Christmas and New Year Wishes and Greetings

Students and Teachers – New Partnerships in Customs

Sustainability and professional development are becoming the most important elements in today’s customs sector. With increasing demands to integrate sustainability principles into the business and public sectors, it is necessary to constantly update knowledge and strengthen cooperation with social partners. This mission will be continued at the conference “Customs Current Affairs and Sustainability” on 12th December 2024, where Assoc. Prof. Dr. Milita Vienažindienė, Head of the Department of Business and Rural Development Management of the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development of VMU ŽŪA and Chair of the Business Logistics Committee of the Master’s Programme, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Erika Besusparienė, Chair of the Customs Process Management Committee of the MBA programme, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vilma Tamulienė, Chair of the Logistics and Commerce Committee of the Bachelor’s programme, deepened their knowledge in the most relevant areas of customs.

The event was organised by the Customs Department of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Lithuania together with the Customs Practitioners Association, of which VMU is a member. The event became an excellent platform not only for the application of theoretical knowledge, but also for strengthening relations with social partners. In the modern global context, the sustainability and effectiveness of customs institutions’ activities require continuous professional development and cooperation with various institutions.

VMU Faculty of Bioeconomic Development teachers with Customs Practitioners Association Head E. Naujoke

The conference focused on key aspects of the customs reform, including the digitalisation of customs procedures, the entry into force of new regulations and the practical implications of their implementation. The application of the EU Deforestation Regulation, which has become one of the most important sustainability issues, was discussed, as well as the adaptation of companies to new requirements, product passports and certification. Much attention was also paid to the use of artificial intelligence tools to more effectively manage the implementation of sustainability standards and ensure smoother movement of goods through customs. Enrika Naujokė, head of the Customs Practitioners Association, presented the customs knowledge assistant PICOCO, which will help simplify complex customs and international trade procedures. These topics not only highlighted the importance of sustainability, but also the need to constantly update knowledge and adapt to changing regulations to ensure the effective development of the customs sector.

The conference participants, including students, teachers and practitioners, emphasised the importance of education as a key factor contributing to the formation of a sustainable and responsible professional community in the customs field. The teachers of the VMU Faculty of Bioeconomy Development are pleased that the students of the MBA programme Customs Process Management are actively involved in the activities of the Customs Practitioners Association, creating valuable contacts with professionals and strengthening the knowledge base. At the conference, the teachers had the opportunity to meet with alumni and current students of the MBA programme Customs Process Management.

The conference “Customs Current Affairs and Sustainability” has become an important step not only for professional development, but also for ensuring long-term sustainability in the customs field.

Applications are now open for the autumn 2025 semester, and teachers are inviting international candidates interested in customs and logistics to apply via https://vytautasmagnus.dreamapply.com/ . Don’t miss the opportunity to join our programme and explore the field of customs management and international trade:

12th International Scientific Conference “RURAL DEVELOPMENT 2025: Resilience to Global Challenges”

We kindly invite You to the 12th International Scientific Conference “RURAL DEVELOPMENT 2025: Resilience to Global Challenges”, which will take place in Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (Lithuania), 1-3 October 2025.

This conference is aimed at fostering interdisciplinary scientific discussions by presenting new ideas for agricultural development, rural development, and resilience in the context of global challenges.

The main topics of Conference sessions:

Biosystems Engineering for Sustainability;
Climate Smart Agriculture and Food Technologies; 
Multifunctional Approach for Sustainable use of Bioresources;  
Social Research and Innovations for Strengthening Rural Areas.

Keywords: Agriculture, Bioeconomy, Biosystems, Global Challenges, Resilience, Rural development.

Political, Business and Science panel discussion “Adopting to Global Change and Building a Resilient Bioeconomy” will be held during the Conference.

Important dates and deadlines:

Until June 30th, 2025 – early bird registration 
Until July 7th, 2025 – payment of early bird participation fee  
Until August 31st, 2025 – late bird registration
Until September 5th, 2025 – payment of late bird participation fee  
Until September 19th, 2025 – article submission
January 2026 – publishing of the Conference proceedings

Participation fee	In person (EUR)	Online (EUR)
Early bird authors and co-authors until July 7th	300	170
Late bird authors and co-authors until September 5th	400	220
Students	150	100
Participants	150	Free of charge
For Ukrainian authors and co-authors (if all authors are from Ukraine)	150	100

Participation fee in person covers not only the Conference proceedings, but also coffee breaks, lunches and gala dinner. The costs of accommodation, cultural (social) programme and transport should be covered by the participants of the Conference.

