Lithuania has decided to ban driving exams in Russian from January 2025: they will be conducted exclusively in Lithuanian or other official languages of the European Union. This is reported by LRT, writes UNN.
Details
This change is fixed by the order of the minister of internal affairs Agne Bilotaite. The purpose of this decision is to support the use of the state language, promote the integration of foreigners into public life and improve cooperation with other EU member states.
This solution helps to reduce the impact of external threats on national security. We adhere to a clear and valuable position: public services in Lithuania should not be provided in the language of the aggressor country. As an EU country, we provide access to services in all official languages of the Union. An exception is provided for Ukrainians who live in Lithuania and have temporary EU protection. ,
According to the order, the theoretical driving test will be conducted in Lithuanian or any other official EU language. During the practical exam, candidates who do not speak any of these languages will be able to use the services of an interpreter who will translate from or in the Chosen official language of the EU. A transition period will be set for individuals who have started preparing for the exam under the old rules.
According to the state - owned company Regitra, in 2022, driving theory exams were taken in Russian 10,381 times, and in the first 11 months of 2023-11,560 times. Most of the exams in Russian were taken by foreigners who want to get categories B (cars), C (trucks) and a (motorcycles).
The Ministry of the interior also recommended that all subordinate institutions provide services and service to residents exclusively in Lithuanian or other official EU languages.
recall
The Lithuanian government approved a proposal to terminate the 1993 Merchant Shipping Agreement with Russia. The decision is related to the lack of relevance of the agreement and the termination of cooperation.