Vilnius, January 27 (ELTA) – The European Commission has approved the second group of national defence plans under the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative, providing financial support for Lithuania and seven other countries.

Lithuania had submitted a loan application worth EUR 6.375 billion under the SAFE instrument.

A proposal has been submitted to the EU Council to also approve financial support for Estonia, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Poland, Slovakia, and Finland.

“The funding levels for each country were provisionally set in September, based on principles of solidarity and transparency. This group of eight Member States are entitled to around EUR 74 billion after the loan agreements will be signed,” the EU commission said in a press release.

“With this second batch of SAFE investments, Europe is finally backing its security ambitions with the necessary financial weight. We are no longer just drafting strategies; we are building a hard-power reality. With SAFE we incentivise member states to procure jointly, seek speed, scale and efficiency,” Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius said.

“This is a clear signal to European industry and our adversaries alike: Europe is serious about its strength and sovereignty, our militaries need the best and on time,” he noted.

The move follows a thorough assessment of the countries’ national defence investment plans under the SAFE initiative, according to the European Commission. It clears the way for an initial tranche of low-cost, long-term loans, enabling participating states to rapidly boost military readiness and procure modern defence equipment.

“The framework also deepens Ukraine’s integration into the EU’s security ecosystem, ensuring that European support remains both agile and sustainable,” it said.

Following the European Commission’s review, the Council will have four weeks to sign off on the implementing measures. After approval, the Commission will conclude the loan contracts, with initial funds due to be released in March 2026.

The European Commission is meanwhile still examining the proposals submitted by other EU nations.

Deputy Defence Minister Karolis Aleksa said earlier that Lithuania plans to use SAFE funds to finance 50 investment projects, focusing on air defence, counter-drone systems, ammunition and other priorities.

Vilnius, January 27 (ELTA) – Lithuania’s ruling coalition remains stable despite recent tensions, Social Democratic Party (LSDP) leader Mindaugas Sinkevičius said on Tuesday.

“The situation today is stable and unchanged,” Sinkevičius told reporters after a meeting of the Coalition Council, while acknowledging that tensions persist. “With coalition partners, you never know what might happen tomorrow or next week.”

He said the meeting had been productive, although not all members of the Coalition Council were present.

Nemunas Dawn leader Remigijus Žemaitaitis did not attend the meeting and was represented by his deputy, Robert Puchovič.

Addressing recent public disputes between coalition partners, Sinkevičius urged restraint.

“We asked everyone to resolve disagreements behind closed doors,” he said. “It is better to say less than more when conflicts arise.”

Speaking to reporters, Nemunas Dawn deputy chair Puchovič played down concerns, rating the coalition’s stability at “9.9 out of 10”.

“It would be 10 out of 10 if Žemaitaitis had been here,” he added.

Aušrinė Norkienė of the Farmers and Greens (LVŽS) said the issue of stability was not discussed.

“The meeting was very productive, but stability was not on the agenda,” she said.

The Social Democrats have expressed differing views on continued cooperation with Nemunas Dawn since a sudden dismissal of two officials from the Agriculture Ministry and a recent incident when Žemaitaitis pushed a protester in Vilkaviškis. Sinkevičius has acknowledged rising tensions but said no immediate decisions would be taken.

Any move on the coalition would follow the election of a new party leader at a spring congress, he said, adding that the party was “not afraid of change”.

The LSDP formed the current coalition in August last year following the collapse of the Government led by Gintautas Paluckas. Its partners are Nemunas Dawn, the Farmers and Greens, and the Electoral Action of Poles in Lithuania–Christian Families Alliance (LLRA-KŠS).

Vilnius, January 27 (ELTA) –The State Defence Council (VGT) on Tuesday approved an updated National Security Strategy, the president’s chief adviser has said.

“The strategy will now be submitted to the Parliament,” Deividas Matulionis told reporters after the Council met at the Presidential Palace.

The previous version was approved in 2021, before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, making an update necessary to reflect current security challenges and set clearer priorities, he said.

“The key priority is readiness for effective deterrence and national defence in the event of military aggression,” Matulionis added.

He said sweeping geopolitical changes had driven the revision and the strategy could be updated annually if needed.

“The security environment has changed. Military force has become an established policy tool for some states,” he said, citing Russia’s readiness for a long-term confrontation with the West, its growing military capabilities near NATO’s eastern flank, increased sabotage and destabilisation efforts, and the gradual erosion of the international order.

