Article 45 of the new Law on Science and Studies of the Republic of Lithuania (adopted on April 30, 2009 and took effect on May 12, 2009) requires publicity of the results of scientific activity:

1. In order to guarantee the quality, transparency of the scientific research and to stimulate scientific advancement carried out utilising state budget funds, all the results of the scientific activity carried out in the state science and study institutions must be made public (via the internet and by other means) if this is in agreement with laws regulating intellectual property and protection of the commercial, state or work related secrets.

2. Results of scientific activity carried out at non-governmental institutions of science and studies using state budget funds must be made public (via the internet and by other means) if this is in agreement with laws regulating intellectual property and protection of the commercial or state secret.

This new law is a big step forward towards national open access policies. Congratulations to the Lithuanian Research Library Consortium on this large and hard-won step forward! The new law introduces lots of radical changes into Lithuanian academic life and most of the changes should be implemented by 2011. The text of the lay in Lithuanian is here.

Peter Suber comments on the new law are here.