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The President: We need to facilitate the development of Lithuania's defense and security industry

President of the Republic of Lithuania

Januray 19, 2024

On Friday morning, President Gitanas Nausėda met with Thierry Breton, the European Commissioner for Internal Market, who is visiting Lithuania. The meeting focused on the potential for using and expanding the defense industry capabilities of the EU Member States, the European Defense Industry Strategy that is currently being drafted, and the provision of military assistance to Ukraine.

At the meeting, the Lithuanian leader stressed that the ongoing war in Ukraine and the security situation in Europe and the rest of the world require the strengthening of the EU Member States' defense and security industry capabilities.

The President underlined the importance of the European Commission's efforts to implement the course of action to strengthen the EU's defense industry outlined at the Versailles summit in 2022. "It is necessary to use and strengthen the defense industrial capabilities of the EU Member States in order to fulfil the commitments made by the European Council to both ensure the necessary supply of military equipment and ammunition to Ukraine and to meet our own defense and security needs," Gitanas Nausėda pointed out.

The Head of State stressed that since 2022, Lithuania has been taking active steps to develop its national defense and security industry: broad political support for the development of the industry has been consolidated, amendments to legislation have been initiated to promote the activities and development of companies, and new financial instruments are being developed.

"The forthcoming European Defense Industry Strategy should reflect the reality of the ongoing war in Ukraine and the threats, as well as provide for the tools and means to respond quickly to the evolving situation. Providing political support for the investment plans of defense industry companies, as well as military support for Ukraine and prioritization of its needs, should be the top priorities of the EU defense policy and industry in the short run," President Gitanas Nausėda spoke.

According to the Head of State, the European Defense Industry Strategy has to focus on the long-term development of critical defense capabilities and technologies, the expansion of cooperation between EU and NATO institutions, the promotion of partnerships between companies established in EU and NATO countries, as well as ramping up the production and building up stocks. The President also highlighted the importance of ensuring the inclusion of small and medium-sized enterprises into defense industry projects, of ensuring geographical balance of defense industry presence in the EU, and of improving access to finance for companies. "It is essential to work towards ensuring that all these measures create the right conditions to meet both Ukraine's military support needs and the supply needs for national and incoming NATO forces," President Gitanas Nausėda added.

The President's Communication Group