Rytis Bernatonis, the director of Freor LT, a company that manufactures commercial refrigeration equipment in the Baltics, shares his frustrations over a two-year legal battle with the state labor inspectorate (VDI) that he argues was unnecessary. This conflict has led to halted investments, significant uncertainty, and considerable financial losses, impacting not only the company's operations but also its international contracts and foreign workers. After the courts recently cleared him and the company, Bernatonis hoped for a shift in practices favoring companies that support Ukraine or employ war refugees.

However, he expressed disappointment as the company continues to face harassment despite the judicial ruling. The administrative proceedings against Bernatonis were dismissed, affirming that there was no personal fault on his part, but the ongoing scrutiny from VDI indicates a lingering adversarial relationship with the state. This situation illustrates the challenges faced by businesses in Lithuania when dealing with regulatory bodies and highlights concerns about the fairness of enforcement actions.

Bernatonis' experiences may have broader implications for other companies in similar positions, as they could deter businesses from actively supporting social causes, like aiding refugees amidst the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, out of fear of retribution from authorities. This case underscores the need for clearer and more supportive policies for companies contributing positively to society, particularly in times of crisis.