AGP Executive Report

Total Defence & Evacuation Planning: Lithuania is stepping up “total defence” preparations as Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius warns the country is “constantly threatened,” with plans for evacuation and wider use of volunteers and businesses alongside the military. Emergency Readiness at Home: After drone incidents near the border, demand for Lithuania’s emergency go-bags is rising, with residents urged to stock medicines, water, food, radios and first-aid supplies. HRT Safety Update: New research highlights that oral hormone replacement therapy carries a slightly higher blood-clot risk, while skin-applied HRT does not show the same risk—relevant for menopause care decisions. Mental Health Signal: A nationwide Lithuanian study reports depression and anxiety among COPD patients, adding to growing pressure on integrated mental-health support in chronic disease care. HIV Prevention Push: EU HIV diagnoses are said to have plateaued, with advocates calling for a stronger action plan and wider access to prevention tools like PrEP and comprehensive sexual health education. Lithuania in the EU Policy Debate: Lithuania is among 13 EU countries urging a “deep-cleaning” of EU rules—pausing new legislation to simplify what already exists, including in areas affecting health and safety.

Urban Resilience & Health Costs: A new Baltic focus on retrofitting older buildings is framed as more than energy savings—upgrades can cut household running costs and reduce vulnerability to flooding, heatwaves and storms, with Vilnius highlighted as a key example where renovation is often more realistic than rebuilding. Mental Health in Chronic Disease: A Lithuania-wide study of 64,246 COPD patients reports notable rates of diagnosed depression and anxiety, underscoring how often mental health issues go underrecognized in people already managing serious lung disease. Emergency Preparedness in Lithuania: After drone incidents near the border, demand for go-bags and basic supplies has surged in Lithuania, with residents now stocking medicine, water, food, radios and first-aid kits for possible disruption. Suicide Trends: South Korea’s suicide mortality rate fell 4.7% in 2025, but it remains the highest in the OECD; the report also notes a rise among teenagers, keeping mental health support a major public health priority. Crisis Readiness Across Europe: Governments are pushing household-level guidance for war, extreme weather and cyber threats, while NATO alerts and hybrid concerns continue to shape daily preparedness thinking in the region.

Emergency Preparedness: After drone incidents near Lithuania’s border, Vilnius residents report a surge in demand for emergency go-bags, with one family now stocking medicine, water, canned food, a first-aid kit, radio, flashlight, thermal blankets and rain gear. Mental Health & Lung Disease: A nationwide Lithuanian study finds depression and anxiety are common among COPD patients, yet often underdiagnosed and undertreated—highlighting a need for better mental health screening in respiratory care. Cancer Survivorship Support: A European webinar spotlights late effects after cancer treatment for adolescents and young adults, with Lithuania presenting the LATE-AYA project exploring AI, smartphones and wearables to tailor follow-up support. Suicide Trends: South Korea’s suicide mortality rate fell 4.7% in 2025, but remains the highest in the OECD; suicide is also rising among teenagers, underscoring ongoing prevention gaps. NATO & Health Security: NATO scrambled jets over Ukraine-linked attacks and Lithuania reported a Belarus “hybrid attack,” while broader reporting warns European health systems may be unprepared for mass-casualty scenarios.

Late Effects of Cancer: A European webinar highlighted how young cancer survivors can face long-term health and mental impacts, with Lithuania’s Kaunas University of Technology presenting the LATE-AYA project exploring AI, smartphones and wearables to support better everyday care. COPD & Mental Health: A nationwide Lithuanian study reports depression and anxiety are common among COPD patients, raising concerns about underdiagnosis and the need for more consistent mental health support alongside respiratory treatment. Lithuania’s Medical Readiness: Lithuania is building and updating strategic medical reserves, including rescEU capacity, as Europe weighs worst-case scenarios. Hybrid Threat Warnings: Multiple reports say European governments are preparing for possible Russian drone, missile, sabotage and cyberattacks, with Lithuania and NATO partners discussing deterrence and false-flag risks. EU Red Tape Push: Thirteen EU countries, including Lithuania, are calling for a “legislative deep-cleaning” to cut unnecessary rules and reduce administrative burdens. Public Health Tech: A new digital system is being discussed for helping young cancer survivors manage late treatment effects beyond hospital visits.

