Politics

Chancellor meets Costa Rican Minister of Foreign Trade, focusing on solidarity between democracies and support for Ukraine

2024-05-08T10:09:30+03:00

On Tuesday, the Chancellor of the Government, Giedrė Balčytytė, met with the Minister of Foreign Trade of Costa Rica, Manuel Tovar Rivera, who is visiting Lithuania. The meeting highlighted the importance of solidarity between democracies despite the geographical distances between them, discussed cooperation in strengthening resilience to hybrid threats, and support for Ukraine.

"We very much appreciate Costa Rica's clear stance on Russia's aggression against Ukraine, which is a reminder that we are democratic peers who respect rules and not brutal aggression as the norm in international relations. Distance is irrelevant to the solidarity of democracies - today we need to stand together and cooperate more closely than ever before," said Chancellor Balčytytė.

Lithuania is also actively contributing to Ukraine's reconstruction on a bilateral basis and by inviting like-minded partner countries to do likewise. As the Chancellor emphasised, even the smallest contribution is important, as it is a significant symbol of our common values and our intransigence against aggression.

The meeting discussed countries' experiences in countering pressure from authoritarian regimes and hybrid threats, as well as the resilience of democracies to disinformation and economic coercion.

As the Chancellor said, the methods of the cooperating authoritarian regimes are often identical, and their disinformation campaigns have an identical pattern.

Recognising the importance of a stronger partnership between democracies and the development of resilience, Lithuania, together with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), will implement a training programme on resilience and countering disinformation. The Chancellor of the Government invited Costa Rica, also a member of the OECD, to take part in the programme.

www.lrv.lt

Air defence is our main and key priority, Minister of National Defence says meeting Dutch counterpart

2024-05-07T15:54:30+03:00

Minister of National Defence Laurynas Kasčiūnas met with Minister of Defence of the Netherlands Kajsa Ollongren. L. Kasčiūnas thanked the Netherlands for the country’s contribution to the Baltic security. According to him, security and defence cooperation between our nations is steadfast and unbreakable, and it is vital for the Baltic security.

The Netherland has a substantial contingent in the NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battalion Battle Group Lithuania of approx. 270 Dutch servicemembers, besides contributions to the NATO Air Policing Mission, NATO Force Integration Unit, consistent cooperation with the Lithuanian Armed Forces. L. Kasčiūnas expressed appreciation of the Dutch decision to deploy the Patriot long-range air defence system to Lithuania.

“Air defence is our main and key priority. Training of the Netherlands and units of the Lithuanian Armed Forces this summer will strengthen our capabilities and help to implement the Rotational NATO Air Defence Model which was agreed to at the NATO Summit in Vilnius. Deployment of the Patriot system could be a signal to encourage other nations to contribute to the implementation of the model as well,” L. Kasčiūnas said.

Minister acknowledged that implementation of the rotational model which enables training to switch between crisis and peace modes seamlessly is a good deterrent and a priority in the eastern flank.

After the meeting Minister of Defence of the Netherlands K. Ollongren noted that “the Netherlands has a commitment to your and neighbors’ security. We understand your borders as ours and we have to protect it together. The Dutch military have been in Lithuania since 2017 with the NATO enhanced Presence Battalion Battle Group. We are grateful for the hospitality that your country has provided to our troops. Therefore it is my pleasure to notify you that the Netherlands has decided to extend the NATO eFP contribution mandate for two more years until 2026. It is a demonstration of our commitment and our dedication to contribute to deterrence. <<…>> Moreover, we are going to send F-35 fighter aircraft to help protect the skies over the three Baltic states with the NATO Baltic Air Policing Mission, the equipment will be based in Estonia from December of this year until March 2025. Our plan is to deploy 3 to 10 fighter jets with full maintenance staff composition,” said Minister K. Ollongren after the meeting with Minister L. Kasčiūnas.

