Seimas congratulates the United States on the 250th anniversary of independence

Press release, 30 June 2026 (News ● Photos ● Broadcasts and videos)

The Seimas has adopted a Resolution on the strategic partnership between Lithuania and the United States of America (USA) and extended its congratulations to the United States on the 250th anniversary of its independence.

‘The United States Declaration of Independence serves today as a moral beacon in matters of fundamental rights and freedoms, such as dignity and the absolute right to life, the right to liberty, freedom of thought, religion, expression, and assembly, equality before the law and non-discrimination, the right to vote, the presumption of innocence, and the right to a fair trial,’ the Resolution states.

The document emphasises that the long-standing US policy of non-recognition of the Soviet occupation of the Baltic States supported Lithuania on its long journey toward the restoration of its statehood and independence. It strengthened Lithuania’s resolve to continue the struggle for freedom and honoured the memory of those who sacrificed their lives in the pursuit of truth.

The Seimas notes that Lithuania has consistently benefited from the United States’ goodwill and support, and expresses its gratitude to the US Government and society for their significant contribution to the development of bilateral relations and the deepening of the strategic partnership.

‘The US remains Lithuania’s most important defence ally, and the strong transatlantic bond is essential to European security,’ the Resolution underlines. The Seimas further commits to actively contributing to the strengthening of this partnership during the Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2027.

In the Resolution, the Lithuanian Parliament expresses its gratitude for the continued presence of US troops on Lithuania’s soil, describing it as an indispensable element of deterrence in the Baltic region and of particular importance for the security of the entire transatlantic area. The Seimas pledges to continue ensuring the best possible conditions for the US forces stationed in Lithuania. ‘The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (hereinafter: ‘NATO’) remains the cornerstone of a strong transatlantic relationship, but all members of the Alliance must continue to increase their investments in defence, while Lithuania continues to lead by example in this area,’ the document notes.

The Seimas expresses the hope that US leadership will further strengthen NATO, including by moving towards a joint decision of Allies to invite Ukraine to join the Alliance as a strong partner in a free and undivided Europe.

The Seimas calls on NATO Allies and the European Union to reinforce the transatlantic partnership with the United States and to share responsibility for the security of the Baltic Sea region, Europe  and the wider world.

On 4 July 2026, the United States will mark the 250th anniversary of its independence. On 2 September 2026, Lithuania and the United States will commemorate the 35th anniversary of the re-establishment of diplomatic relations.

The Resolution (draft No XVP-1681(2)) was adopted unanimously, with 85 Members of the Seimas voting in favour. 

The initiator of the Resolution is Emanuelis Zingeris, Member of the Seimas.

Rimas Rudaitis, Adviser, Press Office, Information and Communication Department, tel. +370 5 209 6132, e-mail: [email protected]