Lithuania Economic Issues Essay

The present-day Lithuania is facing serious economic issues. The economy of the country is in a poor state and Lithuania also has to deal with the issues concerning emigration due to the economic problems. People have few education and job opportunities and they eagerly leave the country to pursue their life goals. There is extensive research on the matter. Many officials, researchers and educators have been discussing the issue, though there are still few (or even no) appropriate solutions to the existing problem. It is necessary to analyze major aspects of Lithuanians’ life to come up with the effective solutions.

Of course, it is crucial to look back and learn more about the country’s past. Lithuania faced a number of really serious challenges in the past. For instance, two of the most difficult periods (which have certain impact on the state even now) are the World War II and the Soviet rule which can be regarded as causes of the contemporary issues the country has to face.¹ Snyder provides quite a detailed analysis of the events which took place decades ago, but still affect the contemporary Lithuania. Suziedelis provides a list of the most meaningful events in the history of the country, though analysis of these events and their significance is absent.² However, the source is valuable as it helps focus on the events which have impact on the country. It can also help identify causes of the existing issues.

As for the existing issues, many researchers concentrate on the economic constraints of the country. For instance, Gibaitė-Kudžmienė provides specific data which reveal the negative trends in the country’s economy.³ Admittedly, poor condition of Lithuanian economy can be regarded as one of the major reasons for emigration which has become quite an alarming trend.⁴ Reportedly, many Lithuanians are forced to move to other countries to get more opportunities. Many skilled professionals work as unskilled workers which is still better for them than working in Lithuania.⁵ It is also necessary to note that emigration has become a way out for many young people who tend to study abroad.⁶ Thus, the major aspects of the issue have been revealed.

It is necessary to note that existing works on the matter provide an in-depth analysis of the problem. The sources mentioned above add certain data and reveal different facets of the problem. The problem can be analyzed from the historical perspective and possible causes of the issues can be found. However, it is important to state that the available sources only focus on specific facts and do not provide a consistent analysis. The causes of the poor economic situation in the country are still in the air, so to speak.

Therefore, there is certain gap to be filled. It is essential to analyze available data to identify the roots of the contemporary economic constraints. It is necessary to identify real causes of the economic stagnation in the country. Admittedly, the world financial crisis did affect Lithuania immensely. Nonetheless, the country’s inability to cope with economic constraints and overcome the crisis cannot be explained by the aftermaths of the crisis. It is possible to look at the people’s mindset to understand why Lithuanians prefer leaving the country. It is also necessary to provide a proper analysis of the government’s actions to identify erroneous policies which have led to the present situation in the country.

Bibliography

Gibaitė-Kudžmienė, Aldona. “Retail Trade in Lithuania Decreased by 6.5% in February, Annual Growth – 1.5%.” The Baltic Course, 2013. Web.

Sliziute, Ieva. “Denmark: Dreamland for Unemployed Lithuanians.” WordPress, Web.

Sliziute, Ieva. “The Glass of Lithuania’s Future: Half Full or Half Empty?” WordPress, Web.

Snyder, Timothy. The Reconstruction of Nations: Poland, Ukraine, Lithuania, Belarus, 1569-1999. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 2004.

Suziedelis, Saulius A. Historical Dictionary of Lithuania. Lanham, MD: Scarecrow Press, 2011.

Footnotes

1. Timothy Snyder, The Reconstruction of Nations: Poland, Ukraine, Lithuania, Belarus, 1569-1999. (New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 2004).
2. Saulius A. Suziedelis, Historical Dictionary of Lithuania. (Lanham, MD: Scarecrow Press, 2011).
3. Aldona Gibaitė-Kudžmienė, “Retail Trade in Lithuania Decreased by 6.5% in February, Annual Growth – 1.5%,” The Baltic Course, 2013, Web.
4. Ieva Sliziute, “Denmark: Dreamland for Unemployed Lithuanians.” WordPress, Web.
5. Ibid.
6. Ieva Sliziute, “The Glass of Lithuania’s Future: Half Full or Half Empty?” WordPress, Web.