Ministers also discussed the NATO agenda ahead of the upcoming Summit in Washington. “Our priorities must focus on implementing the regional NATO plans. We understand some capability gaps will remained unfilled that have to be taken care of immediately, as well as to enhance deterrence and defensibility of the eastern flank of NATO,” said Minister L. Kasčiūnas.

Ministers also addressed assistance to Ukraine and the necessity to render support for as as long as it takes as well. They touched upon the initiatives of the different formats of assistance to attend Ukraine’s most urgent needs. Lithuania’s assistance to Ukraine is for the long-haul. Military assistance we have delivered since the war was begun amounts to approx. EUR 610 million. This year alone approx. EUR 84 million have been spent in support of UKRAine already. This dynamic is aimed to stay.

Yet another topic of the meeting was cyber-threat and cyber security initiatives. Ministers invited more cooperation in the Cyber Rapid Response Teams (CRRT) format.

After meeting with Minister L. Kasčiūnas Minister of Defence of the Netherland will visit Rukla to meet with the Dutch military serving there.

www.kam.lt

The President: Permanent stationing of the German brigade in Lithuania is our top priority

2024-05-06T18:34:54+03:00

On Monday, President Gitanas Nausėda, together with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, visited the German troops serving in the NATO forward presence battlegroup in Lithuania in Pabradė and observed the German Armed Forces’ large-scale exercise Grand Quadriga.

“I thank Germany and you personally for your contribution to strengthening Lithuania’s defense. Germany’s decision to permanently station a brigade in Lithuania is a testimony and example of the much-needed leadership and strong commitment to collective defense. We highly appreciate this decision. The permanent deployment of the brigade in Lithuania as soon as possible is our number one priority,” the Head of State stressed, adding that we cannot waste a single minute when, despite a successful progress of deploying the brigade, the strategic security environment requires an even faster pace in the implementation of this critically important objective.

During the bilateral meeting, President Gitanas Nausėda and Chancellor Olaf Scholz discussed the security situation in the region and the forthcoming NATO Summit in Washington, D.C. “As we implement the decisions of the Vilnius Summit, we need to further focus on how to strengthen the Baltic region and the eastern flank of NATO. We need to work towards the full implementation of NATO’s defense plans and the rotational air defense model, and to further increase our defense investments,” Gitanas Nausėda pointed out. The President also stressed the pursuit of Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations and its importance for the security and stability of the entire Euro-Atlantic area. According to the Head of State, Ukraine belongs in the NATO family.

The President underlined his appreciation for Germany’s initiative and leadership to take prompt action to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense and for the decision to send an additional Patriot air defense system to Ukraine. “Lithuania will join your initiative—we plan to assist Ukraine with the necessary air surveillance radar systems,” the President said.

The Head of State also welcomed the intensifying relations between Lithuania and Germany in the field of defense industry. “I hope that the decision of the German company Rheinmetall to come to Lithuania will open up even broader opportunities for cooperation between defense industry companies,” Gitanas Nausėda added.

www.president.lt

Joint statement of the Presidents of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia on the 20th Anniversary of the Membership of the Baltic States in the European Union

2024-05-03T09:48:41+03:00

We, the Presidents of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the accession of our countries to the EU, make the following statement.

The Baltic States joined the EU on May 1st, 2004. The inscription “European Union” appeared on our citizens’ passports, marking a triumphant return to our rightful historical place as members of the European family. Our membership in the EU – and in NATO – fundamentally changed the geopolitical landscape and determined the future of the Baltic States.

Over these two decades, we have grown in confidence, enjoying freedom, democracy and prosperity. We have experienced huge economic growth, stability and security, at the same time representing a remarkable success story of European integration and transformation. Today, we eagerly embrace our responsibility to contribute to shaping the Future of Europe.

Our membership in the EU played a crucial role in driving economic growth. Joining the EU provided us with easy access to a market with 450 million consumers, opened up new opportunities for our businesses, boosted exports, and attracted foreign investment.

