Meeting with the Ambassador of the Netherlands
Minister of the Interior Vladislav Kondratovič met with the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Lithuania, Jack Twiss Quarles van Ufford. During the meeting, the primary topics discussed were civil security, preparedness to counter threats, and the challenges of illegal migration.
Strengthening Civil Defense and Citizen Preparedness
The Minister emphasized that the services under the Ministry of the Interior are working intensively to ensure the security of the state and its citizens.
“In response to current geopolitical challenges, we are placing significant focus on civil defense, which is a part of our national defense strategy. The military and officers continuously improve their skills to counter threats—it is part of their duty to be prepared. At the same time, it is extremely important to take care of the population, which is why we are focusing on the development of shelters and have created a mobile application, LT72, aimed at ensuring people are as prepared as possible to respond to any danger,” said Minister Kondratovič.
Civil Shelter Infrastructure in Lithuania
Currently, there are 6,453 shelters across Lithuanian municipalities, capable of protecting about 1.5 million people—this covers 54% of the country’s population. 28 municipalities already have a sufficient number of shelters, while 32 still face shortages. In Lithuanian cities, shelters should be able to accommodate at least 60% of residents, and in district municipalities—40%.
Addressing Illegal Migration and Hybrid Threats
Speaking on illegal migration, the Minister stressed that Lithuania is working consistently and proactively to provide a strong response to challenges related to migration management, border protection, and national security, with particular attention to hybrid threats emerging from Belarus and Russia.
Lithuania is also implementing stricter control of legal migration, aiming to ensure that migration takes place only through legal and safe channels, thereby reducing the risks and issues associated with illegal migration.
Migration and Asylum Pact: The Need for Innovative Solutions
The Ministry is also paying close attention to the Migration and Asylum Pact. However, as the Minister noted, the instrumentalization of migration remains one of the most pressing issues. Therefore, he believes it is essential to continue discussions within the European Union context and seek innovative solutions for migration management, with the aim of strengthening the EU’s resilience and ensuring long-term effectiveness of these measures.
Lietuvosvalstybe.com
Sources: Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania
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