The VGT also agreed to strengthen intelligence capabilities and preparedness for possible mobilisation, while deepening cooperation with the army and placing greater emphasis on counterintelligence.

“Hostile actions are expanding, aimed at creating social tension, weakening Euro-Atlantic unity and reducing support for Ukraine,” Matulionis said. “Intelligence, including technological intelligence, will be strengthened.”

The Ministry of National Defence presented the revised strategy to the Cabinet in late December, citing a deteriorating security environment. The draft prioritises deterrence and the ability to defend the country in the event of military aggression.

It updates security policy across three pillars: armed defence, national resilience and support for defence and an international security system aligned with Lithuania’s interests.

Some opposition politicians have criticised the document as overly bureaucratic and lacking a clear vision and concrete measures.

The Cabinet approved the draft strategy, which will return to the Government after parliamentary consideration. 

Lithuania’s current National Security Strategy was adopted in 2021 and is revised periodically to reflect geopolitical developments.

Vilnius, January 27 (ELTA) – The Lithuanian president’s national security adviser has announced that the planned procurement of Brazilian-made military transport planes will be postponed for several years. The defence minister says the acquisition process will resume in 2030 but more pressing matters, like air defence and military infrastructure, will be prioritised until then. The decision was made at the State Defence Council which convened on Tuesday.

“The delay with the acquisition of new military transport aircraft does not mean that the previous decision [to buy them] has been cancelled. The delay is due to the need to focus on new priorities,” says Deividas Matulionis, president’s chief adviser on national security.

According to the adviser, the priorities include development of air defence capabilities for EUR 500 million and creation of the national division.

Minister of National Defence Robertas Kaunas said, “we will resume the acquisition of new aircraft in 2030. We are simply postponing it. Today, all funds are allocated for air defence, the [national] division, the German brigade, the development of new military infrastructure, [and] the Armed Forces’ needs that are the most relevant today.”

He said other acquisitions would not be delayed and the decision on planes does not affect NATO’s defence plans.

According to the minister, by postponing the purchase Lithuania is withdrawing from the Dutch-led joint procurement programme of Embraer C-390 planes but intends to continue negotiations.

The Lithuanian Air Force currently operates three Alenia C-27J Spartan transport planes and plans to have them modernised.

The defence minister says the modernised planes could operate until 2036 and this would cost the state around EUR 150 million, which has been foreseen in the state budget.

In September 2025, the Special Investigation Service (STT) decided to probe circumstances behind the decision to purchase three Brazilian-made Embraer planes. MPs Giedrimas Jeglinskas and Laurynas Kasčiūnas had addressed the anti-corruption agency asking to investigate the matter.

The defence minister and the president’s adviser said Tuesday that the decision to postpone the purchase was not related to the probe conducted by the STT.

Social Democratic leader Mindaugas Sinkevičius earlier said that the final decision on new planes should be made only after the agency provides its findings.

Vilnius, January 27 (ELTA) – Minister of National Defence Robertas Kaunas on Monday met with Minister of Defence of Germany Boris Pistorius in Berlin, the ministry said in a press release.

The ministers have discussed the bilateral defence cooperation between Lithuania and Germany, defence procurement and industrial cooperation, regional security situation, assistance to Ukraine, and infrastructure development for the German Brigade Lithuania.   

“Today Lithuania and Germany partner to strengthen the new security infrastructure in Europe. We must keep going deepening our cooperation further. Germany’s leadership in defence of the eastern flank of NATO is invaluable. The Government, business and public of Lithuania understand well the importance of stationing of the German Brigade in Lithuania,” Minister Kaunas underscored.

Lithuania and Germany are strategic partners who have taken the security and defence partnership to a new level in the recent years to reflect the growing security challenges in the region. Deployment of the German Brigade in Lithuania is the centerpiece of the cooperation and Lithuania views the stationing and corresponding host National Support as one of the key priorities.

Among the topics discussed at the meeting ministers addressed opportunities for expanded and deepened bilateral defence cooperation leading to a deeper integration. 

Minister Kaunas highlighted the impressive potential of cooperation on shortage of limited or critical resources through mutual development and integration in order to ensure efficient response to the growing threat of Russia. Lithuania aims to enhance cooperation on air defence, cyber defence, UAV and systems, special operations forces and maritime surveillance, to achieve a force capable of operation as one team.

