At the suggestion of the Ministry of National Defense, the Defense Fund Council, which oversees the use of the fund’s funds, could allocate them not only to the purposes provided for in the law, but also to other needs of the national defense system.
The draft of the Government’s resolution prepared by the Ministry indicates that the surplus of the Defense Fund’s annual income could be further accumulated or used for purposes approved by the Council.
“The government, on the proposal of the Defense Fund Council, could distribute the annual fund expenses approved by the Seimas not only according to the goals specified in the law (…), but also according to the national defense system and other institutions,” the document states.
According to him, in this way, decisions would be made more quickly and flexibly in response to the extremely urgent priority needs of strengthening the state’s defense capabilities and civil safety.
The funds of the defense fund will be distributed by a council made up of ministers, the chancellor of the government and the commander of the army.
In order to speed up the strengthening of national defense, at the end of June, the Seimas adopted the law regulating the establishment of the State Defense Fund and adjusted the related tax rates.
In 2025, the fund is expected to receive 209 million. euros, in 2026 – 325 million. euros, in 2027 – 343 million. euros.
Defense funding is being increased in order to develop a division in the Lithuanian army faster, to receive a German brigade by 2027 and to prepare for general conscription.
Residents can also donate to the Defense Fund from October 1. According to the data of Friday afternoon, almost 23 thousand were donated to it. euros.
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