Minister M. Katelynas and Estonian Minister of the Interior I. Taro Discussed Regional Security Challenges
Minister of the Interior Martynas Katelynas met with Estonian Minister of the Interior Igor Taro to discuss key regional security issues. The ministers focused on Lithuanian-Estonian cooperation in the field of internal security, the protection of the European Union’s external borders, combating irregular migration, preparedness for hybrid threats, and strengthening civil protection.
The ministers also discussed the situation at the EU’s external borders, the management of irregular migration, the challenges posed by secondary migration from Latvia, threats related to drones and airborne balloons, Lithuania’s preparations for its Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2027, and the country’s presidency priorities.
“Lithuania and Estonia face the same security challenges, particularly hybrid threats. Our response must therefore be coordinated: we need to share experience, strengthen border protection, enhance the preparedness of our institutions, and speak with one voice in the European Union. The closer the cooperation among the Baltic states, the stronger the security architecture of both our region and Europe as a whole,” said Minister M. Katelynas.
During the meeting, Minister M. Katelynas presented the current situation along the Lithuanian-Belarusian border. Since the beginning of the migration crisis in 2021, Lithuania has prevented more than 25,500 attempts by irregular migrants to cross the state border and enter the country. According to the Minister, while the situation at the border with Belarus has remained relatively stable in recent months, the threat of irregular migration persists. Lithuania therefore continues to invest in modern border surveillance and protection capabilities while maintaining a heightened level of preparedness.
The ministers also discussed secondary migration from Latvia. This year alone, Lithuanian authorities have apprehended more than 1,450 irregular migrants who entered Lithuania from Latvia. Lithuania has deployed its border guards to assist Latvia in protecting the EU’s external border, while emphasizing that the primary responsibility for safeguarding the external border rests with each EU Member State.
The discussion also covered the growing threat of airspace violations. Although drone-related incidents remain relatively rare, the number of balloons used by smugglers has increased significantly in recent years. At the same time, incidents involving unidentified flying objects have become more frequent, posing risks to critical infrastructure and public safety. Lithuania is working to strengthen its capabilities to detect and neutralize such threats and is seeking European Union funding to support these efforts.
During the visit, the Estonian delegation also travelled to the Lithuanian-Belarusian border and visited the Emergency Response Centre. The delegation received a first-hand overview of Lithuania’s border protection system and its emergency response capabilities. It is expected that such visits will facilitate the exchange of best practices and encourage practical cooperation to strengthen both countries’ resilience to today’s security challenges.
Cooperation between Lithuania and Estonia in the field of civil protection has also continued to deepen. In May this year, a delegation of experts from the Estonian Rescue Board visited Lithuania to learn about the country’s fire and rescue system, fire prevention measures, major accident management, and the training of emergency personnel. The visit was organized under an EU-funded expert exchange programme and contributed to further strengthening cooperation between the institutions of both countries.
Photo: Robertas Riabovas / BNS