Security and defence were once again mentioned to reiterate it was Lithuania’s key priority. As of this year, Lithuania commits 5.38% of GDP to defence, that amounts to EUR 4.8 billion which is a historically biggest defence budget of Lithuania. Defence spending is planned to range between 5–6% of GDP at least until 2030.

Development of the national Lithuanian Division remains among top priorities as key contribution to the NATO collective defence, alongside the stationing the German Brigade in Lithuania and providing all the necessary infrastructure for that.  Also, Lithuania has recently passed a decision to develop a new Brigade-sized military area in the vicinity of the Suwalki Gap.   

The Lithuanian side assured Federal Minister Pistorius of Lithuania’s strong commitment to supply the necessary infrastructure the German Brigade required. The works are in full swing: Rūdninkai Military Campus is developed according to the schedule, the first phase is actually ahead even. Contracts of the second phase were signed on January 15. Priority infrastructure and interim solutions required for the Brigade stationing will be in place by late 2027. 

Both countries also collaborate actively in the area of defence. The Ministry of National Defence signed a memorandum on industrial cooperation on creation of assembly and maintenance infrastructure of the Leopard 2 A8main battle tanks in Lithuania with the international partners KNDS Deutschland, Rheinmetall Landsysteme and the state-owned energy group EPSO-G. 25.1% of shares of Lithuania Defence Services (LDS), controlled by KNDS Deutschland and Rheinmetall Landsysteme are planned to be owned by EPSO-G Invest.

At the bilateral meeting, the ministers also discussed assistance to Ukraine and the commitments to continue it. Lithuania made a commitment to transfer EUR 30 million to the Patriot Initiative and pledged EUR 25 million for the PURL fund, including finance for air defence capabilities. Lithuania renders long-term assistance to Ukraine in the form of at least 0.25% of GDP spending. 

The significant German contribution to the Lithuanian and Icelandic co-led Capability Coalition for Demining was praised. The Coalition achieved good results in 2024–2025 in training and equipping eight Ukrainian EOD battalions. 

Vilnius, January 27 (ELTA) – Airspace over Vilnius Airport has been reopened after more than an hour of restrictions in place over suspected smuggled balloons moving in the airport’s direction, the National Crisis Management Centre (NKVC) said on Tuesday evening.

Preliminary data show that the restrictions, imposed at 7:05 p.m., led to three flights being diverted to Riga and two to Kaunas, affecting around 700 passengers.

Air traffic had been initially restricted until 8:05 p.m. after markings typical of smuggled balloons were detected.

“The authorities are monitoring and analysing the movement of navigation markers and may reopen the airspace earlier if it is safe to do so. Passengers are advised to follow instructions from the airport and their airlines,” NKVC said then.

However, the airspace restrictions were later extended until 10:05 p.m.

“The airspace may be reopened earlier if the situation changes. Any updates will be announced immediately,” the centre said in a separate statement later.

The Lithuanian Government declared a nationwide emergency on 9 December after dozens of smuggling balloons crossed the border from Belarus between October and December, repeatedly disrupting air traffic. Officials said the weather balloons, used to carry cigarettes, pose a threat to Lithuania’s national security.

The Medininkai and Šalčininkai border checkpoints were also closed for a month. However, to address the situation of hauliers stranded in Belarus, the border was reopened earlier.

A number of trucks registered in Lithuania and other European Union countries remain stuck at the border crossing, as Belarusian authorities under President Alexander Lukashenko’s regime are preventing them from leaving.

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Vilnius, January 27 (ELTA) – Airspace over Vilnius Airport has been restricted until 8:05 p.m. after markings typical of smuggled balloons were detected, the National Crisis Management Centre (NKVC) said Tuesday evening.

“Due to a hybrid attack by Belarus, and to ensure the safety of civil aviation, passengers and the public, the airspace over Vilnius Airport has been restricted until 8:05 p.m.,” the NKVC said.

“The authorities are monitoring and analysing the movement of navigation markers and may reopen the airspace earlier if it is safe to do so. Passengers are advised to follow instructions from the airport and their airlines,” it added.

However, the airspace restrictions were later extended until 10:05 p.m.

“The airspace restrictions have been extended until 10:05 p.m. Authorities are working closely together, and the airspace may be reopened earlier if the situation changes. Any updates will be announced immediately,” the centre said in an another statement later.

