artists; museum – museums and expositions; cultural – festivals, events, plein-airs, exhibitions.
There are two cities in Pakruojis District. Pakruojis, the administrative centre of the district, is within 37 km distance from Ð iauliai and has population of 6057. The population of the second city Linkuva is 1844.
Pakruojis District that is united by cultural, social and economic aspects is a connecting part between Ðiauliai and Panevëþys County centres, also international main roads: Riga – Panevëþys – Kaunas – Warsaw (E 67 – Via Baltica) and Riga – Ðiauliai – Kaliningrad (E 77). Modern roads link Pakruojis with Ðiauliai and Panevëþys towns, Pasvalys and Joniðkis District centres. The railway line connects Pakruojis with the national railway system
Pakruojis District is the land of plains and diligent farmers. The majority of district population is engaged farming. The remains of estates and windmills that abound in the district witness deep farming traditions.
Traces of þiemgaliai (the Baltic tribe that once lived in Latvia, Lielupë basin, and in North of Lithuania) are found in the district. Pakruojis District, like Joniðkis and Pasvalys Districts is a part of the historic-cultural Þiemgala arsenal. The district boasts of such famous people as the writer Juozas Paukðtelis, the stained-glass pioneer in Lithuania Stasys Uðinskis, composer Juozas Pakalnis, the first physicist-chemist Teodoras Grotusas, regional studies specialist and explorer of Þiemgala land Juozas Ðlaivys and many others who were born and once lived in this district. The historic-cultural life of the district is depicted in monographies Daugyvenës kraðtas (The Land of Daugyvenë), Lygumai. Staèiûnai (Lygumai. Staèiûnai), Pakruojo apylinkës (Pakruojis Environs). Monographies Paðvitinys and Þeimelis are planned to be published on the occasion of commemoration of the 1000 th anniversary of Lithuania's name
Pakruojis District covers 1 316 km 2 , and that accounts for 15.4 percent of the total area of Ðiauliai County. It is least inhabited among all districts within Ðiauliai County with 22 people falling per one square kilometre.
The ethnic composition of the district is 98.5 percent Lithuanians, 0,6 percent Russians and 0.9 percent is left for Ukrainians, Latvians, Poles, Moldavians and other nationalities.
The Northern part of the district in the Southern part of Þiemgala lowland at the Latvian border is the lowest part of the district (30 m), while the highest part (100 m) is found in the South-east.
Pakruojis District stands out by a thick network of rivers and rivulets, the largest being Kruoja and Mûða Rivers. There are no lakes in the district, however even 9 ponds are recorded covering the total area of 450 ha.
Forest coverage in Pakruojis district accounts for 18.8 percent, forests covering over 25 thous ha. Mixed forests prevail in the district, of which the largest are Gedþiûnai, Klusikiai and Laumenis forests. The district has over 4 mln. m 3 of the growing stock, of which 1.3 mln. m 3 are mature and overmature stands.
Upper Devonian dolomite deposits have been detected in Petraðiûnai and Klovainiai environs what has greatly stimulated the development of building materials industry in the district. The largest dolomite resources and new deposits are supposed to be found in Rozalimas-Linkuva zone, North from Linkuva.
There are 8 local self-government administrations in Pakruojis District: Guostagalis, Klovainiai, Lygumos, Linkuva, Pakruojis, Paðvitinis, Rozalimas and Þeimelis.
PAKRUOJIS ESTATE: RECREATION...
The Pakruojis Estate proudly and quietly welcomes all those wishing to escape the city turmoil and rush, car noise and dazzling shop windows. The estate stands out of other estates in Lithuania by its grandiosity: it is the largest estate in Lithuania by the number of buildings. There are 43 buildings in its territory, all united in stylistic expression, surrounded by a large and valuable park.
Baron Wilhem von der Ropp started the foundation of the estate ensemble at the end of the 18 th century. The German barons Ropp ruled over the estate from 1790 until 1940. Construction of many of the buildings was completed in the second-third decade of the 19 th century. Later they were grouped into four complexes: central-representational, two administrative and one production. The most valuable buildings of the ensemble are the central palace and the only in Europe dolomite arched bridge-dike built in 1821 on the model of Roman bridges and aqueducts, and reconstructed in 2001. The central palace, a rectangular two-storey building, does not stand out by its original architecture, nevertheless it has one interesting feature that makes it unique. The layout of three porticoes on the facade of a building is absolutely original: six pillars are found in the centre of the main façade with two more four-pillar blocks on each side. It is the only example of such a classical building in Lithuania . The palace has a splendid dance hall with good acoustics.
The 18 th century landscape park occupying around 6.7 ha covers the central part of the ensemble. Large park areas form charming panoramas and perspectives. Among the important components of the ensemble is the winding Kruoja River with small islands and ponds forming picturesque associations among nature and buildings. Sceneries of Kruoja environs significantly soften strict architectural forms of the ensemble and the estate is rich in attractive places.
