On Thursday, Lithuania’s parliament confirmed state budget guidelines that mandate spending at least 3% of gross domestic product (GDP) on defense from 2025 onward. The motion received support from two-thirds of the parliament.

As a NATO military alliance and European Union member, Lithuania, situated on the border with Russia and its ally Belarus, allocated 2.8% of GDP for defense in 2023 and is expected to maintain the same level of spending this year. While NATO members have set a defense spending target of at least 2% of GDP, only a few have achieved this goal.

In response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, countries neighboring Russia have intensified their defense efforts. Lithuania’s neighbor Poland, for instance, plans to allocate over 4% of GDP for defense this year, while nearby Estonia aims for 3.2%.

Polish President Andrzej Duda proposed earlier this month that all alliance countries should allocate at least 3% of GDP for defense, reflecting the growing security concerns in the region.

Lithuania intends to utilize the additional funds to prepare for the permanent hosting of 5,000 German troops starting in 2027, demonstrating its commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities and reinforcing security measures in light of evolving geopolitical challenges.

Lithuania’s decision to allocate a minimum of 3% of GDP for defense spending from 2025 onwards underscores its commitment to bolstering its security and resilience in the face of regional threats. As a NATO member situated on the eastern flank of the alliance, Lithuania is keenly aware of the need to fortify its defenses, particularly given its proximity to Russia and Belarus.

The decision aligns with the broader trend among NATO members, especially those bordering Russia, to enhance their military capabilities and readiness. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has served as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining robust defense postures and investing in deterrence measures to safeguard against potential aggression.

By earmarking additional funds for defense, Lithuania aims to modernize its armed forces, improve military infrastructure, and strengthen its ability to respond effectively to emerging security challenges. This includes preparations for hosting a significant number of German troops on its territory, further enhancing regional defense cooperation and interoperability within the NATO framework.

Furthermore, Lithuania’s commitment to meeting and exceeding NATO’s defense spending target reflects its unwavering dedication to collective security and solidarity within the alliance. By contributing its fair share to defense efforts, Lithuania underscores its active role in ensuring the stability and security of the Euro-Atlantic region.

Overall, the parliamentary confirmation of state budget guidelines for increased defense spending underscores Lithuania’s proactive approach to addressing evolving security threats and reaffirms its commitment to upholding peace and stability in the Baltic region and beyond.