Lithuania’s health system readiness: Germany is warning hospitals may be overwhelmed in a Russian attack scenario, with plans to expand capacity and even reopen shelters—while Lithuania updates evacuation planning for Vilnius, including routes toward the Polish border. Public health & medicines: The EU’s medicines review has concluded on ipidacrine-containing treatments, recommending tighter, better-defined uses for specific nerve-related symptoms and limiting broader indications. Mental health & addiction policy: Lithuania’s Finance Ministry blocked a proposal to raise gambling and lottery taxes, after arguments that extra revenue should fund mental health and addiction prevention. Cancer data spotlight: A rare childhood cancer cluster in California is being investigated, alongside broader international comparisons of cancer incidence rates. Access to psychedelic-assisted therapy: PsyAccess launched a registry-verified directory across 27 European countries, highlighting how uneven access is—Lithuania is listed with one verified provider. Regional security pressure: Poland and France warn of intensifying Russian hybrid threats, including drone and cyberattacks, as Europe prepares for possible escalation. Tech & health ecosystem: A European tech funding recap shows healthtech among top-funded sectors, with major investment totals across AI, space, and health innovation.

Lithuania Health Policy: Lithuania’s Finance Ministry blocked a Farmers and Greens Union bid to raise gambling and lottery taxes, arguing licensed operators already carry the cost of a major regulatory overhaul. EU Medicines Watch: The EU medicines committee (CHMP) finished its review of ipidacrine-containing medicines, recommending tighter, better-defined uses and dropping several indications. Mental Health & Recovery Access: PsyAccess launched a registry-verified directory of licensed ketamine and psychedelic-assisted therapy providers across 27 European countries, highlighting uneven access across the region. Public Health in Crisis Prep: European governments are stepping up preparations for possible Russian hybrid attacks, with Lithuania updating evacuation plans and officials warning about drones, cyberattacks and sabotage. Care for Released Prisoners: Belarusian political prisoners expelled to Lithuania are receiving help with rehabilitation, medical care and psychological support, with 13 staying in Lithuania and 10 heading to Poland. Workplace Safety: A Lithuanian man died after his arm was severed in a concrete plant accident in Ireland, with an inquest hearing details of the fatal workplace incident.

EU Security Push: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s plan for a European Security Council is drawing backlash after critics say it was floated without clear powers or membership, and that Turkey could be involved as a step toward a European Defence Union. Russia-Ukraine Spillover: Across Europe, officials are ramping up readiness for “hybrid” attacks—drones, missiles, sabotage and cyberattacks—after warnings from France and Poland that Russia may target NATO supporters and try to frame incidents as “accidents,” with Lithuania also updating evacuation planning. Lithuania Health Policy: Lithuania’s Finance Ministry blocked a bid to raise gambling and lottery taxes, arguing licensed operators already fund a regulatory overhaul and that extra charges would be an “excessive burden,” despite claims the money would support mental health and addiction prevention. Medicines Watch: The EU medicines regulator finalized a review of ipidacrine-containing drugs, narrowing approved uses and stopping several indications where benefits were not well defined. Workplace Safety: A Lithuanian man died after his arm was severed in a concrete plant accident in Ireland, with an inquest hearing details of how he became trapped in machinery. Mental Health & Care Access: A new Europe-wide registry directory (PsyAccess) aims to make licensed ketamine and psychedelic-assisted therapy providers easier to find, highlighting uneven access across countries including Lithuania.

Workplace Safety: A Lithuanian man, Donatas Jokubauskas (32), died after his left arm was severed when he was trapped in a conveyor system at a concrete plant in Kildare, Ireland, with an inquest hearing details of the incident and safety setup. Sleep & Wellness Travel: “Sleep tourism” is rising as travellers seek rest-focused trips, with new survey data showing many would pay more for accommodation designed to improve sleep and help them disconnect. European Hybrid Threat: Lithuania and allies are warning of growing Russian hybrid tactics, including drone and missile attacks framed as “accidents,” while officials push for stronger protections for critical infrastructure and defence sites. Medicines Update: The EU medicines regulator has concluded its review of ipidacrine-containing medicines, recommending tighter, better-defined uses and removing several previously approved indications. Mental Health Support for Released Prisoners: Belarus political prisoners expelled to Lithuania are receiving help with rehabilitation, medical care and psychological support, with some moving onward to Poland. Access to Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy: PsyAccess launched a registry-verified directory of licensed ketamine and psychedelic-assisted therapy providers across 27 European countries, aiming to make legal access easier to find.