Speakers of the conference pay the participation fee after receiving information about the confirmation of the abstract of the presentation, but no later than deadlines. Confirmation will be sent to the participants during the five workdays after filling in the registration form.

More information about the Conference.

Online Registration on the Conference website.

Information for authors.

Conference website: https://www.ruraldevelopment.lt/

Conference e-mail: rural.development@vdu.lt

Key Insights from Accounting and Finance Experts on Driving Sustainability Forward

There is no doubt that the 14th International Conference “Accounting and Finance for Business 2024: Towards Sustainability”, held on 14-15 November 2024, touched on critical aspects of sustainability in accounting and finance from various perspectives.

The plenary session began with a presentation by Nora Marija Laurinaitytė from Lithuania, titled “Unlocking the Potential of Green Finance.” She emphasized the importance of green investments not only for the future but also today. According to her, any business seeking funding must demonstrate its adherence to sustainability criteria. In the discussion, she also noted that smaller companies often have the advantage of adapting more quickly to these requirements and implementing the necessary changes.

Next, Prof. Dr. Giuseppe Galloppo from Italy spoke at the conference, presenting “Green Initiatives and Stock Market Reaction of Italian SMEs.” His research focused on how investors react to companies’ announcements regarding sustainability. Prof. Galloppo provided a detailed explanation of his research methodology, underscoring the importance of these announcements for investors as they directly impact their investment decisions.

The third plenary presentation, by Prof. Dr. Nadia Albu from Romania, complemented the previous two well, with her topic titled “Professionalization of Accountants in a Post-Communist Setting.” Prof. Dr. Nadia Albu discussed the differences in accounting practices between post-communist countries and Western nations. She highlighted that in Eastern Europe, accountants often limit their role to meeting institutional requirements, such as tax declarations or financial reporting, while in Western countries, there is a greater focus on data collection that supports companies’ own sustainability strategies. She noted that, because of these differences, sustainability reports are often prepared by managers or marketing teams based on narratives rather than accounting metrics or financial indicators. According to professor, this issue can be addressed by transforming accountants’ roles and revising accounting systems to ensure that the necessary sustainability metrics are collected.

Assistant Professor Zhelyo Zhelev from Bulgaria concluded the plenary session with his presentation, “Taxpayer Behavior in the Context of Digital Business Processes.” He analyzed how digitalization in business and tax reporting processes is changing taxpayer behavior. Zhelyo Zhelev emphasized that digital technologies not only transform tax processes but also reshape broader aspects of business management and relationships with government institutions. He shared insights from best practices in various countries, illustrating how these changes contribute to sustainability. Smart tax platforms often implemented at the initiative of tax administrations are pushing taxpayers towards greater transparency, increased sustainability, and, in some cases, moving out of the shadow economy.

On the second conference day (15th November 2024), interesting discussions moved to Panel Presentations and discussion on the topic “Linking sustainability policy to future finance and accounting”. The discussion was moderated by prof. dr. Vilija Aleknevičienė. It was attended by dr. Bart Henssen (Belgium), Head of the Center for Sustainable Entrepreneurship; Giedrė Padaigienė (Lithuania), Head of Swedbank AB’s business clients’ sustainability in Lithuania; Ronaldas Kubilius (Lithuania), Leader of ESG team and member of Tax and Legal Services Team at PwC Lithuania; Silva Katutytė (Lietuva), Managing director at UAB Randers Reb International.

Before the discussion began, its participants made presentations on green financing and the impact of sustainability requirements on the possibility of obtaining bank loans; challenges arising in the process of business sustainability disclosure; the impact of corporate social responsibility on the cost of debt capital in Scandinavian companies. Dr. Bart Henssen presented the experience of Belgian and other European universities in promoting the transition to sustainable business models through the university-business interface, discussed the challenges arising in implementing sustainable business models in practice and carrying out a systematic transformation of higher education institutions towards sustainability. Giedrė Padaigienė expressed her view on the role of the Bank of Lithuania in helping the country’s banks assess the sustainability of their clients and incorporating environmental risk into the assessment of clients’ creditworthiness. She discussed the role of stakeholders and cooperation between banks in assessing the sustainability of clients. Ronaldas Kubilius spoke about the role of accountants and accounting services companies in the team preparing corporate sustainability reports, and presented the services provided by PwC in the field of corporate sustainability assessment and disclosure. Silva Katutytė emphasized that although for the company is not mandatory to submit sustainability reports, some clients already request certain information related to sustainability. Therefore, the company’s management decided not to wait and to prepare the information in advance by forming the team and sharing the responsibilities. The panel discussion provided fruitful insights for scientists, business, and policymakers and implementers.