The administrative courtyard is divided by arches so resembling the architectural scenery of Italy . Two barns found in the southern part of the courtyard optically close the perspective of the courtyard. Owners of the estate, the Ropp family, were great lovers of classicism and so even administrative buildings were done in the antique style. All buildings are made of field boulders and breakstone, many having ornamental decorations.
The Pakruojis Estate is an important cultural attraction centre. Numerous tourists get allured by its interesting history, quietness and untouched beauty of nature, also the only in Lithuania exposition of dolomite.
... AND A PLACE FOR INVESTMENT
On 30 August 2005 , the Administration of Pakruojis District Municipality completed the implementation of the project Preparation of documentation for restoration of the central palace of the Pakruojis Estate funded by the EC PHARE 2002 programme. A feasibility study, detailed plan, documentation for exploration and design of the central palace, investment project and construction estimate offer excellent possibilities for investment and adapting the Pakruojis Estate for tourism needs. Since the whole ensemble has many buildings, some of them could be used for accommodation, conferences, catering and entertainment services.
There is a possibility of introduction of water recreation services along the Kruoja River that crosses the territory of the estate, also development of horse sports in free territories, not speaking about opening a hotel (Pakruojis does not have a hotel), revival of brewery traditions, opening a separate hall for beer tasting, craftsmen workshop and many other ideas that could be realised only with the help of private investment.
The Pakruojis Estate has one more feature that is very investment-favourable – the whole territory of the estate is owned by the Pakruojis District Municipality . Would-be investors into the tourism, conference, crafts and entertainment centre in the Pakruojis Estate will be offered the most favourable conditions.
Pakruojis – HAV Capital. What is it?
The town of Pakruojis is becoming internationally-known as the capital of the borders-free HAV state.
The HAV state is a unique project. It is the state where humour rules, beer is immensely enjoyed, while crows are respected and used for a meal. The state is arranged on a model of a play and virtual factor. The letters HAV are deciphered as humour, beer and crows. Once launched as a play, the project has greatly expanded – even 16 countries of the world have become the citizens of the HAV state. The town of Pakruojis is becoming known as the capital of this borders-free state.
We dedicate all our festivals and works to promote the name of Pakruojis, raise interest in it, introduce to its cultural heritage: Pakruojis Estate, exposition of the narrow-gauge railway, the complex of Linkuva Church and Carmelite Monastery, Rozalimas and Þeimelis towns, dolomite quarries, motocross and BMX bicycle tracks, “mud baths”, etc.
Tourists coming to the HAV capital are offered a tourist package, including excursions around Pakruojis District, beer and crow-dish tasting. Tourists are very much attracted by having a chance to try specific beer, crow dishes, get passports of the HAV state, etc. The HAV state is an oasis attractive as to tourists as to businessmen.

After joining the European Union, Lithuania has assumed a commitment to produce 12 percent of energy from renewable resources. A Lithuanian Biofuel Manufacturers and Suppliers Association was established in 2005. Although in previous years, a part of forest waste wood in Lithuania was used for production of fuel, calculations made in 2005 showed that every year a large part of wood and felling waste suitable for biofuel production was left to rot in forests. These factors have stimulated foresters, representatives of logging companies to start more rational preparation, handling and use of waste wood.
In October 2005, the Directorate General of State Forests arranged a zone seminar in Kazlø Rûda Educational State Forest Enterprise to discuss the current situation in using waste wood for biofuel production, its potential and perspectives. The seminar addressed such topics as General situation in Lithuanian biofuel market and perspectives, Clearing waste resources in state forests and their use, Technological aspects of wood fuel production. The seminar talked about the possibilities for introduction of advanced technologies and their use in Lithuania and other EU Member States. The seminar welcomed the President of Lithuanian Biofulel Manufacturers and Suppliers Association Remigijus Lapinskas, Deputy Director of Directorate General of State Forests Vigantas Kraujalis, Deputy Director of Lithuanian Forest Research Institute Virgilijus Miksys, Directors of Dubrava, Prienai, Marijampolë, Ðakiai and Kaunas State Forest Enterprises, foresters, biofuel manufacturers, users and suppliers.
- Dear Albertas Zdanevièius, during all the years that you live in Kazlø Rûda you have actively introduced novelties in administration of Kazlø Rûda forests, cherished old forestry traditions. It is 15 years that you are the Director of Kazlø Rûda Educational State Forest Enterprise. Had the recently organized seminar any association with this date?
