The President to Lithuanians in Ireland: Don’t forget the possibility of building a life in Lithuania

On Friday in Dublin, President Gitanas Nausėda, together with First Lady Diana Nausėdienė, met with members of the Lithuanian community in Ireland.

The meeting focused on current political developments in Lithuania, the issue of preserving Lithuanian citizenship and the importance of strengthening community ties.

The President expressed his appreciation for the efforts of Lithuanians in Ireland to preserve their national identity, maintain the Lithuanian language, and build active, engaged communities. In today's geopolitical context, he noted, unity among Lithuanians worldwide is of vital importance.

"I would like you to think more often about Lithuania as a country where you could build your life. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, maybe not even in two years - but still, think about it, dream about it," the President said.

It is estimated that up to 70,000 Lithuanians live in Ireland, making it the third-largest Lithuanian diaspora community in the world, after the United States and the United Kingdom.

Since 2021, Lithuanian has been taught as an optional foreign language in Irish schools, and since 2022, students have had the opportunity to take the national Lithuanian language exam at either the basic or advanced level.