Lithuanian Interior Minister discusses municipal autonomy and service reforms

Lithuanian Interior Minister Martynas Katelynas met with municipal mayors to discuss regional issues, including financial autonomy, investment stimulation, and civil protection infrastructure. The discussions focused on increasing the weight of independent revenue sources for municipalities and their ability to borrow from the National Development Bank (ILTE) for investment projects. Additionally, the meeting addressed the upcoming transition of state land management functions to municipalities in 2027.

Separately, Minister Katelynas announced a review of health requirements for those entering the internal service. Currently, approximately 30 percent of applicants are disqualified due to health standards. The Ministry aims to remove excessive or disproportionate requirements that do not hinder an officer's ability to perform their duties. To improve professional readiness, new training programs have been approved at Mykolas Romeris University in collaboration with the State Border Guard Service and the Police Department.