The NKVC said the restrictions were imposed at 7:05 p.m.

The Lithuanian Government declared a nationwide emergency on 9 December after dozens of smuggling balloons crossed the border from Belarus between October and December, repeatedly disrupting air traffic. Officials said the weather balloons, used to carry cigarettes, pose a threat to Lithuania’s national security.

The Medininkai and Šalčininkai border checkpoints were also closed for a month. However, to address the situation of hauliers stranded in Belarus, the border was reopened earlier.

A number of trucks registered in Lithuania and other European Union countries remain stuck at the border crossing, as Belarusian authorities under President Alexander Lukashenko’s regime are preventing them from leaving.

Vilnius, January 27 (ELTA) – Airspace over Vilnius Airport has been restricted until 8:05 p.m. after markings typical of smuggled balloons were detected, the National Crisis Management Centre (NKVC) said Tuesday evening.

“Due to a hybrid attack by Belarus, and to ensure the safety of civil aviation, passengers and the public, the airspace over Vilnius Airport has been restricted until 8:05 p.m.,” the NKVC said.

“The authorities are monitoring and analysing the movement of navigation markers and may reopen the airspace earlier if it is safe to do so. Passengers are advised to follow instructions from the airport and their airlines,” it added.

The NKVC said the restrictions were imposed at 7:05 p.m.

The Lithuanian Government declared a nationwide emergency on 9 December after dozens of smuggling balloons crossed the border from Belarus between October and December, repeatedly disrupting air traffic. Officials said the weather balloons, used to carry cigarettes, pose a threat to Lithuania’s national security.

The Medininkai and Šalčininkai border checkpoints were also closed for a month. However, to address the situation of hauliers stranded in Belarus, the border was reopened earlier.

A number of trucks registered in Lithuania and other European Union countries remain stuck at the border crossing, as Belarusian authorities under President Alexander Lukashenko’s regime are preventing them from leaving.

Vilnius, January 27 (ELTA) – Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys on Tuesday paid tribute to the victims of the Holocaust at Kaunas IX Fort, the ministry said.

January 27 marks International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Kaunas IX Fort was the site where Jews were murdered not only from Lithuania, but also from France, Austria, Germany, the former Czechoslovakia and Poland, the ministry said in a statement.

“The Holocaust was the gravest crime and the deepest moral collapse, requiring not only meticulous planning but also bystanders and accomplices,” Budrys said. 

“It thrived on fear, indifference and opportunism. Resisting it demanded courage. Let us remember the victims and commit ourselves, on principle, to fighting antisemitism and all forms of hatred– for a safer, more united and prosperous Lithuania and world.”

Eighty-one years ago, the Nazi concentration and extermination camp Auschwitz-Birkenau was liberated. More than one million people were systematically murdered at the site, the vast majority of them Jews.

Vilnius, January 27 (ELTA) – Border guards fined a man after he illegally crossed into Russia by walking on the frozen Šešupė River to take a selfie, authorities said.

The incident occurred on Saturday near the village of Panoviai in the Šakiai district, where surveillance cameras recorded a man crossing the Lithuanian-Russian border on ice and returning.

The 44-year-old, from the Radviliškis district, told officers he had crossed the border “to take a selfie,” the State Border Guard Service (VSAT) said.

Officers opened administrative proceedings for negligent illegal border crossing, an offence punishable by a fine of up to EUR 140. The man was fined EUR 35, taking into account it was his first violation and that he admitted guilt.

“His actions are considered negligent,” VSAT spokesman Giedrius Mišutis told ELTA.

Authorities warned that the number of similar incidents tend to increase in winter when rivers freeze, and stressed the risks involved.

“Such actions pose a real danger,” the service said, citing unstable ice and the sensitive geopolitical situation, adding that people who enter Russia’s Kaliningrad region may face “serious consequences” and an uncertain return.

The VSAT also noted that the state border in water bodies runs along the centre line and that crossing it constitutes a violation, even without stepping onto land.

Vilnius, January 27 (ELTA) – The total value of Lithuania’s startup ecosystem reached EUR 16.4 billion in 2025, according to the latest Dealroom report initiated by Startup Lithuania, a division of the Innovation Agency. 

In just one year, Lithuanian startups attracted EUR 220 million in venture capital investments from 77 unique investors. The ecosystem’s growing maturity was further confirmed earlier this year with the addition of a new unicorn to Lithuania’s startup map – Cast AI, the Innovation Agency said in a press release.

