Lithuania to allocate nearly 7% of GDP to defense and security

Lithuanian Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius has addressed upcoming budget allocations, confirming that defense and security investments will represent a significant portion of the national budget. While official primary defense spending is cited at 5.38% of GDP, total investments including broader security measures are expected to reach approximately 7% of GDP, accounting for nearly 29% of the total state budget.

During parliamentary discussions, MP Karolis Neimantas highlighted the distinction between these figures, noting that the higher percentage includes wider security investments. The Prime Minister maintained that these levels are necessary to address ongoing regional risks and to enhance capabilities such as air defense and drone mitigation.

The government also anticipates that the budget deficit will exceed the Maastricht criteria, projected to reach 3.8% of GDP, despite efforts to reduce expenditures during the budget formation process.