Sleep Tourism Trend: New survey data suggests 94% of travellers in Europe and the US are searching for wellness trips focused on better sleep, with 38% choosing stays for sleep features and one in five willing to pay more for sleep-focused hotels. Lithuania Gambling Policy: Lithuania’s Finance Ministry blocked a proposal to raise gambling and lottery taxes, arguing licensed operators already fund a regulatory overhaul and that a sudden hike would be an excessive burden. Hybrid Threat Warnings: European officials, including Lithuania’s foreign minister, are warning of growing Russian hybrid tactics—drones, missiles, sabotage and cyberattacks—aimed at NATO countries supporting Ukraine, with France also ordering extra protection for critical infrastructure. Lithuanian Security Link: Reporting notes a Russian-origin drone was shot down over Lithuania earlier this week, underscoring the region’s heightened risk environment. EMA Drug Review: The EU medicines regulator finalized a review of ipidacrine-containing medicines, narrowing approved uses and removing several indications due to unclear study quality and definitions. Kaunas Mosque Protest: A Kaunas protest outside a mosque has triggered a criminal probe into alleged incitement of hatred and disruption of religious rituals. Belarus Prisoners Support: Belarus political prisoners released in mid-September are being processed in Lithuania and Poland, with continued plans for rehabilitation, medical help and psychological support.

Health Security Prep: Germany is reviewing hospital capacity and resilience for a possible Russia-linked conflict, with officials and military planners warning they may need to treat up to 1,000 wounded soldiers a day and considering Cold War-era medical bunkers and tighter coordination between military and civilian care. Hybrid Threat Warnings: Poland’s PM Donald Tusk says Russia may carry out “hybrid-style” drone and missile strikes on NATO supporters, aiming to look like accidents and weaken alliance resolve, while Lithuania’s foreign minister says allies have discussed possible false-flag scenarios and France’s Macron orders extra protection for critical infrastructure against drones and cyberattacks. Lithuania Link: NATO fighter pilots shot down a Russian-origin drone believed to have entered Lithuania’s airspace from Belarus, underscoring the region’s heightened risk. Care Access (EU-wide): PsyAccess launched a registry-verified directory mapping licensed ketamine and psychedelic-assisted therapy providers across 27 European countries, highlighting how uneven access is across states. Mental Health & Wellness Research: A study reports higher emotional intelligence is linked with more vigorous exercise in women. Public Health (Infection Prevention): Research suggests copper surfaces in public spaces may help reduce infection risk.

War-ready healthcare: Germany is reviewing hospital capacity and resilience for a possible NATO conflict, with estimates of up to 1,000 wounded soldiers per day and renewed focus on military-civilian coordination and medical supply chains. Infection control research: A University of Tartu dissertation suggests antimicrobial materials like copper and silver may work less effectively in real, crowded conditions as humidity and repeated cleaning change how bacteria spread on surfaces. Mental health & activity: A study links higher emotional intelligence in women to more vigorous exercise and less sitting, while the association wasn’t seen in men. Lithuania health system capacity: Lithuania is building one of Europe’s strategic medical reserves, from infrastructure to rescEU capacity. Access to psychedelic-assisted therapy: PsyAccess launched a registry-verified directory of licensed ketamine and psychedelic-assisted treatment providers across 27 European countries, highlighting uneven access. Support for released prisoners: Belarus political prisoners expelled to Lithuania are receiving help with rehabilitation, medical care and psychological support, with some moving onward to Poland.

Psychedelic Care Access: PsyAccess launched a free, registry-verified directory of licensed ketamine and psychedelic-assisted therapy providers across 27 European countries, highlighting how uneven access is—Lithuania is listed with just one verified provider. Belarus Prisoner Support: Belarus released 25 political prisoners on Sept. 16 and they were taken to Lithuania; officials say 13 will stay in Lithuania while others go to Poland or elsewhere, with follow-up medical aid, rehabilitation and psychological support planned. Local Fundraising: BYSOL Solidarity Foundation opened an emergency fundraiser to give each released person €1,000 for housing rental, medical help, document restoration and daily expenses. War-Readiness Health: Germany is reviewing healthcare capacity for possible mass-casualty scenarios, including whether Cold War-era medical bunkers could be reactivated and how civilian hospitals would handle wartime triage. Infection Control Materials: A University of Tartu dissertation suggests antimicrobial metals like copper may work better than standard cleaning in real-world crowded settings, where microbes recolonize surfaces quickly. Lithuanian Medical Reserves: Lithuania is rapidly building strategic medical reserves, from infrastructure to rescEU capacity.