“Over the past five years, Lithuania’s startup ecosystem has grown 5.9 times – nearly four times faster than the Central and Eastern Europe average of 1.6 times. Lithuania is no longer just an emerging ecosystem; it is becoming mature and competitive on an international scale. Our goal is for this growth to create long-term value for the national economy and strengthen Lithuania’s position in global markets,” says Minister of Economy and Innovation Edvinas Grikšas.

Investment Growth and Capital Structure Maturity

In 2025, investment growth in Lithuania stood out across the region – the amount of venture capital attracted increased from EUR 131 million to EUR 220 million year-on-year. Looking at the period since 2020, Lithuania ranks second in Central and Eastern Europe in terms of venture capital attracted per capita and exceeds the regional average by more than four times.

“We are seeing a clear maturation of the investment structure – at early stages, Lithuanian startups are most often supported by local investors, but as companies grow, international capital plays an increasingly important role. Particularly significant is the involvement of U.S. investors, which becomes decisive at breakout and later stages when companies are rapidly expanding in global markets,” says Karolina Urbonaitė, Head of Startup Lithuania at the Innovation Agency.

The largest investment in 2025 was secured by Cast AI, a company developing AI solutions for cloud infrastructure, which raised USD 108 million in a Series C round. This marked the second-largest funding round in the history of Lithuanian startups, surpassed only by Vinted. Nexus AI ranked second by investment size, raising EUR 30 million, while biotechnology company Atrandi Biosciences placed third with a EUR 22.7 million investment.

By sector, the largest share of investments in 2025 went to business software, which attracted EUR 160 million. Health tech startups received EUR 34.7 million, while the fintech sector attracted EUR 16 million.

Despite the rebound seen in 2025, overall investment levels remain below the peak years of the past cycle. This decline reflects broader global trends driven by ongoing geopolitical tensions, macroeconomic uncertainty, and a more conservative approach from investors. Heightened risk aversion, longer decision-making cycles, and a stronger focus on capital efficiency have reshaped venture capital flows across Europe, including Lithuania. Against this backdrop, the renewed growth in 2025 highlights the resilience of Lithuania’s startup ecosystem and its ability to attract capital even in challenging conditions.

Signs of Ecosystem Maturity

Lithuania’s startup ecosystem also stands out for its ability to scale globally without relocating headquarters abroad. Only 26% of scaleups founded in Lithuania move their main headquarters to other countries – the lowest figure in the entire Central and Eastern Europe region. By comparison, this figure reaches 50% in Estonia and 70% in Latvia.

Lithuania also leads in the share of female-founded startups. Eleven percent of Lithuanian startups have female founders, exceeding both the Central and Eastern Europe and overall European averages. Since 2020, companies founded by women (either solely or jointly) have attracted 21% of all venture capital invested in Lithuania, and Lithuania ranks first in the region by the total company value created by female-founded startups. However, around 90% of the total value of female-founded startups is driven by the unicorn Vinted.

Startup Growth in Cities

At the city level, Vilnius remains the fastest-growing city in Central and Eastern Europe by startup-created value and ranks third among regional capitals in venture capital attracted in 2025. Business software and health tech dominate the capital’s ecosystem.

“The growth of Vilnius’ startup ecosystem is driven by the consistent development of technological infrastructure, a supportive regulatory and business environment, and the ability to attract international talent and investors. This allows the city to maintain a competitive position across the entire region,” says Dovilė Aleksandravičienė, Head of the official Vilnius city business and tourism development agency Go Vilnius.

Kaunas ranks third among non-capital cities in Central and Eastern Europe by venture capital attracted since 2020. The city is particularly active in the energy, gaming, and transportation sectors, with growth driven by startups such as Fivrec, TutoToons, and Elinta Charge.

“Kaunas’ strength lies in its clear specialization and growing concentration of technology companies, enabling the city to compete with major regional hubs. This shows that Lithuania’s startup ecosystem is strong not only in the capital,” says Tadas Stankevičius, Head of Kaunas IN, the city’s business, investment, and tourism agency.

The Dealroom report was presented at the Innovation Agency’s annual event Wrap Up of 2025. The report was initiated by Startup Lithuania together with partners: venture capital fund Coinvest Capital, law firm Triniti Jurex, fintech hub Rockit, Kaunas IN, and Go Vilnius.