Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda is delivering his annual address at the Seimas on Tuesday.
In the second annual address of his second term, Nausėda began by recalling the air raid alert that was issued in Lithuania less than a month ago.
Nausėda said that various institutions, from the Seimas to educational establishments and other public bodies, had effectively tested civil protection procedures, shelters and protective infrastructure in practice.
"We gained a clearer picture of which measures work and where improvements are needed. The air raid alert was soon lifted, but it left us with a clear understanding that we are moving ever more rapidly into a new and dangerous world, where peace can no longer be taken for granted," the president said.
According to Nausėda, Lithuanians must acknowledge that the country is changing rapidly and that society must change along with it.
He said the world is becoming less united and less peaceful, while narrow economic interests are playing an increasingly prominent role.
"We are living dangerously close to war. [...] Nevertheless, the impressive achievements of the Ukrainians, to which we also contribute through our support, do not bring peace of mind. We do not know whether we ourselves may become the target of hostile forces seeking to test NATO's unity and resolve," Nausėda said.
'Hybrid war has been underway for more than a decade'
"We are living in a period when direct military threats are becoming increasingly real and are already beginning to disrupt the peaceful lives of the Lithuanian people. [...] A hybrid war against Lithuania has been underway not just for years, but for more than a decade. Substantial resources are consistently devoted to it. No gestures of goodwill or concessions will change that,” Nausėda said.
"They hate us because we dare to be free and independent. They hate us because we cherish our freedom and make dignified use of its benefits. They hate us because we create our own prosperity – something that, without exception, autocratic regimes are incapable of doing," he added.
He pointed to continued irregular migration directed against Lithuania, as well as smuggling balloons, and acts of terrorism and sabotage.
Focus on the Centre of Registers data breach
Referring to the data theft from Lithuania's Centre of Registers, the president stressed that the public had learned about the incident far too late.
According to Nausėda, the breach posed an even greater threat to Lithuanian residents because of the slow response by state institutions.
"A thorough investigation into why this happened is necessary, if only to ensure that it does not happen again in the future," he said.
Monitoring defence spending
Nausėda welcomed Lithuania's defence budget, which amounts to 5.38% of GDP, and said he hoped investment in security would continue beyond 2030.
"All these efforts and investments are not, and cannot be, ends in themselves. I am personally overseeing the transparent and effective use of the largest defence budget in Lithuania's history," he said.
He also highlighted the expansion and development of military training areas, including in the controversy surrounding Kapčiamiestis.
The president said he was increasingly doubtful whether all politicians and members of parliament fully understood the seriousness of the situation and were "prepared to stand firmly at their posts in the fight for Lithuania and its security".
MPs from the Nemunas Dawn and some lawmakers from the Farmers and Greens group voted against the training grounds.
'NATO is not a paper tiger'
"I believe in NATO – it is not a paper tiger. I believe in Article 5 and in the determination of our allies to contribute to Lithuania's defence. But I believe even more that we will be strong enough to defend ourselves and prevail," Nausėda said.
He then outlined Lithuania's defence priorities.
"We need the full German armoured brigade in Lithuania by 2027. We need the appropriate infrastructure to host the United States and other allied troops.
"We need effective air defence, including protection against drones. We need more modern weapons and ammunition, with a long-term vision of producing as much as possible here in Lithuania.
"We need a national division and a highly trained reserve force. We need civil protection with an effective warning system and a well-developed network of shelters and protective structures. We need preparations for total resistance as a fundamental – and decisive – element of deterrence," the president said.
Praises relations with Poland, Germany and the US
Nausėda said he was particularly pleased with the current state of relations with Poland.
"We are working closely together, implementing joint infrastructure and military mobility projects, and regularly conducting bilateral military exercises. In January, I discussed with Polish President Karol Nawrocki the idea of a joint free economic zone in Lazdijai and Suwałki, which our…
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