AGP Executive Report

Cybersecurity & Health Security: ESET warns Belarus-linked FrostyNeighbor/Ghostwriter is running a fresh Ukraine campaign since March, starting with Ukrtelecom-themed malicious PDF lures and using scheduled tasks plus Cobalt Strike to keep access—an escalation that targets government bodies and could disrupt health services. Fake Medicines Crackdown: In a separate Europe-wide operation, Europol/Eurojust helped dismantle a counterfeit medicines and illegal supplements network worth €240m, with raids across several countries and hundreds of websites shut. EU Funding for Lithuania: The European Commission has greenlit Lithuania’s sixth RRF payment request for €178m, tied to public-sector digital tools, healthcare quality monitoring, and reforms for vulnerable groups. Public Health Alert: WHO declared the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda an international emergency as cases and deaths rise. Regional Cooperation: Norway became a full member of the EU Baltic Sea Strategy, boosting security and resilience coordination around the Baltic.

Fake Medicines Crackdown: Europol backed a cross-border operation that dismantled a counterfeit medicines and illegal supplement network blamed for at least €240m in illicit sales, with raids and website shutdowns across Eastern Europe. Lithuania’s EU Funding: The European Commission has approved Lithuania’s sixth Recovery and Resilience Facility payment request—€178m—tied to public-sector digital tools, healthcare quality monitoring, and transparency reforms. Ebola Alert: WHO declared the Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda an international emergency, citing dozens of suspected cases and ongoing spread risk. Nordic Healthcare Expansion: Finnish group Mehiläinen agreed to buy Aleris, pushing further into Norway and Denmark and expanding its Nordic footprint. Cyber Threats: ESET reports renewed FrostyNeighbor/Ghostwriter phishing aimed at Ukrainian government targets, using location-based tricks to deliver malware only to selected victims. Public Health Watch: A spring gardening injury reminder is making the rounds—people return to outdoor work too fast, and back, knee and tendon problems spike.

Fake Medicines Crackdown: A Europe-wide operation led by Greek police with Eurojust and Europol has dismantled a criminal network accused of selling counterfeit medicines and illegal supplements, with raids at 113 sites across Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Moldova, 196 websites shut down, and €240m in illicit activity linked to the scheme. Border Pressure: Poland is warning that Russia and Belarus are pushing “illegal migrants” toward NATO’s eastern flank, with the army now deployed along the Belarus border. Human Rights vs Deportations: Forty-six countries agreed on a new, non-binding interpretation of the European Convention on Human Rights that could affect how deportation “return hubs” in third countries are handled—sparking criticism from rights groups. Lithuania Health System Strain: Lithuania’s young doctors face barriers to training and returning home, while the health insurance system excludes some who want to work locally. Cyber Threats: ESET reports Belarus-linked Ghostwriter/FrostyNeighbor phishing campaigns targeting Ukrainian government bodies, including Lithuania.

Poland–Belarus Migration Pressure: Poland says Russia and Belarus are pushing “illegal migrants” toward NATO, with troops now guarding the Belarus border as the situation grows beyond police control. EU Migration Rights Clash: 46 countries agreed a new, non-binding interpretation of the European Convention on Human Rights that could affect how deportation “return hubs” in third countries are handled—rights groups warn it may weaken protections. Lithuania Health System Strain: Lithuania is reportedly blocking some young doctors from continuing training at home due to mismatched curriculum rules, even as it accredits doctors from abroad. Cybersecurity (Belarus-linked): ESET reports renewed Ghostwriter/FrostyNeighbor phishing against Ukrainian government bodies, using PDF lures tied to Ukrtelecom and location-based delivery tricks. Public Health & Safety: A spring gardening reminder: injuries rise as people return to digging and lifting before their bodies adjust. Science & Industry: Lithuania’s Caszyme and Vilnius University unveiled a compact Cas12l gene-editing variant at ASGCT, aiming to expand CRISPR-style tools.