As a result, our economies expanded to levels previously unknown. Today, the combined GDP of the three Baltic States is over 160 billion euros – nearly four times bigger than just two decades ago. There has been a significant and inclusive shift in living standards during the last twenty years. Foreign direct investment in the Baltics has increased sixfold since 2004.

Over the last 20 years, the Baltic States have emerged as strong and relevant European and transatlantic contributors to collective defense, particularly having in mind our geographical proximity to Russia – the most imminent threat to European and global security. As testimony to this, our defense spendings have grown well beyond 2 percent of GDP and are expected to grow further.

We mark the 20th anniversary of EU membership at a time when Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine reminds us that peace in Europe should not be taken for granted. NATO remains the foundation of our collective defense and security. At the same time, the complementary efforts of the EU are indispensable for fortifying the security architecture in Europe. It is of utmost importance to strengthen the defense industry, readiness and capabilities of EU member states. We will continue to strive for peace and stability throughout the entire Euro-Atlantic area.

We underline that international support remains crucial for achieving Ukraine’s victory. Ukraine today is defending our democratic values. We stand firm in our commitment to support Ukraine, to protect the rules-based world order.

In 1990-1991, a democratic choice was tested in the Baltic States. Today, Ukrainians, Moldovans and Georgians fight for European values and the European family as their ultimate choice. They have the same dream as we had then. Because of historical experience, we understand and feel it. We firmly stand behind those countries that share European values and willingness to be together.

We will support the aspirant countries on their European integration path until full-fledged EU membership. We call for convening the Intergovernmental Conferences with Ukraine and Moldova and starting accession negotiations in June 2024. EU enlargement has proved to be a strategic investment of EU policies, opening inexhaustible potential. The Baltic States are an excellent proof of how membership in the EU empowers impressive modernization and economic progress, which in turn guarantees a return on those investments. This is our reality that we want to share.

The enlargement is a geopolitical necessity and a call of history for the EU. EU enlargement is foremost about freedom, democracy and human dignity. It is the Union’s key geopolitical instrument in projecting peace and security on the European continent and counteracting threats of authoritarian regimes. It empowers us globally. In addition to a much bigger single market offering new opportunities for our businesses, the success of enlargement is in our strategic interest. A deeper, wider and more capable EU which would remove any remaining grey zones on the European map.

The upcoming European elections give a chance for millions of Europeans to shape the future of Europe. Our collective decision must help us create our peaceful and prosperous European future together!

Gitanas Nausėda, President of the Republic of Lithuania

Alar Karis, President of Republic of Estonia

Edgars Rinkēvičs, President of the Republic of Latvia

www.president.lt

EU election campaign stresses importance of voting to protect democracy

2024-04-30T10:20:48+03:00

The European Parliament launches the second phase of its communication campaign, highlighting the importance of voting and safeguarding democracy.

Between 6 and 9 June 2024, more than 370 million people across 27 Member States are called to vote in the European elections. To further inform EU citizens and encourage them to vote, the European Parliament is embarking on the second phase of its institutional communication strategy.

With “Use Your Vote. Or others will decide for you” as its tagline, this second phase highlights the importance of democracy. It encompasses a multifaceted approach, including media events, digital outreach, public and private partners’ involvement, community engagement initiatives and educational programmes tailored to resonate with citizens across the EU.

Among the outreach efforts used, the 4-minute film "Use your vote" features testimonies of senior citizens from different EU countries passing on their stories about democracy to the next generations and underlining that this democratic right cannot be taken for granted.

“European Union democracy is more important today than ever. Everyone’s vote matters. It will decide the direction our Union will take for the five coming years. It will decide what Europe we want to live in”, says European Parliament President Roberta Metsola. “In order not to let someone else choose for us, we should vote on 6-9 June 2024”.

