Minister Kondratovič and Ambassadors Discuss Priorities and Challenges in the Field of Home Affairs
Minister of the Interior Vladislav Kondratovič held a meeting with ambassadors from 20 European Union and Schengen-associated countries, where he introduced his political team, discussed the government's priorities in the field of internal affairs, and presented an overview of the ministry's planned initiatives. The meeting also covered the European Union's political agenda and Poland's presidency priorities.
"This meeting is an excellent opportunity to strengthen dialogue with international partners and present our country's priorities and challenges in the field of internal affairs. Lithuania will continue to strive for stability, security, and solidarity at both the national and international levels, working closely with its partners," said Minister Kondratovič.
The minister emphasized that strengthening civil protection and crisis management is one of the key priorities in the current geopolitical situation. He highlighted the state's preparedness to respond to crises and emergencies. Public security enhancement was also discussed, with an emphasis on improving law enforcement institutions and strengthening external border protection to address both ongoing and emerging challenges.
Regarding migration management, the minister noted that Lithuania aims for a balanced and pragmatic policy that not only addresses national issues, such as labor shortages, but also tackles EU-wide challenges, including illegal migration, the instrumentalization of migrants, and human trafficking.
Minister Kondratovič expressed his ambition to improve regional policy and establish a Ministry of Regions, which is expected to start operating in 2026. He also stressed the importance of increasing the efficiency of public service and public administration.
According to the minister, one of Lithuania’s cross-cutting priorities remains support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. He stated that the Ministry of the Interior will continue seeking opportunities to strengthen Ukraine’s internal affairs institutions.
Vice-Minister Gintaras Aliksandravičius, responsible for public security, emphasized that Lithuania is making every effort to strengthen its public security system, civil protection, and external border security. Although the scale of illegal migration is decreasing, the instrumentalization of migration still poses a serious threat to national security. Therefore, border protection measures will be continuously improved, including the modernization of surveillance systems and the adoption of new technologies.
Additionally, Vice-Minister Aliksandravičius highlighted the threats posed by hybrid attacks, such as propaganda, disinformation, provocations, and the use of drones, as well as the need to enhance cooperation with international partners, including Interpol, to address these challenges. He also stressed the necessity of integrating civil defense into the national defense system, improving the public warning system, expanding the network of protective shelters, and developing mass evacuation plans. The Vice-Minister presented the goal of strengthening law enforcement institutions by investing in working conditions and the qualifications of statutory officers, identifying the establishment of a Public Security College as a key initiative.
Vice-Minister Alicija Ščerbaitė, responsible for migration, public administration, and civil service policy, highlighted Lithuania’s efforts to address migration management challenges at both the national and EU levels. She emphasized that special attention will be given to implementing the Migration and Asylum Pact, for which a national implementation plan has already been approved. Ščerbaitė noted that implementing the pact will require significant administrative and financial resources. She also discussed the growing trends in labor migration and introduced stricter migration control measures.
Presenting the priorities in public administration and civil service, the Vice-Minister outlined the review of the Local Government Law and the legal framework of the civil service, aimed at increasing the attractiveness of the public sector, strengthening competencies, and enhancing public trust.
Vice-Minister Vaidotas Jakštas, responsible for regional development and EU funds, presented plans to establish a new Ministry of Regions, which would serve as the primary institution supporting municipalities in attracting investments and residents. This ministry would also be responsible for coordinating regional development, integrating various policy areas (housing, transport, spatial planning, resort development, etc.), and implementing specific policy solutions in regions facing unique challenges.
The Vice-Minister emphasized the need to strengthen municipalities' capacity to prepare applications for EU investments and to increase funding intensity for high value-added projects. He also pointed out that geopolitical challenges particularly affect border regions, making it crucial to strengthen EU cohesion policy and reflect these needs in the upcoming EU multiannual financial framework.