Migration Rights Clash: Forty-six European countries backed a new, non-binding interpretation of the European Convention on Human Rights that could reshape how deportation and “third country return hubs” are handled—while rights groups warn it may weaken safeguards against torture. Ukraine War Update: Kyiv says it is “entirely justified” to strike Russia’s oil industry, military production and those behind war crimes after attacks on the capital, as Zelenskyy warns of further missile and drone plans. Cybersecurity in the Region: Belarus-aligned Ghostwriter/FrostyNeighbor has resumed phishing attacks on Ukrainian government bodies, using PDF lures tied to location checks to deliver malware and Cobalt Strike. Lithuania Health System Pressure: Reports highlight barriers for young doctors returning to Lithuania and problems with how health insurance and residency requirements exclude some specialists. Mental Health Spotlight: A new global ranking again puts suicide rates in the spotlight, with South Korea leading and Lithuania and Russia following.

Eurovision Fallout: Vienna’s Eurovision weekend is here, but the mood is tense: multiple countries boycotted Israel’s participation, and a protester was dragged out in handcuffs during Israel’s performance after chants of “stop the genocide.” Baltic Health System Pressure (Lithuania): Lithuania’s health system is rejecting young doctors, with residency and insurance barriers pushing some to stay abroad. Ukraine War Update: Russia hit Kyiv with a “virtually nonstop” barrage over nearly 48 hours, launching more than 1,500 drones and 50+ missiles; Zelenskyy says air defences intercepted most drones but missile interception needs improvement. Cybersecurity: Belarus-aligned Ghostwriter/FrostyNeighbor is again targeting Ukrainian government bodies with PDF phishing and location-based delivery tricks. Climate & Cities: A new European resilience ranking puts northern capitals like Stockholm among the best prepared for heat, flooding and drought. EU Medicines Crackdown: Eurojust and Europol helped dismantle a €240m fake medicines network. Lithuania in EU Data: Eurostat reports pesticide sales rose in Lithuania (+35%) in 2024 after a slump.

Eurovision Fallout: In Vienna, Eurovision’s Israel-linked controversy spilled into the crowd as a protester was dragged away in handcuffs during a performance amid “stop the genocide” chants—while several countries boycotted the contest over Israel’s participation. Germany Anti-Conscription Push: On May 8, Germany saw a nationwide school strike against conscription and war, with tens of thousands of students in major cities. Ukraine War Update: Kyiv says Russia launched a “virtually nonstop” barrage over nearly 48 hours, with drones and missiles hitting multiple sites; Zelenskyy also argues Ukraine is justified in retaliating against Russian energy and military targets. Cybersecurity & Health: Belarus-aligned hackers (Ghostwriter/FrostyNeighbor) resumed phishing attacks on Ukrainian government bodies using geofenced PDF lures, while Lithuania’s health system faces pressure as young doctors struggle to return or access insurance. Lithuania in Focus: Lithuania’s pesticide sales rose in 2024 (+35% vs 2023), and a new genome-editing advance from Vilnius University and Caszyme highlights a compact Cas12l tool for future therapies.

Cybersecurity & Ukraine: Belarus-linked Ghostwriter/FrostyNeighbor is back, with ESET tracing a March 2026 campaign that starts via fake Ukrtelecom PDFs and then uses location-based checks to deliver malware only to targets in Ukraine—aimed at government and defence-linked organisations, including in Lithuania. Ukraine War Updates: Kyiv says Russia launched a “virtually nonstop” barrage over nearly 48 hours, with 1,500+ drones and 50+ missiles; 94% of drones were intercepted, but missile defence lagged, leaving deaths and major damage in the capital. Health & Policy: Lithuania’s health system is again under fire over barriers for young doctors returning home, including residency hurdles tied to curriculum differences and gaps in health insurance access. EU Health & Safety: Eurojust and Europol helped dismantle a €240m fake medicines network selling unauthorised supplements across Europe. Climate & Cities: A new index ranks Northern capitals among the most climate-resilient, while research flags widespread silicone-based air pollution that could affect health and climate. Local Tech & Economy: Riga hosts “Deep Tech Atelier 2026” this week, focusing on AI, defence and health innovation.

