Lithuania: Opposition party exits national defence agreement

Lithuania’s opposition Union of Democrats for Lithuania (DSVL) will withdraw from a national defence agreement signed by all parliamentary parties in July 2022, BNS reports. Under the deal, the parties pledged to keep defence spending above 2.5% of GDP and increase the number of military conscripts. DSVL announced its exit from the pact after the parliament, the Seimas, approved the merger of the Public Security Service (VST) with the Lithuanian Police Department. The party argued that the move would “cannibalise” VST and weaken security. Also, DSVL slammed the government’s plans to close down police stations in Alytus, Marijampole, Taurage, Telsiai, and Utena.