Lithuania ranks first according to the Index on International Media Freedom SupportMultilateral RelationsNews of the Ministry

Lithuania has been recognised as a global leader in supporting media freedom internationally. According to the Index on International Media Freedom Support (IMFS, 2025), Lithuania leads the way in international organisations and initiatives aimed at strengthening media freedom, in particular within the United Nations, UNESCO, and the Media Freedom Coalition.

"This is a significant recognition of our consistent foreign policy, which is based on defending democracy and freedom of expression as well as helping journalists facing pressure or persecution," says Kęstutis Budrys, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania.

The index was published and presented on 24 October in Vienna, Austria, during the 2025 International Press Institute (IPI) World Congress and Media Innovation Festival, which brought together media freedom experts, academics, and policymakers. Lithuania's Ambassador to Austria, Lina Rukštelienė, who spoke at the event, noted that Lithuania not only promotes the idea of press freedom in the international sphere but also provides real assistance journalists and their families who face pressure or persecution and are forced to flee repressive regimes.

"Strengthening media freedom is a long-standing foreign policy priority for Lithuania. Lithuania actively participates in the activities of the Media Freedom Coalition, the Freedom Online Coalition, and various international initiatives on the safety of journalists. Our country promotes responsible media internationally and has created a supportive ecosystem for journalists seeking asylum in Lithuania by providing the necessary support to continue their professional activities, including technical, administrative, and accreditation measures," said the Ambassador.

The Index on International Media Freedom Support was developed by academics at City St George's, University of London, and the University of East Anglia. The IMFS Index evaluated 30 countries on how actively they support media freedom and protect journalists beyond their borders through diplomatic, funding, and safety efforts.