Karolis Zemaitis

Vice-Minister of Economy and Innovation of Lithuania

[Frankenburg Technologies @FrankenburgTech]

Newcomers in European defence form a unique group of companies. They are driven by a mission to defend Europe and their growth is mostly fuelled by private capital aiming to develop cutting-edge technologies, strengthen Europe’s strategic resilience, enhance manufacturing capabilities, and deliver more affordable defence equipment — whether for dual-use or dedicated military purposes.

Yesterday, the Lithuanian Representation to the EU hosted a roundtable discussion with Commissioner @KubiliusA and 15 companies from across Europe. The ideas and proposals shared will directly contribute to the European Commission’s ongoing work on implementing the Defence White Paper — a strategic plan tied to an €800 billion investment in European defence.

Key takeaways from the discussion:
1. Newcomers are here to make a difference. A changing defence market is an opportunity, not a barrier.
2. Regulation must match the pace of innovation. In some cases, moving from concept to certified infrastructure takes up to 24 months — this is simply too slow.
3. Contracts drive innovation. Ambitious delivery deadlines and budgets push companies to innovate faster.
4. Ukraine sets the standard for excellence in innovation. We must learn as much as possible from their experience.
5. Top-down policy makes a bigger impact than we think. A target of 20% spending on new entrants is a goal worth striving for.

We remain committed to turning this vision into reality.

Thank you for your contributions:
Roberta Randerath | @RoboticsArx
@KVizbaras | BROLIS Defence
Jaanus Tamm | @defsecintel
Juan Martinez-Esparza B. | Julia Ariño Noguer | Escribano Mechanical and Engineering
Mouad M. | Harmattan AI
Kadi Silde | Helsing
@danielmetzler | @isaraerospace
Geoffroy Lenglin | @JohnCockerill
Sander Sääsk | Kraken Technology Group
Nuria Martin Guardiola | @grupo_oesia
Philip Lockwood | STARK
Ed Hosking | @TEKEVER
TYTAN Technologies
@KustiSalm | @ZemaitisKarolis | Tuuli Vors | @FrankenburgTech

#WinTech #StrongerTogether

[Karolis Zemaitis @ZemaitisKarolis]

2 intense days in #Oman. Very promising policital and business spirit. Oman and Lithuania is more than ready to deepen our economic ties.

Looking forward to host the Omani delegation in Lithuania!

🇴🇲🇱🇹

@ArmonaiteA @EitvydasB

https://t.co/G80xDwzZV1

[Oman Observer 🇴🇲 @OmanObserver]

Aušrinė Armonaitė, Minister of Economy and Innovation of #Lithuania, speaking to Observer after Omani-Lithuanian Business Forum, held in Muscat, organized by Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Oman Embassy in UK
@chamber_oman
@ArmonaiteA
@EmbassyOmanUk
#OmanObserver

[Karolis Zemaitis @ZemaitisKarolis]

Global partnerships and trade - the hot topic at @hannover_messe

Happy to share Lithuania's perspective on global trade: resilience, diversification and like-minded partnerships!

[NBA @NBA]

From growing up with his father in the NBA to now being a 3x NBA All-Star himself...

What a journey and season it's been for Domantas Sabonis!

Warriors/Kings Game 1 tips tonight at 8:30pm/et on ABC 🍿

[Karolis Zemaitis @ZemaitisKarolis]

My thoughts on India's role in current geopolitical environment👇

[The Hindu @the_hindu]

It is not easy to be neutral and the world is getting to a place where you have to take sides, Lithuania’s Vice-Minister of Economy and Innovation Karolis Žemaitis said, in an indirect reference to India’s stand on the war in #Ukraine, reports @dperi84
https://t.co/K81wFCihff

[Karolis Zemaitis @ZemaitisKarolis]

European oaks and pine trees do not grow in greenhouses.

This is my main message in #COMPET🇪🇺

We need to make the Single Market work and it seems to be clear european commitment to it by @EU_Commission and Member States.

@LithuaniaInEU

[Lithuania in India @LTEmbassyDelhi]

🇱🇹Lithuanian Embassy in New Delhi celebrated 105th Anniversary of Restoration of the State of Lithuania. Ambassador @DMickeviciene, LT VCM for Economy & Innovation @ZemaitisKarolis welcomed Chief Guest @SanjayVermalFS. Ao Naga choir performed National anthems.