Lithuanian Health System Strain: Lithuania is turning away young doctors who want to continue training or work at home, with cases tied to mismatched residency requirements and exclusion from the health insurance system—raising fresh alarms about whether the country can keep its medical workforce. Cybersecurity in the Region: Belarus-linked FrostyNeighbor/Ghostwriter is updating phishing tactics aimed at Ukrainian government bodies, using geofenced PDF lures to decide who gets hit with malware and remote-control tools, with Lithuania among targeted countries. Ukraine Under Heavy Fire: Russia launched a “virtually nonstop” barrage on Kyiv, with officials reporting massive drone and missile use and calling for stronger air-defense performance. Public Health Watch: Riga is set to host Deep Tech Atelier 2026, with health innovation on the agenda, while elsewhere Europe saw a major medicines fraud takedown worth €240m. Health & Environment: Scientists report unexpectedly widespread silicone-based air pollution, a new concern for health and climate.

Ukraine War Update: Russia hit Kyiv with a “virtually nonstop” barrage over nearly 48 hours, launching 675 drones and 56 missiles; officials say 94% of drones and 73% of missiles were intercepted, but at least seven people died and dozens were injured, with a nine-storey apartment block partially collapsing. Lithuanian Health System: Lithuania is rejecting its young doctors, with residency and insurance rules blocking some graduates from continuing training and working at home. Health & Security in Europe: Eurojust and Europol shut down a €240m fake medicines network across 15 countries, seizing supplies and detaining key suspects. Cyber Threats: Belarus-aligned FrostyNeighbor continues espionage against Ukrainian government targets, using malicious PDFs and evolving delivery tools. Local Tech & Innovation: Riga will host “Deep Tech Atelier 2026” (May 14–15), focusing on AI, defence and health innovation. Public Health Watch: Scientists report widespread silicone-based pollution in the air, raising new health and climate questions.

Air Pollution Watch: Scientists report unexpectedly widespread methylsiloxanes, a silicone-based pollutant, detected from Baltic cities to forests—raising fresh questions about health and climate impacts. Health on the Move: Over 1,700 people were confined on a Bordeaux cruise after suspected norovirus-related illness; the operator says testing is underway and disembarkation depends on clearance. Food Safety Alert: A multi-country Salmonella Stanley outbreak has sickened 60+ people, hitting children and young adults hardest, with Lithuania among affected countries. EU Agriculture & Chemicals: EU pesticide sales bounced back in 2024 (+8%), with Lithuania among the biggest risers—after two years of decline. Local Health & Care: Lithuanian dance group Raskila brought a morale-boosting performance to a care home in the UK, showing how community events support wellbeing. Eurovision Tension: Protests over Israel’s participation spilled into the Vienna contest, with security removing a protester mid-performance—another reminder of how global health and conflict anxieties travel fast.

Cruise Health Alert: Over 1,700 people were confined on a Bordeaux-bound cruise after suspected gastrointestinal illness, with the operator reporting 49 active cases (about 3% of those onboard) and French health authorities ordering samples to be tested at Bordeaux university hospital before passengers can disembark. Eurovision Security & Public Health Spillover: In Vienna, a protester was dragged out in handcuffs during Israel’s performance as chants erupted, underscoring how mass gatherings are colliding with political tension and crowd safety. Pesticides & Risk Signals: EU pesticide sales rebounded by 8% in 2024 to about 316,000 tonnes after two years of decline; Lithuania saw a 35% jump, while overall volumes remain below 2011–2021 levels. Lithuania Biotech Momentum: Lithuania’s biotech push continues, with new international connections and manufacturing partnerships highlighted, alongside a €10m commitment to return and reintegrate abducted Ukrainian children. Cyber-Fraud Resilience: A new country-by-country map ranks Luxembourg top for fraud resilience in 2025, with Lithuania also scoring 1.4 and placing 14th.