During both days of the conference, scientific discussions were held in various sessions. The first session, Business Finance, was notable for its high attendance and engaging discussions on pressing accounting and financial issues in a volatile economic and geopolitical environment. Here, the L. Sinevičienė (Lithuania) examined corporate investment in environmental protection, focusing on the factors driving this investment amid economic volatility and shedding light on how sustainability efforts adapt to uncertainty. Then A. Lakštutienė with co-authors (Lithuania) examined the risks posed by COVID-19 and the Russian-Ukrainian war to the performance of pension funds in Lithuania. Their case study highlighted the vulnerability of such funds in turbulent times and emphasised the need for strategic risk management. V. Aleknevičienė and co-authors (Lithuania) analysed the impact of uncertainty on the interconnectivity between green bonds and conventional markets, with a particular focus on the period before and during the war in Ukraine. Their research provided insights into how green finance responds to global instability and highlighted its potential role in addressing such challenges. Researcher from Latvia K. Ketners and A. Jarockis (Latvia) presented insights into performance budgeting in Latvia. Their research highlighted its potential as a tool for informed decision making, aligning fiscal policy with sustainability goals.

Other presentations addressed critical issues such as stock market reactions to green bond announcements in Nordic countries, innovative approaches to financial services, evaluation of public-private partnership projects through a sustainability lens, and models for diagnosing financial distress in trading companies. This lively session highlighted the critical role of business finance in addressing complex global challenges, and emphasised innovation and sustainability in financial practices.

The second session of the conference, Accounting and Finance, featured diverse research contributions, focusing on the integration of innovative approaches and sustainable practices in accounting and auditing. R. Klimaitienė with co-authors (Lithuania) explored the potential of the Time-Driven Activity-Based (TDABC) costing system in accounting service companies. Their research highlighted the system’s ability to improve cost accuracy, streamline processes and increase decision-making efficiency in professional accounting environments. S. Kostova (Bulgaria) gave an insightful presentation on the role of auditing in promoting sustainability in business processes. She highlighted how robust audit frameworks can strengthen transparency, governance and long-term organisational sustainability. E. Besusparienė and M. Bielskienė (Lithuania) examined how the accounting and tax environment influences Lithuania’s international trade. Their findings emphasised the importance of adapting the regulatory framework to enhance trade competitiveness and promote cross-border economic cooperation.

Other presentations in the session covered a wide range of topics, from the evolving challenges of e-commerce accounting and digital transformation in the profession, to trends in public finance and sustainability in agribusinesses. Taken together, these discussions reflected the dynamic landscape of accounting and auditing and underscored the profession’s critical role in addressing today’s challenges and advancing sustainability goals.

The third session of the conference, Corporate Governance, presented a variety of research on sustainability and financial practices. Š. Leitonienė and A. Vaivadienė (Kaunas University of Technology, Lithuania) analysed Lithuanian NGO websites, highlighting strengths in accessibility but gaps in financial transparency. Authors develop the digital accountability index, offering a systematic way to evaluate NGO’s digital accountability level. D. Juočiūnienė, V. Aleknevičienė and D. Zinkevičienė (Vytautas Magnus University, Lithuania) examined CSR reporting in Baltic public companies and found that only half disclose standards, with GRI being the most popular. Larger companies in heavy industries align their reporting with the expectations of investors and society. S. Petrova (D. A. Tsenov Academy of Economics, Bulgaria) examined the role of retail marketing in promoting sustainable consumption, showing that increased purchases of fruit and vegetables are driven by consumer engagement. M. Nurmet, P. Sander and M. Kantšukov (University of Tartu, Estonia) evaluated Estonia’s 2018 tax reform. While the reduced tax rate on profit distributions affected the dividend policy of some companies, the overall impact was modest.

In summary, the conference highlighted pressing topics in sustainability and digitalization, confirming the increasing importance of these areas for both the business and academic communities. We sincerely thank all participants for their valuable contributions to the discussions and look forward to exploring these essential topics further at our next conference in 2026.

VMU Agriculture Academy Autumn Intake 2025/2026 is open!

Would like to gain strong knowledge, solid skills, and invaluable international experience? Thinking about an unforgettable European student adventure and traveling the world?

Top-quality studies in a high-ranking university and living in Kaunas – located in the center of Europe – may be the perfect combination for You.

Your lifetime adventure can start now with Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) Agriculture Academy.

