Geopolitical uncertainty impacts consumer habits and energy security in Lithuania and Finland

A study conducted by researchers at ISM University of Management and Economics involving 2,000 residents from Lithuania and Finland reveals how geopolitical uncertainty, specifically the war in Ukraine, is altering consumer behavior. While 84% of Lithuanian and 77% of Finnish respondents believe the war will have significant economic consequences, Lithuanians reported feeling more personally vulnerable (43%) compared to Finns (23%). Approximately one-third of respondents in both nations have increased their savings due to the current climate.

In tandem with shifting consumer sentiment, the energy sector is addressing heightened security risks. As energy infrastructure becomes increasingly digitized and automated, cybersecurity has become a critical priority. Officials from the Lithuanian Ministry of Energy note that while the threat landscape has increased, companies and state institutions are systematically strengthening resilience through investments in technological protections, employee competence, and incident prevention to ensure uninterrupted energy supply.