Lithuania's defence spending is growing

In 2023 Lithuania's national defence budget will reach 2.52 percent of GDP and even more if a necessity arises to further increase defence spending. A decision was taken to allow for an increase of defence appropriations in the budget in the course of 2023 up to 3 percent of GDP. "Taking into account the current security situation and the need to have new military infrastructure as soon as possible for our and our Allies' military, we may fall short of funds with the 2.52 percent of GDP defence spending approved for next year, therefore we need the possibility to borrow. Our goal was always to reach the 3 percent of GDP limit for defence budget and we have a clear plan for spending the appropriations," says A. AnuÃ... ¡auskas. The budget approved by the Seimas includes additional 3.6 million for the Lithuanian Riflemen Union as compared to the draft National Defence Budget the government tabled in October. The draft National Defence Budget prioritizes modernization and development of the Lithuanian Armed Forces (firepower, maneuverability, force protection, more ammunition stocks), service pay and better social securities, Host National Support infrastructure development and creation of conditions for U.S. and other Allied troops deploying in Lithuania, public resilience and active involvement in strengthening national defence, and cyber security enhancement.

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