Copyright © 2024 Euromaidanpress.com

The work of Euromaidan Press is supported by the International Renaissance Foundation

When referencing our materials, please include an active hyperlink to the Euromaidan Press material and a maximum 500-character extract of the story. To reprint anything longer, written permission must be acquired from [email protected].

Privacy and Cookie Policies.

Lithuania to prepare plan for mass evacuation in case of war – Interior Ministry

As part of a broader civil defense initiative, Lithuania is preparing a national evacuation plan while also implementing conscription for school graduates.
Lithuania to prepare plan for mass evacuation in case of war – Interior Ministry

Lithuania’s government is developing a national mass evacuation plan to be completed by early October, reports the country’s national broadcaster LRT.

The heightened focus on civil defense in the Baltic region comes against the backdrop of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and increased tensions with Moscow.

Interior Minister Agne Bilotaite emphasized the urgency of the initiative, saying, “Today, civil protection is more relevant than ever. The war against Ukraine continues, countries in our region are experiencing hybrid and disinformation attacks, and sabotage is our new reality.”

Bilotaite highlighted Lithuania’s precarious position: “It’s important to note that we are on the front line, so today civil protection has become a priority on our agenda.”

She indicated that while local municipalities have their evacuation plans, a “national strategy is necessary.”

The development of the mass evacuation plan is part of a broader effort to strengthen civil defense in Lithuania. In July, the Seimas approved a program proposed by the Interior Ministry to enhance civil defense infrastructure, including creating new shelters, warning systems, and a specialized mobile application. The initiative costs 285 million euros ($315 mn).

Lithuania’s efforts are mirrored by its Baltic neighbors. In Latvia, Interior Minister Rihards Kozlovskis revealed ongoing work to establish new underground shelters, saying, “We must be prepared for the worst-case scenario.”

Estonia has also ramped up its civil defense measures, with Interior Ministry representative Tuuli Räim reporting, “We are ready to inform the population via SMS messages and other channels.”

In June, the Lithuanian parliament approved conscription for young men immediately after finishing school, set to take effect in 2026.

Read also:

You could close this page. Or you could join our community and help us produce more materials like this.  We keep our reporting open and accessible to everyone because we believe in the power of free information. This is why our small, cost-effective team depends on the support of readers like you to bring deliver timely news, quality analysis, and on-the-ground reports about Russia's war against Ukraine and Ukraine's struggle to build a democratic society. A little bit goes a long way: for as little as the cost of one cup of coffee a month, you can help build bridges between Ukraine and the rest of the world, plus become a co-creator and vote for topics we should cover next. Become a patron or see other ways to support. Become a Patron!

To suggest a correction or clarification, write to us here

You can also highlight the text and press Ctrl + Enter

Please leave your suggestions or corrections here



    Euromaidan Press

    We are an independent media outlet that relies solely on advertising revenue to sustain itself. We do not endorse or promote any products or services for financial gain. Therefore, we kindly ask for your support by disabling your ad blocker. Your assistance helps us continue providing quality content. Thank you!

    Related Posts