For the years 2023-2025, a total of about half a dozen tasks and a similar number of measures detailing the implementation of some of the tasks are foreseen.
The measures include cooperation with scientific institutions in order to analyze the effectiveness of measures, increase the ability to recognize informational threats, implementation of communication projects, improvement of school content, consistently integrating the provisions of civic and patriotic education.
The plan also envisages promoting the activities of the Riflemen’s Union, strengthening the cooperation of state and municipal institutions and institutions with educational institutions, continuing the organization of state holidays, historical dates, commemorations of deserving personalities’ anniversaries, honoring partisans, and military and public unity day events.
It provides for continuous updating of detailed information for citizens about their role in different situations (extreme situation, crisis, mobilization, state of war), opportunities to contribute to the country’s defense in cooperation with scientific institutions and research centers, to organize national security and defense, civil defense training for civil servants , non-governmental organizations, media, business representatives.
Among other things, it is planned to popularize service in the army, organize recruitment campaigns, and improve motivational measures for citizens who have chosen voluntary military service.
According to the Ministry of National Defense, 31 million will be needed to implement the plan this year. euros, next year – 38.8 million. euros, and in 2025 – 43.4 million. euros.
The Ministry also indicates that the relevant plan will need to be prepared for two more periods: 2026-2030 and 2031-2035.
The strategy for preparing Lithuanian citizens for civil resistance was adopted by the Seimas last May.
The strategy stipulates that civil resistance is part of the most important principle of Lithuania‘s defense – universal defense.
An exceptional role in the civil resistance is given to the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union – it prepares and organizes the resistance movement under the conditions of occupation.
The Ministry of the Interior seeks to increase the share of citizens willing to defend the country with a weapon from 44% to 60%, based on the data of the survey commissioned by the Ministry in 2020. in 2035.
Accordingly, it is aimed that the share of citizens willing to participate in unarmed civil resistance will increase from 54 percent. In 2020, up to 70 percent. In 2035, the share of citizens participating in historical memory meaningful events would rise from 37.6 percent. up to 46 percent.
It is desired that the participation of the public in voluntary activities will grow from 14.5 percent. (2019 survey data of the Ministry of Social Security and Labor) up to 25 percent. in 2035.
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#main #directions #strategy #civil #resistance
**Interview with Dr. Emilija Žukauskaitė, National Security Analyst**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Žukauskaitė. Lithuania has recently adopted a strategy focusing on enhancing civilian resistance. Can you provide an overview of the main goals of this strategy?
**Dr. Žukauskaitė:** Absolutely, and thank you for having me. The strategy aims to prepare Lithuanian citizens not only for military engagement but also for nonviolent resistance in case of foreign aggression. Key goals include improving civic education, enhancing public awareness of national security threats, and fostering a sense of duty among citizens regarding their role in defending the nation.
**Editor:** It sounds comprehensive. Could you elaborate on the specific measures outlined for the years 2023-2025?
**Dr. Žukauskaitė:** Certainly. The plan includes several initiatives such as cooperation with scientific institutions to assess defense effectiveness, improving educational content to incorporate civic and patriotic themes, and promoting the activities of organizations like the Riflemen’s Union. Additionally, there will be public campaigns focusing on military service recruitment.
**Editor:** How do you see the role of educational institutions in this strategy?
**Dr. Žukauskaitė:** Educational institutions are pivotal. The strategy emphasizes integrating civic education into school curriculums, which is crucial for instilling a sense of responsibility and understanding among young people about their role in national security. By doing this, we’re not only preparing future defenders but also cultivating informed citizens who can recognize and respond to crises effectively.
**Editor:** There’s also mention of enhancing communication projects and recognizing informational threats. How vital is this in today’s context?
**Dr. Žukauskaitė:** In an era where disinformation is rampant, being able to identify and navigate informational threats is critical. The strategy aims to bolster citizens’ media literacy, thereby enabling them to discern credible information from false narratives, which can often undermine national unity and security.
**Editor:** The financial aspect is significant as well. With a projected budget increasing from 31 million euros this year to 43.4 million euros in 2025, how do you assess this investment?
**Dr. Žukauskaitė:** This investment reflects a serious commitment to national defense and civil preparedness. It is essential to allocate sufficient resources to not only implement immediate tasks but also to sustain and evolve our approach in the long term. Planning beyond 2025 indicates foresight in anticipating future challenges and the need for ongoing citizen engagement in national security.
**Editor:** what do you believe is the most important aspect of this strategy that citizens should be aware of?
**Dr. Žukauskaitė:** The most crucial aspect is the empowerment of citizens. This strategy is not only about military readiness but also about fostering a resilient society where every individual understands their role and feels motivated to contribute to national defense in whatever capacity they can. It’s about building a culture of preparedness and unity.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Žukauskaitė, for your insights on Lithuania’s comprehensive strategy for civilian resistance.
**Dr. Žukauskaitė:** Thank you for having me! It’s a vital conversation for our nation’s security.