Collective responsibility

As the European Union faces evolving challenges and with the June 2024 elections approaching, the European Parliament reaffirms its commitment to fostering dialogue, unity and active citizenship. "Use your vote. Or others will decide for you" serves as a powerful reminder that democracy is a precious legacy that must be nurtured and defended by all.

“Democracy is a collective responsibility – not towards a political idea or a specific cause – but towards each other”, says the European Parliament’s spokesperson Jaume Duch. “We are more united in European democracy than we might think: across nations, political sensitivities and across generations. In our polarised times, this is easy to forget and our campaign is made to remind us of what unites us.”

More specifically, the campaign’s central video further explores the chequered history of many European countries that have experienced armed conflict or limits on individual freedom and the precarious nature of democracy if not actively sustained.

Interest in EU elections on the rise

In 2019, more than half of eligible voters in Europe turned out to vote (50.6%). The EP’s Spring 2024 Eurobarometer survey with more than 26 000 respondents in all EU Member States has shown that 60% of Europeans are interested in the 6-9 June 2024 elections, eleven points more than in spring 2019 (three months prior to the previous European elections). Additionally, 71% say that it is likely that they will vote, again 10 more points than last time.

Findings also suggest that four in five Europeans agree that “Voting is important to keep democracy strong” (81%) and that “Voting is important to ensure a better future for the next generations” (84%). More than eight in ten Europeans (81%) believe voting is even more important given the current geopolitical situation.

The film ‘Use your vote’ and nine other versions for TV, cinema, radio and social media will be released in all Member States from 29 April 2024.

Ref.: 20240429IPR20867
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The President: We need to complete the project of uniting Europe

2024-04-29T10:12:12+03:00

President Gitanas Nausėda, together with Polish President Andrzej Duda, took part in The Idea of Europe international forum at Vytautas Magnus University on Friday afternoon.

The Idea of Europe international forum takes place on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Lithuania’s and Poland’s membership in the European Union. Symbolically, today Lithuania and Poland are also celebrating the 30th anniversary of signing the Treaty of Friendly Relations and Good Neighborly Cooperation. This Treaty transformed the bilateral relations between the two countries, paving the way for the close strategic cooperation that the two neighbors now enjoy.

According to the Head of State, we joined the European Union 20 years ago with high hopes and even higher expectations, and we were certainly not disappointed. Lithuania has been one of the fastest growing countries in Europe over the last 20 years and the Lithuanian people remain one of the biggest supporters of the European Union.

However, the President pointed out, the European Union that we entered is also different from what we have today, and the greatest change is not so much internal as it is provoked by the changing external circumstances. In the wake of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the European Union found itself confronted by a ruthless aggressor not willing to abide by the rules.

“Today, the Ukrainian people are fighting not only for themselves. They are defending Europe—our values, our identity, and our people. Now, Europe needs to ensure that it remains both strong and secure, and to mobilize all necessary resources in support of Ukraine,” Gitanas Nausėda spoke.

According to the President, our actions must be guided by a clear understanding that Russia currently represents the greatest threat to Europe. “Lithuania already knows it, Poland knows it, and the rest of the European Union knows it too,” the Head of State underlined.

The President added that the challenge for us now is to increase the speed of decision making to unlock all of our potential. We need to invest in our security, and to stay committed to expanding the space of freedom, stability, and prosperity beyond the current borders of the European Union and NATO. According to President Gitanas Nausėda, no external actor should have a say in where Europe ends—it is only for us to decide, on the basis of our shared values.

“Today, I have no doubt that Ukrainian people, so bravely fighting Russia’s military aggression, belong to this great new Europe of the future, and I believe in their final victory,” Gitanas Nausėda underlined.

www.president.lt

New EU rules to combat money-laundering adopted

2024-04-25T10:06:00+03:00

The European Parliament has adopted a package of laws strengthening the EU’s toolkit to fight money-laundering and terrorist financing.