Application is open from December 1, 2024, for Autumn Intake 2025/2026 study programmes:

APPLY HERE -> vytautasmagnus.dreamapply.com

DEADLINES:

May 15, 2025
- For applicants from non EU/EFTA countries, except the countries listed below.
July 1, 2025
- For applicants from EU/EFTA countries
- For applicants and citizens of visa-free countries: Albania, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Georgia (Sakartvelo), Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Moldova, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, United Kingdom, United States, Ukraine, and Venezuela.
  Note: Please check if you need a visa to enter Lithuania here.

Note (!) Diplomas may be added after application deadline.

Note (!) Studies start on August 25, 2025.
Note (!) Due to limited admission places, applications for autumn intake for the academic year 2025-2026 might be closed earlier. Spring (February) intake is not offered.

Information about Application and Admission Procedures

Information about Scholarships

Contact person: VMU Agriculture Academy International Coordinator Ekaterina Makrickiene ekaterina.makrickiene@vdu.lt, +370 37 752 386.

More information about VMU Agriculture Academy study programmes.

CONFERENCE “YOUNG SCIENTIST 2025”

The 22nd annual conference of young scientists “YOUNG SCIENTIST 2025” organized by the Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (VMU AA) will be held on April 10 2025 remotely. The conference is intended for the first, second and third degree students. The purpose of the conference is to involve students in scientific activities, develop the ability to publicize scientific research results, present their scientific research achievements and discuss topical issues of bioeconomy, green course, climate change, ecosystem sustainability, rational use and protection of natural resources.

There is no conference fee for students. Certificates of conference participants will be awarded to the speakers of the conference.

Speakers will be able to publish articles in the collection of articles of the conference “YOUNG SCIENTIST 2025”.

Conference topics	Subtopics
Bioeconomy	Accounting and finance: challenges and opportunities
	Bioeconomy, sustainability of agriculture and food sector
	Innovations and solutions in business logistics
	Management of agri-business and other bioeconomy business organizations
	Sustainable development of rural areas
Biosystems engineering	Energy engineering
	Land management
	Mechanical engineering
	Technology engineering
	Transport engineering
	Water engineering
Sustainability of agricultural, forest, and water ecosystems	Agronomy
	Food quality and safety
	Sustainability of agricultural ecosystems
	Ecosystem services
	Sustainable forestry
	Wildlife population management

Pre-registration for the conference until February 15, 2025.

Articles for the conference “YOUNG SCIENTIST 2025” are accepted until March 14, 2025 (the link to upload the article). The articles must be prepared according to the recommendations for the authors of the articles (Annex 1 – Article template, Annex 2 – Authors guarantee letter).

Conference “AgroEco2024”: bringing scientists of the world together to celebrate 100 years of agricultural progress

The 5th international conference “AgroEco 2024“ marks a dual milestone: the 100th anniversary of the Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (VMU AA) and a decade-long tradition of fostering international collaboration in sustainable agriculture. The conference embodies a global commitment to innovation in agriculture, addressing pressing issues like climate change and food security while fostering collaboration across nations.

Continuing a decade-long tradition

VMU Agriculture Prof. Dr. Zita Kriaučiūnienė noted that it is the fifth international “AgroEco2024“ conference, continuing a decade’s tradition of bringing together global experts to tackle challenges in sustainable agriculture. “Today is a momentous occasion, as we not only open our fifth international conference ‘AgroEco2024’, but also celebrate the 100th anniversary of Agriculture Academy. It’s our honor to share this milestone. This year’s conference brings over hundreds of participants from all around the world, representing countries such as Lithuania, Germany, United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Poland, Belgium, Turkey, Latvia, Finland, France, Czech Republic, Estonia, Brazil, Afghanistan and Azerbaijan – more than 20 oral and over 40 poster presentations”, said scientist.

“These presentations delve into critical topics such as soil health, carbon sequestration and the shift toward pesticides-free agriculture. These discussions are essential as we navigate the challenges of climate change and global food security. I would like to express my deep gratitude to the organizing and scientific committees for their tireless work in making this event a success, and to our partners for their invaluable support“, said scientist.

Forefront of agriculture education and research

Representative of Lithuanian Academy of Sciences and Lithuanian Research Center for Agriculture and Forestry Dr. Žydrė Kadžiulienė noted that throughout the 100 years the academy community has been at the forefront of agriculture education and research, creating opportunities for innovation and powerful ideas for generations. “You are successfully doing it today and you will do it in the future. Today’s conference, International Scientific Conference “AgroEco2024“, reflects your ability and disposition to be part of international science“, said Dr. Žydrė Kadžiulienė.