[Karolis Zemaitis @ZemaitisKarolis]

Trustworthy partnerships are vital as ever. 🇱🇹🇮🇳

That's why I spent 5 intensive days in India on life sciences, ICT and high-tech.

We're opening new chapter in #India-#Lithuania econ cooperation and I'm certain that this chapter is destined for success.

@LTEmbassyDelhi

[23rd BioAsia 2026 @BioAsiaOfficial]

Exciting collaboration opportunities are ahead! Karolis Žemaitis, Vice Minister of Economy and Innovation of the Republic of Lithuania, shared Lithuania's priorities in ICT, high-tech engineering, and life sciences at the 20th edition of BioAsia's Startup Showcase .

[Prakash Kumar Singh @PrakashKsingh7]

Today met my friend @ZemaitisKarolis and @DMickeviciene from The Republic of Lithuania along with their team members. Discussed various matters . @PMOIndia @narendramodi @IndiainPoland

[Lithuania in India @LTEmbassyDelhi]

New Lithuanian Honorary Consulate in India was officially opened - this time in #Hyderabad!

Mr. Kiran Divi, running one of the biggest pharma companies in India @LabsDivis was appointed as 4th HC of 🇱🇹 in 🇮🇳. Mr. Divi was greeted by @ZemaitisKarolis VM of Economy & innovation.

[Sidhant Sibal @sidhant]

Lithuania looks to build bridges with India in high-tech and manufacturing: Vice Minister Karolis Žemaitis @ZemaitisKarolis

https://t.co/yl1uzYzfQN

[KTR, Former Minister @MinisterKTR]

Republic of Lithuania's Vice Minister, Ministry of Economy and Innovation, @ZemaitisKarolis met with IT and Industries Minister @KTRBRS on the sidelines of #BioAsia2023.

[Sidhant Sibal @sidhant]

"India plays an important role. It's the biggest democracy in the world. It has the mandate to represent the democratic values & to represent the values all around the world" says Lithuanian Vice Minister Karolis Žemaitis @ZemaitisKarolis on Indian role in Russia Ukraine conflict

[Karolis Zemaitis @ZemaitisKarolis]

Glad to be back in #Taiwan to discuss our increasing economic cooperation in high-tech industries - including lasers, engineering and ICT. 2022 was a year of success, 2023 - will be the year of acceleration! 🤝

[Ministry of Digital Affairs 數位發展部 🇹🇼 @TAIWANmoda]

Deputy Minister Yeh was delighted to host @ZemaitisKarolis & the #Lithuania🇱🇹 delegation at the 𝗺𝗼𝗱𝗮. Many thanks to #Taiwan's🇹🇼 natural partners for the value-added visit. Let's #FreeTheFuture🖖 together by advancing the Gold Card, e-residency, triangular cooperation & more!

[⿻ Audrey Tang 唐鳳 @audreyt]

“There’s so much we share🤝

that is time we’re aware💡

it's a small world after all. 🌏”

Absolutely chuffed to be an e-resident of #Lithuania!🇱🇹

Heartfelt gratitude to @ArmonaiteA, @ZemaitisKarolis & the Ministry of the Interior’s Migration Department.🙏

You made my trip.🎆

[Ministry of Digital Affairs 數位發展部 🇹🇼 @TAIWANmoda]

The #TAIWAN🇹🇼 𝗺𝗼𝗱𝗮 delegation is making a splash in #Lithuania🇱🇹! Talks between @audreyt, @ArmonaiteA & officials, meetings with @VCmilyte & @LTSeimasForeign, a powerful pact on digital upskilling with @lead_teachers & a visit to @TW_in_LT & Rep. Huang. What a special Day 1!

[Tomas Lamanauskas @tlamanauskas]

Great to contribute to @GlobalLithuania discussion on how to succeed as #TeamLithuania - w/ businesses, public sector&individuals working for joint success of 🇱🇹globally

🙏 to @MarijaSaraite for invitation! And for @ZemaitisKarolis for clear strategy
#Lithuania #FurtherTogether