We successfully represented Vilnius International School in a case concerning the application of Lithuanian language requirements to teachers working in international schools. The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) issued a clarification favourable to our client, which may become an important precedent across the European Union.
The dispute arose after the Sate Language Inspectorate carried out an inspection at the school in 2022 and found that several foreign teachers had not passed the Lithuanian language examination. The Inspectorate took the position that Lithuanian language proficiency was mandatory for all teachers – including those who had moved to Lithuania temporarily (for one or two years) and were teaching under international education programmes.
Teaching in international schools is conducted in English, which is one of their key characteristics and advantages, especially for families who relocate frequently, such as diplomats, professional athletes, executives of international companies and similar groups. International schools also employ foreign teachers because there is an insufficient number of local teachers with the appropriate qualifications and English‑language teaching skills.
This model has been used by international schools in Lithuania for decades and is supported by the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport.
The CJEU found that although the purpose of the national rule – protection of the Lithuanian language – is legitimate, the strict language requirements imposed on international schools are disproportionate. The requirement applied immediately from the teacher’s first working day and did not provide any exceptions, for example depending on the duration of the employment contract. As a result, even where a school could not find a suitable teacher who already spoke Lithuanian, the regulation would effectively prevent it from lawfully employing a qualified teacher from abroad.
The case will now return to the Lithuanian courts for a final decision, which must be adopted in accordance with the CJEU’s interpretation.
Our services and team
The Sorainen team – partners Monika Mališauskaitė‑Vaupšienė and Kazimieras Karpickis, counsel Irma Kunickė, and associate Auridas Litvinas – represented the client before the Lithuanian courts and the Court of Justice of the European Union. We prepared procedural documents, appeals and submissions, advised throughout all stages of the proceedings, and ensured that the client’s position was clearly and accurately presented at both national and EU levels.
You can read more about the CJEU decision here.
