Lithuania Seeks to Learn from Finland: Focus on Shelter Network and Crisis Readiness
Minister of the Interior Vladislavas Kondratovičius met with Finnish Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen to discuss civil protection, population safety, and strengthening national internal security.
“Strengthening civil protection is one of Lithuania’s top priorities. We want to ensure that our shelters are properly equipped and responsibilities clearly defined so that the system functions smoothly in times of crisis,” said Minister V. Kondratovičius.
Finland has long-standing experience in civil protection and crisis readiness and is seen as a model for other countries. Lithuania aims to adopt Finland’s best practices, particularly in planning and developing its shelter network.
“Finland’s experience is extremely valuable to us. Open and constructive dialogue helps us understand different approaches and strengthen our own solutions,” the Minister of the Interior emphasized.
On top of that, during the meeting the ministers also covered how shelters in Finland are activated during emergencies, how their operation and supply are managed, and how the public is prepared to use them.
In Lithuania, 385 shelters are currently being modernized, with a target of at least 1,900 modernized shelters by 2030. On December 18, 2025, a draft amendment to Lithuania’s EU-funded investment program was officially submitted to the European Commission.
This opens the door to using EU funds — 52 million euros — for shelter installation or modernization. The EU contribution allows Lithuania to set even more ambitious goals.
At present, Lithuania has installed 6,513 shelters capable of accommodating around 1.6 million residents, roughly 56% of the population. Over 2025, the number of shelters increased by more than one hundred, doubling compared to 2023.
Finally, the ministers also discussed the capacity and staffing of internal security services. Like many other EU countries, Lithuania faces challenges in recruiting and retaining police officers. The meeting explored Finland’s financial and non-financial incentives, social guarantees, internal security funding, and its links to national security as examples of effective approaches.