The new laws ensure that people with a legitimate interest, including journalists, media professionals, civil society organisations, competent authorities, and supervisory bodies, will have immediate, unfiltered, direct and free access to beneficial ownership information held in national registries and interconnected at EU level. In addition to current information, the registries will also include data going back at least five years.

The laws also give Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs) more powers to analyse and detect money laundering and terrorist financing cases as well as to suspend suspicious transactions.

Wide-reaching due diligence

The new laws include enhanced due diligence measures and checks on customers’ identity, after which so-called obliged entities (e.g. banks, assets and crypto assets managers or real and virtual estate agents) have to report suspicious activities to FIUs and other competent authorities. From 2029, top-tier professional football clubs involved in high-value financial transactions with investors or sponsors, including advertisers and the transfer of players will also have to verify their customers’ identities, monitor transactions, and report any suspicious transaction to FIUs.

The legislation also contains enhanced vigilance provisions regarding ultra-rich individuals (total wealth worth at least EUR 50 000 000, excluding their main residence), an EU-wide limit of EUR 10 000 on cash payments, except between private individuals in a non-professional context, and measures to ensure compliance with targeted financial sanctions and avoid sanctions being circumvented.

Central watchdog

To supervise the new rules on combatting money laundering, a new authority - the Authority for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AMLA) - will be established in Frankfurt. AMLA will be charged with directly supervising the riskiest financial entities, intervening in case of supervisory failures, acting as a central hub for supervisors and mediating disputes between them. AMLA will also supervise the implementation of targeted financial sanctions.

The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) package consists of the sixth Anti-Money Laundering (AML) directive (adopted with 513 votes in favour, 25 against, and 33 abstentions), the EU “single rulebook” regulation (adopted with 479 votes in favour, 61 against, and 32 abstentions), and the Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA) regulation (adopted with 482 votes in favour, 47 against, and 38 abstentions).

Next steps

The laws still need to be formally adopted by the Council, too, before publication in the EU’s Official Journal.

By adopting the law, Parliament is responding to the demands of citizens put forward in the conclusions of the Conference of the Future of Europe, notably proposal 16(1) and 16(2) on preventing tax evasion and cooperating on corporate taxation.

Ref.: 20240419IPR20586
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Geopolitical situation makes voting in European elections even more important

2024-04-17T10:13:53+03:00

The European Parliament’s last Eurobarometer survey before the elections in June reveals awareness among citizens and concern for the current geopolitical context.

Today’s pre-electoral publication reveals a positive, upward trend on key election indicators with just a few weeks to go until EU citizens cast their ballots 6-9 June. Interest in the election, awareness of when it will take place as well as likelihood to vote are all on the rise since the last survey in autumn 2023, when they were last measured. Increases are even more striking in comparison to the Spring 2019 survey (three months prior to the previous European elections).

60% now say they are interested in voting in June (+3 pp compared to autumn 2023 and +11 pp compared to February/March 2019). 71% say that it is likely that they will vote (7 to 10 on a scale from 1-10), representing +3 pp in comparison to autumn 2023 and +10 pp compared to February/March 2019. Findings suggest that EU citizens are very much aware of the importance of the elections in the current geopolitical context, with eight in ten (81%) respondents agreeing that it makes voting even more important. Large majorities in all Member States endorse this statement.

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, commenting on the results of the survey, says: “Europeans are aware that the stakes are high at the ballot box, and that voting is even more important in the current geopolitical context. I call on our citizens to cast their vote in the upcoming European elections, to reinforce European democracy and to shape the future of Europe.”

As this legislature concludes, 81% of EU citizens hold a positive or neutral image of the European Parliament, while only 18% are negative. What is more, a majority in the EU (56%) would like the EP to play a more important role, while only 28% would like to see the opposite and 10% would keep the role as it is now.

President Metsola adds: “The Parliament and the European Union have delivered in an unprecedented way in the past years. We have been confronted with exceptional and challenging circumstances yet we have come out even stronger and more united as a result. Parliament has been and will continue to be the citizens’ voice and advocate in the EU.”

