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Saturday, September 20 – Friday, September 26, 2025
Significant new regulations affecting travel into Europe are set to be implemented. The European Union will be introducing an Entry/Exit System (EES) for all visitors from outside the Schengen Area, which includes citizens of the United States.
Under the new system, travelers will be required to provide biometric data, specifically fingerprints and a facial image, upon arrival. Passport details will also be collected, and the system will record the time and location of entry into and exit from the Schengen Area. The State Department has advised U.S. citizens to expect these new automated border checks. Refusal to provide the required biometric data will result in denial of entry. The system, which will be implemented in 29 European countries, is intended to replace passport stamps and enhance regional security by tracking who enters and leaves and identifying individuals who overstay their permitted time. Development of the EES has been underway for nearly a decade, a period marked by significant migration into Europe from Africa and the Middle East.
In response to increasing Russian aggression, European nations are undertaking coordinated defense initiatives. EU defence ministers have formally agreed to develop a "drone wall" along the borders with Russia and Ukraine. This decision follows recent airspace violations, including rogue drones entering Polish airspace which were attributed to Russia.
EU Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius characterized these incursions as a test of the EU and NATO, stating, "our response must be firm, united and immediate". Similarly, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen identified Russia as the "primary threat to European security" following drone incidents near Danish airports. A more forceful stance has been advocated by Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs, who stated that using force is the only way to deter Russia from further violations and protect NATO countries.
The drone shield initiative will prioritize the creation of an effective detection system, with interception capabilities planned for the longer term. Ukraine is actively participating in these discussions, contributing its experience from the ongoing conflict. The EU has committed significant financial resources to this effort, with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announcing that €6 billion ($7bn) will be allocated to establish a drone alliance with Ukraine.
The Baltic region continues to foster a dynamic arts and culture scene. In Riga, Latvia, an exhibition by artist and photographer Agate Tūna, titled "Voltentitāte" ("Voltentity"), was recently held. The exhibition brochure, designed by Una Grants, is noted for its distinctive typography, utilizing the Kalice typeface for the title and Gestura for the body text.
In Lithuania, the city of Vilnius is enhancing its position as a cinematic hub. Having served as a filming location for major productions like "Stranger Things 4," the city has now established its first film fund. The Vilnius Film Fund, with an initial budget of €100,000, will support both local and international film projects, with a particular emphasis on co-productions that raise the city's international profile. This initiative aims to strengthen Vilnius's cultural identity and foster economic growth through the film industry.
The Baltic states, particularly Lithuania, are emerging as a significant force in the global life sciences industry. The region is home to over 400 life sciences companies, and Lithuania has set an ambitious goal for the sector to contribute 5% of its GDP by 2030.
A collaborative effort among Lithuania, Latvia, Slovenia, and Finland is underway to create a more integrated life sciences ecosystem through the Baltic Biotech HUB Action Plan. In Vilnius, the biotech company CasZyme is making notable advancements in gene editing, developing its own pipeline for CRISPR diagnostics and therapeutics. Furthermore, the development of the Bio City campus in Vilnius, a €7 billion project, aims to create Europe's largest biotechnology center, solidifying the region's role in both research and production.
For travelers seeking cooler autumn destinations, a recent analysis by the travel site Omio identified several European capitals ideal for a visit before winter. Reykjavik, Iceland, was ranked as the coldest capital, with an average October low of 2°C. The list also prominently featured Nordic capitals such as Helsinki, Stockholm, and Oslo. The Baltic capitals of Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius were also highlighted as excellent choices for enjoying their historic old towns and crisp autumn weather.
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