News

First moments from the Discussion Festival

2026 09 01


We would like to thank everyone who joined the discussions for their questions and active participation, as well as the festival organizers and volunteers.

Friday afternoon began with the interactive migration policy simulation “Destination - Europe”, moderated by the EMN Lithuania. During the simulation, participants stepped into the role of policymakers and gained practical insight into the challenges and decisions involved in shaping migration policy.

The first discussion, “How Many and What Kind of Migrants Does Lithuania Need?”, explored the role of migration in Lithuania’s long-term economic and demographic development. Participants discussed labor market needs, integration issues, security considerations, the importance of increasing productivity, and the potential of the Lithuanian diaspora, highlighting the significance of attracting talent and ensuring successful integration.

The second discussion, “Myths and Reality About Migration in Lithuania”, addressed some of the most common public misconceptions about migrants. Participants discussed the role of migrants in the labor market, integration challenges, narratives shaped in the public sphere and on social media, and the importance of building connections between migrants and local communities.