The Latvian government has confirmed Normunds Mezviets as director general of the State Security Service (VDD) for a third consecutive five-year term, the Ministry of Interior announced, LSM reports. Announcing the nomination, Interior Minister Rihards Kozlovskis said that living under conditions of hybrid warfare requires professional and patriotic leadership that takes care of national security,…
A public petition in Latvia is collecting signatures for a ban on the Chinese social media network, TikTok, LSM reports. The author of the initiative, Arturs Babuskins, stated that the social media application was used to “glorify Russian crimes, incite hatred, and divide society.” Moreover, the petition cites data security concerns. Public petitions need at…
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda was inaugurated as president for a second term on 12 July 2024, LRT reports. In his inaugural address, Nauseda pledged to strengthen national security, defend Lithuanian interests in foreign policy, continue supporting Ukraine, and foster ties with the US. He called for raising Lithuania’s defence budget to 4% of GDP by…
The Lithuanian government has granted special status to German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall’s planned artillery ammunition plant in Radviliskis district, BNS reports. The designation allows the company to begin construction of the plant without the standard construction permits, which must be obtained before completion. The plant, which will be named the Lithuanian Centre of Excellence for…
NATO allies agree that the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) should manage the rotation of air-defence systems in the Baltic region, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda stated, BNS reports. He said that political leaders of individual countries need not travel to different capitals and request anti-air defence systems. The NATO summit in Vilnius agreed in 2023…
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda has formally proposed that the parliament, the Seimas, denounce the Convention on Cluster Munitions, BNS reports. The Office of the President argued that current international legal restrictions limited Lithuania’s defence capabilities and reduced the effectiveness of deterrence. Lithuania and Norway are the only NATO member states sharing a border with Russia…
Lithuania will begin issuing defence bonds after 1 October 2024, Finance Minister Gintare Skaiste announced, BNS reports. The defence bonds will have a maximum interest rate of 2%, which is lower than on savings certificates. The lower rate will ensure that the state borrows for defence at a rate that is cheaper than the market…
The Lithuanian government plans to invest around EUR 17.56mn in counter-mobility measures over 2024-2027, the Ministry of Defence announced, BNS reports. The plan is to deploy counter-mobility defence installations along the border with Belarus and Russia’s Kaliningrad (Königsberg) region by April 2025, reserve barriers on major national roads and bridges by November 2025, and drainage…
Several countries have expressed interest in renting Estonia’s empty prison space, according to the Ministry of Justice, ERR reports. A ministry official said that neighbouring countries had shown interest, and that European statistics indicated a demand for prison space. However, legislative amendments were needed before renting out prison space, the official added. Earlier reports suggested…