War-ready healthcare: Germany is reviewing whether its hospitals can cope if up to 1,000 wounded soldiers arrive daily, with plans to revive Cold War-era facilities and strengthen military-civilian coordination. Infection control in real life: A University of Tartu dissertation suggests antimicrobial surfaces like copper and silver may work less effectively in crowded, changing conditions than in labs, after repeated cleaning and humidity shifts. Sepsis push in Europe: Health leaders are meeting at RCSI to reduce gaps in sepsis recognition and treatment across Europe, aiming for stronger cooperation through EU presidencies including Lithuania. Local health support: BYSOL launched an emergency fundraiser for 25 Belarusian political prisoners released on Sept. 16, covering housing rental, medical help, documents and daily expenses. Community tensions in Kaunas: A protest outside a Kaunas mosque has triggered investigations over alleged incitement of hatred and disruption of religious rituals, renewing debate over religiously motivated hostility. Workplace tragedy: An inquest heard a Lithuanian man died after his arm was severed in a concrete plant accident in Kildare in 2021.

Medical preparedness: Germany is ramping up healthcare readiness for mass casualties, including plans to revive Cold War-era bunker capacity and strengthen coordination between military and civilian hospitals as estimates warn up to 1,000 wounded soldiers could arrive daily in a NATO conflict. Infection control: A University of Tartu dissertation suggests antimicrobial surfaces like copper may work less effectively in real crowded settings, where humidity and repeated cleaning can reduce performance—raising the bar for longer-lasting public-space protection. Local health capacity: Lithuania is building rescEU medical reserves, with €97M+ funding to store and rapidly mobilize medicines and protective equipment across EU crisis scenarios. Mental health & activity: A new study links higher emotional intelligence in women with more vigorous exercise and less sitting, while the link wasn’t seen in men. Community support for health needs: Lithuania is preparing to receive 25 Belarusian political prisoners released on Sept. 16, with medical and dental assessments continuing after arrival and a fundraiser aiming to cover essentials including housing and care. Health policy focus: European health leaders are meeting at RCSI to push a more coordinated approach to sepsis recognition and management across Europe.

Military Health Preparedness: Germany is reviewing how its healthcare system could cope with up to 1,000 wounded soldiers arriving daily in a NATO conflict, including whether Cold War-era medical bunkers like a 1979 Ulm facility can be revived and how civilian hospitals would handle mass triage. Local Security & Health Impacts: NATO jets shot down a drone that entered Lithuania’s airspace from Belarus, underscoring the region’s ongoing drone risk and the knock-on pressure on emergency and medical services. Lithuania’s Medical Resilience: Lithuania is rapidly building one of Europe’s strategic medical reserves under rescEU, with €97M+ in EU funding to stock medicines, PPE and CBRN equipment and keep it mobilisable in crises. European Sepsis Push: Health leaders met at RCSI to push a more consistent European approach to sepsis recognition and treatment, aiming to reduce preventable deaths and align plans across EU presidencies including Lithuania. Community Health & Safety: Kaunas saw reported disruption of mosque prayers by bikers, including loud music and a pig’s head display, with police saying there was no physical confrontation—an issue that can affect community wellbeing and trust. Cross-border Humanitarian Support: Lithuania is preparing to receive Belarusian political prisoners, including a humanitarian list focused on people needing urgent medical help.

Lithuania’s health security boost: Lithuania is rapidly building one of Europe’s strategic medical reserves under rescEU, with €97M+ funded by the EU to stock medicines, PPE and CBRN supplies and make them quickly deployable in crises. European sepsis push: Health leaders, clinicians and patient advocates are meeting at RCSI to reduce gaps in how sepsis is recognized and treated across Europe, aiming for stronger cooperation through Ireland’s EU presidency and beyond. Suicide prevention spotlight: New Eurostat data show EU suicide deaths from intentional self-harm are slowly declining, but men are hit far harder than women; Lithuania remains the highest in the EU by rate. Cataract care improving: A European registry report finds cataract surgery outcomes continue to improve across Europe, though access to newer lens options still varies by cost. Mental health context for Lithuania: Lithuania’s high suicide mortality rate is again in focus as discussions compare regional patterns and underline the need for targeted support.