“The purpose of today’s event is to reinforce the understanding that Lithuania’s national security depends on the active involvement of every citizen in the life of the state. The National Security Strategy serves as a reflection of the national consensus on how we should strengthen our security. In this regard, today’s event is particularly significant because it is organized in Klaipėda—an city of special importance to Lithuanian security. We are very grateful to the representatives of local institutions, organizations, businesses, and Klaipėda residents who participated in the consultation,” stated Deputy Minister T. Godliauskas.
This marks the third in a series of public consultations aimed at preparing the update of the National Security Strategy.
Ms. Gabrielė Burbulytė-Tsiskarishvili, lecturer at the Department of Public Administration and Political Science at Klaipeda University and one of the event organizers, noted that Klaipėda University has a prime opportunity to take a leadership role by bringing together representatives from various community sectors of the city for a public discussion, thereby contributing to the development of a nationally significant document.
“Strengthening the maritime dimension within the realm of national security is, unfortunately, sometimes overlooked. Klaipėda’s voice on this matter is crucial and must be clearly heard. We are part of a community in Lithuania that can—and should—take the initiative to remind the entire country that we are a maritime nation. It is our responsibility to ensure that this is widely embedded in our strategic national documents. Public resilience depends on the resilience of all community groups—thus, discussions like today’s in Klaipėda are essential,” she emphasized.
In May, two discussions within this series were held: one at the Institute of International Relations and Political Science at Vilnius University, which examined the structure of the Strategy and cooperation with allies, and another at the General Jono Žemaitis Lithuanian Military Academy, discussing changes in Lithuania’s security environment, the country’s defence needs, and the impact of technology on national security.
The National Security Strategy is a fundamental document guiding Lithuania’s security policy and setting priorities for its implementation. The upcoming revision will place particular emphasis on comprehensive strengthening of the country's defence, enhancing resilience of the state and society, and improving the capacity to respond to threats.
The updated draft of the National Security Strategy is being prepared by an inter-institutional working group appointed for this purpose, chaired by Minister of National Defence Dovilė Šakalienė. The group includes representatives from all ministries, the Office of the President and the Prime Minister, the State Security Department, and the Special Investigation Service, with close cooperation involving the Parliament.
The current National Security Strategy, approved in 2021, is periodically revised to reflect changes in the geopolitical landscape. It is planned that the new draft will be submitted to the Parliament for review by the end of this year.
The event in Klaipėda was attended by representatives of city and national institutions, industry enterprises, civil society organizations, the academic community, and local residents.
Information from the Ministry of National Defence
Republic of Lithuania