- No, the seminar did not have anything in common with my personal dates and anniversaries. It is only my long experience that says that each year was and is setting new tasks to foresters. The ending year has been very important as to Lithuania as to its foresters. I think that we, as an educational state forest enterprise, must be well familiar with EU regulations, experience of other countries, novelties, and implement them. These have been the main reasons to organize a seminar in our Forest Enterprise, invite our colleagues, scientists and manufacturers to discuss and analyse more rational waste wood production, temporary warehousing, waste woodprocessing and use without making harm to forests. During the seminar, state-of-the-art equipment was demonstrated; forest enterprises were invited to test and buy it.
- Could you please tell in short main differences between modern requirements to waste wood production, recycling and use and those applied in earlier years?
- Waste wood production and use is not a novelty in Lithuania. However, in the last century absolutely different standards were applied to waste wood and its final purpose was also different. Waste wood, being raw material of higher standards, was mainly used in manufacture of chipboards, packing. Today we speak about lower quality waste wood that is not suitable for assortment production and is intended for fuel production. The nature of foresters' work has also changed. We need new machinery: state-of-the-art technologies may help to effectively use tree branches and treetops collected in cleared areas, also shrubbery in outer woods and roadsides for biofuel production. Alas, forest enterprises greatly lack modern machinery and so not all waste wood that is subject for recycling is taken out of forest. For instance, stumps that are also attributed to the category of waste wood account for 8-12 percent of all waste wood. However, there are two reasons why stumps are left in forests: first, it is difficult to pull them out; second, we want to make the least damage to forest floor and flora.
- What are the major works that Kazlø Rûda Educational Forest Enterprise has done in preparing waste wood for biofuel production? What achievements were shown to participants of the seminar?
- This year, the Enterprise has prepared 1.5 thous. cubic meters of wood for biolfuel production and entered into cooperation with such companies wishing to buy waste wood and manufacture biofuel, like Rubicon Group companies UAB Aviridis, UAB Medvija, UAB Skiedrynë , also A. Monstavièius company and UAB Grasta. In 2006, we plan to produce and sell 3 thous. cubic meters of waste wood to enterprises and 1 thous. cubic meter to residents.
Waste wood preparation and production is tender-based. The second year in turn, the tender has been awarded to the individual Zenas Juodþbalis company that operates a modern waste wood crusher. Participants of the seminar were shown how this company prepares waste wood for biofuel production in 2.3 ha clear cutting site in Viðakis Rûda forestry. In this cleared area, felling volumes make 604 cubic meters, felling waste – 143 cubic meters. However, Order of the Minister of Environment No D 1-145 of 29 March 2004 establishing to leave branches to cover damp areas in forests allows taking only 50 percent of waste wood from this cleared area. Participants of the seminar were also introduced to temporary warehousing of waste wood and the process of its preparation for using in boiler houses. We, like other forest enterprises, are a state enterprise and always strictly observe state forest use and protection regulations.
- Dear Vigantas Kraujalis, what is the structure of forest lands by the type of ownership in Lithuania? What are waste wood resources in state forests and how may they be used for production of biofuel?
- State forests occupy 49.4 percent of the total forest area in Lithuania, leaving 32.9 percent to private forests and 17.7 percent for reserved forests. Actual waste wood resources in each region depend upon the type of forest habitat site, felling volumes and types, population density and its distribution in rural areas, production prices that the users are ready pay, tree species and tightness of tree crowns.
Each year, around 600 thous. cubic meters of felling waste (treetops, branches, chips) accumulates in public forests. 9 percent of felling waste must be left in forests for soil enrichment purposes. For instance, branches must be left to cover damp cleared areas; even 50 percent of tree branches are spread on haulage tracks. All these measures help to protect forest resources and prolong forest life.
- What type of wood may be used for biofuel production?
- Felling waste is the main and most stable source for wood fuel. Waste wood fuel may not only be treetops, branches and chips but also above-ground part of stumps, chopped cut wood, stems, undergrowth tree stems, off-cuts, waste left after cleaning burned areas. Wood fuel may be also obtained from processed however no longer suitable for using wood, like wood packaging, wood for modules, processed building materials, construction waste wood.
- To you opinion, what are the major problems that hinder the use of waste wood for biofuel production?
- Firstly, forest harvesters have not fully mastered technologies for felling waste production and use (complex production). Second, the price of firewood is growing and so rural residents use larger amounts of waste wood for heating their houses. Third, we face the lack of labour force; fourth, there are very few sites in forests suitable for storing waste wood; fifth, the biofuel market in Lithuania is underdeveloped; sixth, we must develop tree branch measuring methodologies and tightness coefficients. The aggregate of all these problems, I think, will be solved on our joint efforts in the run of time.
- Dear Remigijus Lapinskas, what are your ideas about the biofuel market?