Healthcare Tourism & Wellness Innovation: The European Spas Association handed its 2026 Innovation Awards at HEALTHXCHANGE in Bulgaria, with Lithuania’s Egles Sanatorija winning Innovative Medical Spa Centre—a sign that “health tourism” is moving from comfort to care. Global Drug Access: The Gates Foundation is investing in medicines manufacturing to cut costs and expand access, focusing on building local production capacity where infrastructure is weak. Lithuanian Economy & Pay: Lithuania’s average gross monthly earnings rose 8.5% in 2025, alongside lower unemployment—context for how health services may be affected by shifting household budgets and staffing. Public Health Watch: A multi-country Salmonella Stanley outbreak has reached at least 62 cases across Europe and beyond, hitting children and young adults hardest, with Lithuania among the affected countries. Security & Health Systems: Europe is also on alert for sabotage and cyber threats to critical infrastructure, a reminder that health depends on stable power and transport.

Eurovision Security: Vienna has rolled out “strictest” measures for Eurovision 2026 as protests and security fears swirl around Israel’s participation, with police detailing lockdown-style preparations around the Wiener Stadthalle. Salmonella Alert: A multi-country Salmonella Stanley outbreak has sickened 62 people across Europe and beyond, hitting children and young adults hardest; Lithuania is among the affected countries, and investigators still haven’t pinned down the source. Baltic Health & Society: OECD estimates mental ill-health could cost Estonia over 2% of GDP each year (2025–2050), underlining the region-wide economic stakes of prevention and care. Ukraine Children Returns: Lithuania is pledging over €10 million to help return and rehabilitate Ukrainian children abducted by Russia, as EU and UK sanctions target those behind deportations and indoctrination. Local Life: At a Lithuanian care home event, residents at Longueville Court enjoyed a live dance performance by Raskila—small moments, big morale. Biotech Watch: Akari Therapeutics says it has secured a key European patent strengthening its RNA-splicing ADC payload IP.

Power Security: Poland’s grid operator PSE is ramping up helicopter patrols over high-voltage lines near Warsaw to spot tampering and vehicle access—part of a wider Europe-wide push to harden energy networks against sabotage and drone/cyber threats. Ukraine Children Returns: Lithuania is pledging over €10 million to help return and reintegrate Ukrainian children abducted by Russia, as the international coalition grows to 49 countries and the EU and UK announce fresh sanctions tied to deportations and indoctrination. Lithuanian Biotech Rise: A Q&A highlights Lithuania’s biotech momentum, with firms using “half-shoring” partnerships to test and scale with US companies from Vilnius. Lithuania Jobs: Unemployment eased to 8.1% in April as vacancies rose, including in manufacturing, trade, construction, transport, and healthcare. Military Med Evac Training: Lithuania hosts exercises training soldiers to use robotic systems and AI to move wounded safely in drone-saturated battlefields. Eurovision Tensions: Eurovision opens in Vienna amid heightened security and controversy over Israel’s participation and broadcaster boycotts. Health & Economy: OECD warns mental ill-health could cost Estonia over 2% of GDP annually, underlining the wider economic stakes of prevention.

Ukrainian children crisis: Lithuania is stepping up with €10 million for the return and rehabilitation of children abducted by Russia, after Ukraine and Lithuania signed a joint declaration in Brussels. Sanctions pressure: The EU and the UK also announced fresh sanctions targeting people and institutions behind deportations, forced assimilation and propaganda networks. Coalition momentum: The international coalition for returning abducted Ukrainian children has now grown to 49 countries, adding Cyprus, Switzerland, Monaco and Panama. Baltic security warning: European officials say Russia’s meddling in the Baltic Sea may be a rehearsal for future tactics in Canada’s High North, including sabotage and drone harassment. Mental health cost: An OECD report flags that poor mental health could cost Estonia over 2% of GDP per year—a reminder that health policy is also economic policy.