European citizens would like to see the fight against poverty and social exclusion (33%) as well as supporting public health (32%) as the main issues under discussion during the electoral campaign. Support to the economy and the creation of new jobs, as well as EU defence and security are both in third place (on 31%). The importance citizens attach to EU defence and security has increased over the course of the parliamentary term, particularly in light of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. It is now mentioned as a first (or joint first) electoral campaign priority in nine countries, with highest results in Denmark (56%), Finland (55%) and Lithuania (53%).

Likewise, looking to the future, EU citizens put defence and security (37%) as first priorities in reinforcing the EU’s position globally, energy issues and food security/agriculture follow (both on 30%). While four in ten citizens say the role of the EU has become more important over the past years, 35% think it has stayed the same and 22% that it has diminished. At the national level, relative majorities in 15 countries believe that its role in the world has become more important over the years, with proportions reaching 67% in Sweden, 63% in Portugal and 60% in Denmark. Meanwhile, Slovenian and Czech citizens are the most likely to say that the EU’s role has become less important (32% and 30%, respectively).

Almost three quarters of citizens (73%, +3 pp in comparison to autumn 2023) say that EU actions have an impact on their daily lives, including a fifth (20%) for whom they ‘very much’ have an impact. In addition, a large majority of Europeans agree that their country, on balance, benefits from EU membership (71%). These results are stable in comparison to autumn 2023 and continue enjoying high levels across the EU.

Background

The European Parliament’s Spring 2024 Eurobarometer was carried out by Verian (previously Kantar) research agency between 7 February and 3 March 2024 in all 27 EU Member States. The survey was conducted face-to-face, with video interviews (CAVI) used additionally in Czechia, Denmark, Finland and Malta. 26,411 interviews were conducted in total. EU results were weighted according to the size of the population in each country.

Ref.: 20240415IPR20389
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MEPs approve reforms for a more sustainable and resilient EU gas market

2024-04-16T10:12:32+03:00

Last Thursday, MEPs adopted plans to facilitate the uptake of renewable and low-carbon gases, including hydrogen, into the EU gas market.

The new directive and regulation on the gas and hydrogen markets aim to decarbonise the EU's energy sector, enhancing the production and integration of renewable gases and hydrogen.

These measures are designed to secure energy supplies disrupted by geopolitical tensions, particularly the Russian war against Ukraine, and address climate change. In negotiations with Council on the directive, MEPs focused on securing provisions around transparency, consumer rights, and support for people at risk of energy poverty. Plenary adopted the directive with 425 votes in favour, 64 against and 100 abstentions.

The new regulation, adopted with 447 votes in favour, 90 against and 54 abstentions, will beef up mechanisms for fair pricing and stable energy supply, and will allow member states to limit gas imports from Russia and Belarus. The legislation will introduce a joint gas purchasing system to avoid competition among member states and a pilot project to bolster the EU’s hydrogen market for five years.

The regulation also focuses on increasing investments in hydrogen infrastructure, especially in coal regions, promoting a transition to sustainable energy sources like biomethane and low-carbon hydrogen.

Quotes

"Europe’s steel and chemical industries, which are hard to decarbonise, will be placed at the centre of the development of a European hydrogen market," lead MEP on the directive Jens Geier (S&D, DE) said. "This will enable fossil fuels to be phased out of industry, secure European competitiveness, and preserve jobs in a sustainable economy. Unbundling rules for hydrogen network operators will correspond to existing best practices in the gas and electricity market."

Lead MEP on the regulation Jerzy Buzek (EPP, PL) said: "The new regulation will transform the current energy market into one based primarily on two sources - green electricity and green gases. This is a huge step towards meeting the EU's ambitious climate goals and making the EU more competitive on global markets. We have introduced a legal option for EU countries to stop importing gas from Russia if there is a security threat, which gives them a tool to phase out our dependence on a dangerous monopolist."