She paid attention that sustainability of agroecosystems, soil health, climate change are key questions that concern scientists, farmers and society in Lithuania, in Europe as well as in the world. “Diversification of agricultural systems and the regeneration of soil functions are crucial importance for many farming systems and this is very related to agroecosystems. Agroecosystems involve all the interactions between biotic and antibiotic features in an agriculture area. Understanding how agroecosystems work is very important to better understanding and to better solutions for sustainable agriculture. Moreover, well-managed agroecosystems can help mitigate the challenges of climate change. Therefore, scientific insights, scientific results, and new proposals are very necessary“ said Dr. Žydrė Kadžiulienė.

A great step forward in finding the best methods

Representative from the Ministry of Agriculture Saulius Jasius noted that there could not be recipes or magic formulas on most effective initiatives for development of sustainable agriculture, however, serious discussions during this conference may be a great step forward in finding the best answers on what sustainable production methods should be promoted for farmers. “I believe that the conference will help to open eyes not only for the government, but to all of us, and particularly to farmers, explaining to them what are the benefits of sustainable agribusiness. It is a great pleasure to welcome to this conference, “AgroEco2024“, the scholars and research people from a variety of countries.

Your experience, expertise, and readiness to share your knowledge and ideas are highly valuable and needed“, said Saulius Jasius.

Main focus on sustainability, ecology, soil health, and food safety

Assoc. prof. dr. Rytis Skominas, Director of the Bioeconomy Research Institute at the VMU Agriculture Academy, emphasized the significant transformations in Lithuania and its agricultural sector over the past century. “Over the last 100 years, we have witnessed numerous changes, including major geopolitical developments and, more recently, the challenges posed by global warming. In response, the Agriculture Academy has charted its own path, prioritizing sustainability, ecology, soil health, and food safety. Today, we are proud to celebrate the Academy’s centennial anniversary and inaugurate the 5th International Conference“, said scientist Rytis Skominas. The scientist concluded his speech with gratitude and a wish that the conference would leave everyone with great impressions, new ideas, and valuable connections.

VMU Agriculture Academy is launching a new MA program, Aquamatics

Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) Agriculture Academy is launching Aquamatics, a new double-diploma master’s program in Environmental Engineering (E03), within the broader field of Engineering Sciences (E). This forward-thinking program addresses the growing global demand for experts in sustainable water management and environmental protection. Aquamatics provides students with interdisciplinary knowledge and hands-on skills, empowering them to tackle complex challenges in water-related environmental issues.

The aim of the study program Aquamatics is to prepare highly qualified environmental engineering specialists who are able to solve theoretical and practical problems of water management, analyse and model natural water phenomena and engineering processes using the latest information technologies by integrating knowledge from different fields. The graduate will not only understand the problems of threats arising from climate change and related hydrological and hydrobiological changes, but will be ready to search for solutions by determining the causes of environmental changes and rationally evaluating/predicting their ecological effects and changes as well. The Master will be able to offer practical solutions to eliminate/limit the impact of such activities by performing: an inventory of surface and underground water and water-related environment; implementing effective monitoring methods for these areas, proposing and checking the effectiveness of corrective actions using statistical and mathematical modelling methods, design activities related to water environment protection and melioration, implement modern, proven solutions related for water protection. Upon successful completion of these studies, the degree of Master of Science in Engineering will be awarded.

The program is carried out in collaboration with University of Silesia in Katowice. The admission is planned for 2025 autumn (opening from December 1, 2024).

Happy International Students’ Day!

On this special day, we wish all students of Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy perseverance, inspiration, and endless energy in achieving their goals. May your academic journey be a time of growth, knowledge, and unforgettable experiences filled with friendships and cherished moments.

With love and support, we send our warmest regards to students all over the world – together, we are shaping the future!

CONFERENCE “YOUNG SCIENTIST 2025”

There is no conference fee for students. Certificates of conference participants will be awarded to the speakers of the conference.

Speakers will be able to publish articles in the collection of articles of the conference “YOUNG SCIENTIST 2025”.

Conference topics	Subtopics
Bioeconomy	Accounting and finance: challenges and opportunities
	Bioeconomy, sustainability of agriculture and food sector
	Innovations and solutions in business logistics
	Management of agri-business and other bioeconomy business organizations
	Sustainable development of rural areas
Biosystems engineering	Energy engineering
	Land management
	Mechanical engineering
	Technology engineering
	Transport engineering
	Water engineering
Sustainability of agricultural, forest, and water ecosystems	Agronomy
	Food quality and safety
	Sustainability of agricultural ecosystems
	Ecosystem services
	Sustainable forestry
	Wildlife population management

Pre-registration for the conference until February 15, 2025.