Lithuania marks the 25th anniversary of its membership in the World Trade OrganizationMultilateral RelationsNews of the Ministry

On 31 May 2026, Lithuania marks 25 years of membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO). This day marks an important milestone in Lithuania's economic integration into the world trading system and confirms the country's commitment to the principles of rules-based international trade.

On 31 May 2026, Lithuania marks 25 years of membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO). This day marks an important milestone in Lithuania's economic integration into the world trading system and confirms the country's commitment to the principles of rules-based international trade.

After joining the WTO in 2001, Lithuania became a full participant in the multilateral trading system, gained the opportunity to actively shape the rules of international trade, and contributed to creating a more transparent, predictable, and open world trade environment. Lithuania's accession to the WTO was an important step in preparing for EU membership.

The WTO enables Lithuanian businesses to operate in a rules-based, predictable, and open trading system, expanding export markets, reducing trade barriers and administrative burdens, and ensuring dispute settlement, which is particularly important for a small, export-dependent economy.

During the 25 years of its membership, Lithuania actively participated in WTO activities, and Lithuanian representatives, chairing many important committees of the organization, directly contributed to strengthening and updating the rules of international trade, which include harmonizing customs procedures, regulating subsidies, and advancing digital trade frameworks. During Lithuania's Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2013, negotiations on the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), which stands as one of the most significant milestones in WTO history, were concluded. Ensuring the effective implementation of WTO agreements by enforcing a transparent, rules-based, and predictable international trade environment remains an important priority for Lithuania. Therefore, Lithuania actively participates in discussions on WTO reform.

The 25th anniversary of WTO membership comes at a time when the global trading system is experiencing significant turbulence driven by geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, protectionism, and fast-changing technologies.

The WTO was established in 1995 as a result of the Marrakesh Agreement. The organization consists of 166 members that collectively account for about 98% of all global trade.

Photo: Lithuania's President Valdas Adamkus signs the Protocol of Accession of Lithuania to the WTO. Behind him stands Antanas Valionis, Minister of Foreign Affairs. First from the right: Algimantas Rimkūnas, Permanent Representative to the United Nations of Lithuania, who spearheaded the country's accession negotiations to the WTO.