Lithuania’s James Bond Moment

This article was written by Marija Martynaitytė, Account Manager at Invest Lithuania. 

Whether you’re a fan of action movies or not, it’s hard to find someone who doesn’t know who James Bond is. Agent 007 occupies a unique space in the Western imagination, especially in moments of uncertainty, when the world feels more unpredictable each day. In such times, we instinctively look for heroes who can step in and restore the order.

But reality plays by different rules. In times of transition, no single figure can carry the weight especially when questions of security become increasingly complex. Security, resilience, and strategic thinking are no longer individual responsibilities; they are collective efforts. There is no lone savior-only systems that work, alliances that last, and values that stay strong.

That’s why I invite you to look at Lithuania’s defence investment landscape not through the lens of Bond as a character, but through Bond as a myth. This perspective is inspired by Lithuanian historian Bernardas Gailius, who, in his book James Bond. Myth and Politics, does an excellent job unpacking the 007 phenomenon not as just entertainment, but as a modern myth and face of a core Western ideal-order, institutional strength, moral clarity.

Reading this book, I couldn’t help but notice compelling parallels between that myth and Lithuania’s evolving defence ecosystem, our investment climate, and perhaps even the mindset we’re collectively building.

License to Trust: The Hidden Power of Stability and Values

Indeed, values are one of the central themes that define Ian Fleming’s mythical agent, 007. External threats don’t weaken Bond’s convictions, they sharpen and reveal them. His principles remain strong, even under intense pressure. Similarly, Lithuania’s political identity is firmly rooted in value-based governance. Shaped by painful chapters in our own history, we have developed a clear and principled strategy anchored in Western democratic ideals.

And like Bond, who often stands seemingly alone against great challenges (though always backed by a capable system, which I’ll explore later), Lithuania, despite its size and youth as a nation, is unafraid to raise its voice on the global stage. We have consistently stood firm: supporting Georgia in 2008, standing with Ukraine since 2014, and maintaining our unwavering support today. We also demonstrated our principles in different NATO and UN missions before joining the alliance and continue doing that after becoming proud members of it. And these are just a few examples.

Lithuania is not a passive observer. We are an active voice in our region, and increasingly, that voice is being heard around the world. Our Western orientation has been a serious and deliberate choice since the very first days of our independence, and it remains unchanged to this day.

At the beginning of this article, I mentioned the global uncertainty we’ve been experiencing for some time now. While fragility has always existed in different parts of the world, today the situation feels especially tense. In Europe, we’ve seen a noticeable rise in radical political movements, and as several Central and Eastern European countries head into elections, the future direction, despite democratic forces often prevailing, feels shakier than before.

And although it would be naive to claim that Lithuania is immune to challenges, especially as external forces attempt to undermine our values, we remain on the right path. We know exactly where we don’t want to return. Regardless of changes in government, we continue striving to be a reliable ally in the European Union, NATO, and other international organizations we are proud to be part of.

Fast, Focused, and Fearless: A Bond-Like Operating Model

One of James Bond’s most defining traits is speed. When issues arise, there’s no time to wait- action must be taken immediately. But quick reactions alone aren’t enough; they must be calculated and supported by strong institutions to prevent even greater problems. That mindset is also deeply rooted in Lithuania’s approach.

Changes and challenges are inevitable, but the key is the ability to respond quickly and adapt. When the war in Ukraine began in 2014, Lithuania was once again reminded that independence is not given, it must be actively safeguarded. One of the most critical steps was building resilience and securing greater stability in the energy sector.

Lithuania acquired its own LNG terminal and, following the full-scale invasion in 2022, became the first country in Europe to stop purchasing electricity and gas from Russia. In 2025, Lithuania took another decisive step by fully disconnecting from the BRELL energy system. Today, as Europe grapples with a defence capability backlog, Lithuania is no exception. However, while others were still debating, Lithuania took the initiative- accelerating procedures and continuously improving them.

• Export licenses? Lithuania has one of the most efficient export rules in the EU. Companies can obtain export licenses to Ukraine in as little as seven days.
• Government support? Lithuania offers competitive and accessible support mechanisms, among the best in the region. Our National Bank Ilte is prepared to back companies with loans. This approach that’s unique in Europe for defence companies. And new instruments, like the Vytis program for defence companies, are continuously being developed.
• Building permits? If you’re recognized as a major investor and your production is important for national security, you can begin construction without a permit, working in parallel and saving up to six months.

In a sector where delays can cost more than money, Lithuania’s speed, clarity, and strategic focus become a company’s strategic asset.

No Bond Without Q

Agent 007 is often seen as a lone, charismatic hero who gets the job done against challenges. But as Bernardas Gailius reminds us, behind James Bond’s success stands Q the indispensable force working quietly in the background. Although Q rarely takes the spotlight, he is arguably the more important player. A functioning system that anticipates challenges and guides the agenda is the true key to success. Similarly, in Lithuania, a network of institutional collaboration, often invisible to many, works diligently behind the scenes to build and sustain a resilient defence ecosystem.

Crucially, the Lithuanian government is ready to actively collaborate with defence companies, engaging in joint ventures and sharing business risks to accelerate innovation and growth.

Our mission is to create a defence ecosystem not only anchored by Lithuania’s strategic geographical location but also driven by cutting-edge science, technology, and advanced capabilities. This integrated approach ensures that Lithuania’s security framework remains agile, forward-looking, and competitive on the global stage. We welcome investors and partners to collaborate with us and be part of this growing and dynamic sector.