On July 13, the Lithuanian Foreign Affairs and National Security and Defence Committees met to discuss the results of the NATO Summit and regional defence plans. Members noted that Lithuania still has much work to do. Present at the meeting were the President’s chief security advisor Kęstutis Budrys, Armed Forces Chief Valdemaras Rupšys and Defence Minister Arvydas Anušauskas.
According to Budrys, regional defence plans are necessary to determine military requirements for NATO members. He emphasized the importance of executing plans for the Lithuanian division and German brigade. Security and Defence Committee Chair Laurynas Kasčiūnas noted that air defence rotation will require the acquisition of new systems, which will be complex, with current priority being given to Ukraine. Rotations must be more frequent and more intense, added Budrys.
Defence Minister Arvydas Anušauskas said that pursuant to the alliance’s decision to assign 2 percent of member nations’ GNP for defence, Lithuania must submit its requirements and weapons requests as soon as possible.
Although the agreement on Ukraine’s admission to NATO was not what Lithuania expected, Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Žygimantas Pavilionis emphasized the importance of preparation for the next summit in Washington, only nine months away. All parties and institutions as well as both committees decided to forgo vacations and work toward this next meeting.
On July 13, together with 15 European Union members and the European Investment Bank, Lithuanian Finance Minister Gintarė Skaistė signed letters of intent for a special fund for Ukraine to support reconstruction. Called EU4U, the fund will quickly provide assistance to Ukraine’s economy. Lithuania will contribute 10 million euros to the fund, which will prioritize the rebuilding of schools and hospitals, transportation networks, water and waste treatment facilities, digital and cyber security and financing for businesses.
