Vasiliauskienė, Violeta

This research project, conducted in one of Lithuania’s cities, explores the integration processes of foreign nationals in the urban environment. Its primary aim is to identify key obstacles to migrants’ social, cultural, and professional inclusion, and to propose practical recommendations for improving adaptation at the community, municipal, and organizational levels. Special emphasis is placed on the role of media manipulation and disinformation targeting migrants, which often reinforces stereotypes, fuels xenophobia, and undermines trust in institutions. The study focuses particularly on Ukrainian refugees as a vulnerable group exposed to politicized narratives and hybrid informational threats. Using both empirical data and theoretical frameworks, the article investigates how migrants perceive and respond to such manipulations. The findings aim to inform more effective integration strategies and contribute to policy development rooted in democratic values and information.

Children with disabilities remain at heightened risk of discrimination, institutional neglect, and various forms of violence due to the compounded vulnerabilities of age and disability. International human rights law recognizes this intersectional vulnerability and has developed increasingly specific protections. This article examines how the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) applies Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) — the prohibition of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment — in cases concerning children with disabilities, and to what extent this judicial interpretation incorporates principles derived from the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). The research applies doctrinal, comparative, and interpretative analysis of ECtHR case law, focusing on judgments addressing institutional neglect, involuntary medical treatment, sexual violence, and systemic failures in protection. It further evaluates the Court’s references to CRC “best interests” and protection-from-violence standards, as well as CRPD-based rights to dignity, autonomy, personal integrity, and inclusion. The findings reveal clear jurisprudential convergence between the ECtHR and UN treaty bodies. The Court has increasingly recognized that States bear extensive positive obligations toward children with disabilities: not only to refrain from abuse but to proactively prevent foreseeable risks, ensure adequate safeguards in care settings, and conduct effective investigations into allegations of harm. The Court’s jurisprudence demonstrates that systemic institutional neglect, involuntary medical treatment, and failures to protect against violence may engage State responsibility under Articles 2, 3, 8, and 13 ECHR. Representative judgments illustrate that disability-sensitive and child-rights-based approaches are now integral to the interpretation of Article 3. Overall, the analysis shows that disability-sensitive and child-rights-based approaches are now integral to the ECtHR’s interpretation of Article 3. This reflects a broader alignment of European human rights protection with CRC and CRPD standards, reinforcing that equal dignity and effective protection for children with disabilities must be ensured in practice, not only in law.

The aim of the article is to reveal the protection of persons with disabilities from violence in institutional settings in international and EU legal regulation and practice, as well as the application of these principles in Lithuania. Th e article introduces the concepts of violence and disability. It reveals the main provisions in international legal regulation that regulates the protection of persons with disability, as well as main aspects of EU policy. Furthermore, it carries a case study of Lithuanian legal system of the protection of persons with disability from violence, including the licencing and oversight of social care activity and venues for complaints regarding violence experienced by people with disabilities in institutions.

The article analyses the development of EU security policies. It reveals the development of EU political cooperation and cooperation in the field of Justice and Home Affairs. Important milestones are discussed: the development of European Political Cooperation (EPC), TREVI group, the system of EU pillars introduced by the Maastricht Treaty and the changes made by Lisbon Treaty. Lastly, the latest EU policies on security are addressed and the interdependence of internal and external security aspects is illustrated. The article concludes that the development of the EU's competence in security matters began with European Political Cooperation and efforts to address terrorism, serving as a transition from an economic to a political union concerned with internal and external security. The Maastricht Treaty established the Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) pillar, enhancing EU- wide security through cooperation on border controls, terrorism, illegal immigration, and judicial cooperation. The Treaty of Amsterdam and the Lisbon Treaty refined this framework, increasing the roles of EU institutions and prioritizing security coordination. The Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), established in 1993, aims to preserve peace and enhance international security. The EU policies recognize the interconnected nature of threats arising to the security in the EU.

Transportation is a strategic sector of the EU’s economy and directly impacts the daily lives of all EU citizens. This industry is responsible for around 11 million jobs. It is vital for the integration of Europe, as interconnected and sustainable transport networks are necessary to complete and adequately function the European Single Market. Over the last few decades, passenger and freight transport volumes have grown, and they are expected to continue to do so, although at a slower pace. Most passenger and freight transport is through road transport, and this article focuses on regulating road transport and its compatibility with the objectives of the European Green Deal. The European Commission has put forth a set of propositions to align the EU's climate, energy, transport, and taxation policies to achieve a minimum reduction of 55% in net greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to the levels recorded in 1990. One proposition is to reduce road transport pollution by increasing the percentage of electric vehicles operating in the road transport sector. This paper aims to introduce the concept of the electric road vehicle, analyse the objectives of the European Green Deal, and discuss Lithuanian policy actions regarding electric road vehicles and related infrastructure.

