Vilnius needs solutions on housing affordability
Our Director of Business Development, Poé Matteo George, was recently interviewed by Lithuanian Radio and Television (LRT) to comment on Vilnius’s performance in the IMD Smart City Index 2025. This year, Vilnius reached its highest-ever position, ranking 34th out of 146 cities worldwide. The index evaluates multiple dimensions of urban life, including digital infrastructure, mobility, green spaces, and citizen engagement. Notably, the central theme of this year’s ranking is the growing accommodation crisis that many smart cities, including Vilnius, are currently grappling with.
In his interview, Poé praised Vilnius’s ongoing transformation and its leadership in digitalization, sustainable transportation, and access to green public areas. He pointed out that a remarkable 94% of Vilnius residents live within 300 meters of a green space, underscoring the city’s dedication to well-being and quality of life. In addition, Vilnius is steadily expanding its cycling infrastructure and micromobility services, which play a key role in reducing car dependency and promoting eco-friendly travel.
However, Poé stressed that technological innovation and environmental efforts must be matched by social inclusion. A truly smart city, he argued, must be livable for everyone—not just the digitally connected or economically privileged. The growing housing affordability issue poses a risk to Vilnius’s progress, potentially excluding low- and middle-income residents from fully benefiting from the city’s development.
To overcome this, Poé urged policymakers, urban planners, and the private sector to adopt a “civitas” mindset—placing community values, collaboration, and long-term vision at the core of urban decision-making. By fostering partnerships and prioritizing inclusive policies, Vilnius can continue to grow as a forward-thinking, accessible, and resilient city.