Next steps

Both texts will now have to be formally adopted by Council before publication on the Official Journal.

Background

The legislative package reflects the EU’s growing climate ambitions, as set out in the European Green Deal and its 'Fit for 55' package. The updated directive aims to decarbonise the energy sector and includes provisions on consumer rights, transmission and distribution system operators, third-party access and integrated network planning, and independent regulatory authorities. The updated regulation will push existing natural gas infrastructure to integrate a higher share of hydrogen and renewable gases, by means of high tariff discounts. It includes provisions to facilitate blending hydrogen with natural gas and renewable gases, and greater EU cooperation on gas quality and storage.

Ref.: 20240408IPR20317
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Uninterrupted rotational U.S. force presence in Lithuania is my priority, says Minister of National Defence L. Kasčiūnas

2024-04-15T14:43:44+03:00

Minister of National Defence Laurynas Kasčiūnas underscored at a meeting with Ambassador of the United States to Lithuania HE Kara McDonald the importance of the U.S. force presence in Lithuania, the necessity to support Ukraine and to develop cooperation between the Lithuanian-U.S. defence industry. Besides the key highlights, other important aspects of bilateral cooperation were addressed as well.

“The U.S. force presence “on the ground” is a critical component of deterrence,” said Minister L. Kasčiūnas. “Further uninterrupted presence of combat U.S. capabilities in Lithuania is the MoD priority, that is why our we put our best efforts in military infrastructure development and the best possible Host Nation Support for the U.S. military.” The Ministry of National Defence allocates approx. 10 percent of the defence budget to finance the aforesaid efforts.

“U.S. assistance in the Baltic capability development improves deterrence in the region and accelerates the process,” noted Minister thanking Ambassador K. McDonald for the financial assistance given to Lithuania under the Baltic Security Initiative which aims for a better deterrence in the region and accelerates development of the missing capabilities.

“We are not skipping the homework. Defence spending stands at 2.77 percent of GDP today and we are on track towards 3 percent, we are developing a national division and building capabilities in the Lithuanian Armed Forces. Procurements from the Unite States make up 20 percent of our overall procurement. We wish to collaborate with the U.S. defence industry. Attract investment to Lithuania and your support about it would be very helpful,” Minister said at the meeting. According to him, Lithuania places significant value on the U.S.-Lithuania cooperation in defence industry area and attraction of investment to Lithuania, which is all underpinned positively by the recently grown Lithuania’s acquisitions from the United States and the need to deliver the equipment quickly and safely, as well as to maintain it. “The average value of the defence acquisitions the Ministry of National Defence plans to conduct from the United States in the average period of time amounts to USD 1,3 million, 20% of our overall procurement,” said Minister L. Kasčiūnas.

Discussing assistance to Ukraine, L. Kasčiūnas emphasized the imperative to help Ukraine achieve the decisive success on the battlefield and without delay. “We will continue consistently supporting Ukraine. Since the start of the war, Lithuania has provided Ukraine the military assistance worth of approx. EUR 605 million. The assistance to Ukraine our state has rendered makes up 1.5% of GDP,” he said. Lithuania with Iceland co-leads the Ukraine Demining Coalition. “Mines and mined fields poses a serious problem to Ukraine which will outlive the war. Other countries would feel encouraged to follow suite and contribute to coalition success if the Unite States would adhere practically,” said Minister inviting the Unite States to join the initiative.

The United States is Lithuania’s strategic partner and one of the key Allies for Baltic security. It actively contributes military personnel, equipment ta and finance in support of our defence. The U.S. is also one of the main partners of Lithuania in defence equipment acquisition. Rotational U.S. battalions have been maintaining an uninterrupted presence in Lithuania since 2019. The current units serving in Pabradė are the Hounds Battalion (3rd Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment (3-67) and the Battle Kings Battalion (1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery (1-9).