This chapter addresses the complex and contentious issue of defining terrorism within international law and policy. Despite the severe threat that terrorism poses to international and national security, resulting in significant loss of life and the disruption of societal stability, a universally accepted definition of terrorism remains elusive. This paper aims to clarify the current definitions and the challenges in reaching a consensus. The research investigates the various international and regional definitions of terrorism, examining key documents and conventions, such as the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, the EU Terrorism Situation and Trend Report (TESAT), and other significant treaties and resolutions. Through a comparative analysis, the study identifies the core elements commonly recognized in these definitions: the unlawful and intentional nature of the act, the serious harm caused, and the primary objective of intimidation or coercion. Employing a qualitative research design, the methodology involves a thorough literature review and an analysis of international legal instruments and policy documents. The paper scrutinizes definitions from diverse sources, highlighting discrepancies and commonalities, and evaluates the implications of these definitions on international cooperation and legal frameworks. The findings reveal a fragmented landscape, where definitions of terrorism vary significantly across different international and regional bodies. The lack of a unified definition complicates legal proceedings, extradition, and international cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts. The paper underscores the importance of a clear and comprehensive definition to enhance the effectiveness of global counter-terrorism strategies and to ensure consistent legal standards. In conclusion, this paper contributes to the ongoing debate by mapping out existing definitions and proposing pathways towards a more cohesive international legal framework. It calls for intensified efforts to bridge the definitional gaps and to develop a universally accepted definition that can effectively address the multifaceted nature of terrorism.

This chapter explores the concept of hybrid threats to state security, aiming to shed light on the complexities and challenges posed by this modern form of warfare. Hybrid threats, which blend conventional and non-conventional methods, are increasingly prominent in the international political arena, involving a mix of military, paramilitary, and civilian tactics that challenge traditional security frameworks. The primary objective of this research is to dissect the nature of hybrid threats, understand their implications for state security, and evaluate the effectiveness of current response strategies. The research questions guiding this study include: What defines hybrid threats and hybrid warfare? How do these threats exploit legal and systemic vulnerabilities? What are the political and security challenges posed by hybrid threats, and how can states effectively counter them? To address these questions, the research employs a multidisciplinary approach, combining qualitative analysis of existing literature, case studies of recent hybrid warfare incidents, and the theoretical exploration of international law and security studies. This methodology enables the creation of a comprehensive understanding of the evolving nature of hybrid threats and the multifaceted strategies employed by both state and non-state actors. The findings reveal that hybrid threats operate in a grey zone of conflict, utilizing a blend of cyber operations, disinformation campaigns, economic pressure, and conventional military tactics. These methods aim to create ambiguity, making it difficult for states to identify perpetrators and respond effectively. The study concludes that there is a need for clearer legal definitions and frameworks to govern hybrid warfare, ensuring that states can effectively respond to these emerging threats while adhering to international law. This chapter contributes to the growing body of knowledge on hybrid threats, offering insights into their nature.

The article describes the practice of racial profiling and provides an oversight of jurisprudence related to identity checks and the question of racial profiling. The recent Dutch process and two different rulings of the ECtHR illustrate differing opinions on whether racial and other person-related characteristics may be the basis of law enforcement action, in this case, identity checks. The international jurisprudence of the UN Human Rights Committee and the European Court of Human Rights gives criteria for establishing whether discrimination occurred during identity checks and indicates aspects regarding burden of proof between the applicant and the respondent state.

The article analyses the Green Passport established in Lithuania (named Opportunity Passport) and the proportionality of the imposed limitations on human rights. For the analysis, the German proportionality test is employed and its application to this particular instrument of pandemic management. The article explores the suitability of the aim of the Opportunity Passport, trying to clarify what were the aims sought by the Opportunity passport. Further, in analysing the first step of the proportionality test -suitability- the authors explore the theoretic possibility to attain the pandemic management goals by limiting the access to certain services and events only for vaccinated persons or those having proof of their immunity status. Furthermore, the second step – necessity – is analysed, that is whether the measures were necessary in the absence of other, more lenient but equally effective means of achieving the intended objectives. Lastly, the third step of the three-tier test includes the assessment of the proportionality in the strict sense (stricto sensu) of the restricting measure: is the chosen sanction disproportionate to the constraints imposed on it, does the scale of the measure meet its objectives or will the likely (outset) benefits outweigh the potential losses. The Opportunity Passport legal regulation and the limitations imposed by it are weighed against the gravity of human rights limitations. The last chapter discusses the regulation of Opportunity Passport and its aspects in the context of the prohibition of discrimination. Conclusions of the publication are made on the basis of careful examination of theory and facts.