- The biofuel market is very dynamic. It is even more stimulated by the fact that the Republic of Lithuania has set the development of biofuel sector as its strategic task. The concrete evidences are Lithuanian National Energy Strategy approved in 2002, Law on Biofuel, Biofuels for Transport and Bio-oils passed in 2004, Programme for the Promotion of the Production and Use of Biofuel for 2004-2005. Dynamics and growth of the biofuel market is supported not only by the system of legal acts governing the development of the production and use of biofuel but also the rising number of enterprises engaged in biofuel production, growing volumes of biofuel production and use. As of the present day, there are 200 different size boiler houses in Lithuania consuming biofuel (chopped timber, straw, peat). For example, the district heating in Palanga, Telðiai, Kelmë, Tauragë, Birþai, Molëtai, Ðirvintos, Rokiðkis and some other towns is partially or fully (depending upon the season) based on biofuel.
- Could you describe in greater detail what type of machinery do biofuel production enterprises operate and what is the potential of modern technologies?
- Enterprises producing biofuel operate mobile and stationary crushers, tractors, bulldozers, dump-trucks, straw crushers and presses, peat collection, granulation and transportation equipment. In the future, the enterprises plan to buy more powerful crushers, wood package crushers, biofuel mixers and straw crushers, presses for felling waste and osier cutting-crushing machines.
- What to your opinion are the major hindrances in using waste wood for biofuel production?
- More rational forest felling and better use of waste wood firstly need common understating of forest enterprises and controlling bodies. For instance, the development of biofuel production is hindered by the lack of temporary warehouses and storage sites in forests. The cooperation in the field of logistics with manufacturers of chip and furniture boards must be strengthened. The development of biofuel production is also hindered by the prohibition to import firewood from Belarus and the lack of intergovernmental agreements. Border and customs services are not fully ready to file documents on biofuel import. Private forest owners supplying felling waste as a raw material for biofuel production also need larger support. Among the negative factors are bureaucratic project drafting practises and procedures relating to changing land purpose. I think that we must seek for close cooperation of all state bodies and private companies engaged in supply and production of raw material for biofuel.
- Dear Virgilijus Mikðys, we know that you in cooperation with your colleagues, fellow-workers in Lithuanian Forest Research Institute, have drafted a comprehensive analytical and scientifically-grounded study on technological aspects of wood fuel preparation. Which ideas would be most interesting to specialists practically working in this field?
- My first suggestion relates to realistic calculation of wood fuel resources. Orientation to habitat sites of U, P hydrotops (or the aim to “increase” them) is very dangerous. Second, there is no need to attempt to collect all, especially fine, felling waste, what inadequately raises labour costs. Third, exclusive attention must be directed to haulage and transportation distance. Fourth, we must share experience in introduction of advanced technologies and mechanisms. Fifth, specialists should invite the help of research in solving problems. These are the conclusions that we have drawn from the thorough analysis of possibilities of collection and use of felling waste, peculiarities of young stand development, problems and alternatives in commercial thinning, thinnings and final felling and haulage, also peculiarities in wood crushing and transportation, as well as other logging technologies.

Statistics Lithuania has launched an upgraded website, which offers users more fresh information not only for public institutions, scientific community and NGOs, but also for individual users and business community.
Each year Statistics Lithuania publishes around 100 titles of paper publications (some of them accompanied with CDs).
Volumes of free of charge information will expand. Currently the button Databases offers four statistical themes: Regional, Employment, 2001 Population and housing census as well as Foreign trade; some of them contain time series starting with 1996. By the end of 2005, the Statistical database will be supplemented with more themes such as National accounts, Industrial production, Non-financial enterprises and Demographic statistics. Next year information on other statistical themes will be loaded.
„Not only the number of statistical themes will grow, but also volumes of indicators will expand – is convinced Birutë Liberienë, head of Statistical information dissemination division. – E.g., users of foreign statistics now can find all key information by country and commodity group of BEC. In the nearest future very detailed information about exported and important commodities by country and country groups will be available on the website“.
The next year challenge is to offer almost all statistical information compiled by Statistics Lithuania on the website free of charge.
The development of the website was supported by the EU PHARE programme .
For businessmen and students
The new website has turned more user-friendly for business community. When considering to set-up a company a businessman can easily find all international classifications and their national versions and resort to a comprehensive legal base. Businessmen trading with the EU countries can use the button INTRASTAT and access all related information: forms, instructions, classifications, deadlines for submitting reports, etc.
Although respondents to statistical reports can already email to Statistics Lithuania, even 25 electronic questionnaires are ready for on-line service (meant for a wider circle of respondents and of frequent periodicity). Next year this number will grow to 35, while future facilitation will be made more prominent and businessmen will be able to report on-line.
Databases are handy in not only searching for relevant indicators, but also in tailoring them to individual needs, producing diagrams, forming tables and drawing maps as well as sending the ready information to users' computers. This advantage has already been resorted to by students and scientific research community.
The website also gives a hand in directly reaching Eurostat's website and its databases, where users can find comparable statistics on all EU-25 countries.