The European Commission's 2026 Rule of Law Report on Lithuania, published on 22 July 2026, assesses limited progress on legal aid reform and some further progress on judicial appointment transparency, affecting the Lithuanian justice system, legal profession, and anti-corruption framework.
The report, a staff working document accompanying the broader 2026 Rule of Law Communication, notes that a working group on judicial appointment transparency presented conclusions in March 2026, with proposed amendments to the Law on Courts under consideration. No legislative changes were deemed necessary regarding the European Court of Human Rights ruling on judicial reappointment review. Changes to Constitutional Court judge requirements remain pending in Parliament after a January 2026 ruling that one appointee did not meet constitutional standards.
On legal aid, the Lithuanian Bar Association submitted draft amendments in December 2025 to remove the Minister of Justice from disciplinary proceedings; discussions with the Ministry occurred on 15 April 2026. However, discussions on legal aid provider remuneration were suspended in 2026. The hourly rate remains EUR 25, with proposed increases to EUR 30 in 2028 and EUR 35 in 2029. New Legal Aid Information System features are planned for 2026.
The second implementation plan 2026-2029 for the National Anti-Corruption Agenda was approved in April 2026. Amendments to combat strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) were adopted in December 2025. Changes to the Law on Parliamentary Ombudspersons increased the number to three, while amendments to the appointment procedure were rejected.
The report highlights ongoing concerns over judicial resources, lawyer-client confidentiality, and legislative inclusiveness. Stakeholders impacted include the Lithuanian judiciary, legal profession, anti-corruption bodies, and citizens relying on legal aid. The Commission's findings will feed into the broader EU Rule of Law dialogue and may inform future recommendations or infringement procedures.