CRUNCH TIME FOR LITHUANIA'S BORDER SECURITY
Lithuanian government requests 120 million Euros to strengthen border security with Russia.
Hey there! Let's chat about Lithuania's plan to beef up security along its border with Russia. Here's the lowdown:
The country's Interior Minister, Vladislav Kondratovic, estimates that they'll need around 120 million euros to get this done. Keep in mind, these numbers could change as they delve deeper into the budget planning process. But for now, this is what we're working with.
So, where is this cash gonna go? Mostly towards building a badass barrier, upgrading surveillance systems, and snagging a fancy-schmancy counter-drone system. They're also eyeing a nifty new hovercraft and some extra patrol boats to keep an eye on rivers and the Curonian Lagoon. Oh, and, watch out, critical infrastructure - these guys are looking out for you too!
Now, you might be wondering, "What about funding?" Good question! Kondratovic mentioned they'd be discussing potential funding options shortly as part of the budget planning process. They're also keeping their eyes peeled for some European funding sources.
Speaking of Europe, there's a chance that EU funds could help out with the construction of a new quay at the seaport of Klaipėda. And hey, who knows? EU funds could even help finance a brand new hovercraft!
One other thing worth mentioning is the need for more boats to monitor rivers and the Curonian Lagoon. These vessels will play a crucial role in protecting critical infrastructure.
Lithuania shares a border with Russia that stretches for roughly 275 kilometers. Some of the existing infrastructure is already fortified, but clearly, our friends in Lithuania aren't taking any chances.
As for border violations and incidents along the border with Russia, Kondratovic declared they're pretty rare. So, I guess that's something to be thankful for!
The Euro Front
Lithuania is looking to tap into European Union funds to help finance this border security upgrade. They've had some initial success, with signs suggesting that securing EU funds could be possible in the near future. But remember, there's more to this story.
Lithuania and Poland recently launched five strategic cross-border projects under the Interreg Lithuania–Poland 2021–2027 programme, which is backed by over €30 million in EU funding. These projects aim to boost civil security, upgrade border services, and enhance regional development along borders with Belarus and Russia.
The Interreg programme focuses on projects that target crisis readiness, public safety, modernizing border guards, and infrastructure upgrades - all of which align with Lithuania's security goals. So, keep an eye on those EU funds, folks - they could be a game-changer!
Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
In light of Lithuania's border security upgrade, the government is actively exploring European Union funds as a potential source of finance, aiming to secure funding for the project in the near future. The Interreg Lithuania-Poland 2021-2027 program, backed by over €30 million in EU funding, has already launched several strategic projects to boost civil security, upgrade border services, and support regional development along borders with Belarus and Russia, which aligns with Lithuania's security goals in the industry and finance sectors.
