Remigijus Bridikis, who has been nominated to head Lithuania’s intelligence agency, the State Security Department (VSD), says he sees efforts to develop foreign intelligence capabilities as his main goal in the post.
“We must remain vigilant. We have cleaned up our own backyard, but time demands that we move on. I would consider the development of foreign intelligence as the main challenge for the new VSD director. We have to be where the threats are coming from and see them there,” Bridikis told parliament members on Thursday.
Bridikis currently serves as VSD deputy director and is being nominated by President Gitanas Nausėda to replace the outgoing chief, Darius Jauniškis.
“A state operating globally [Russia] is the source of our existential threats. In order to understand the objectives of that state in relation to us, it is necessary to look into its global game, to understand its weaknesses and to take advantage of them,” Bridikis expounded.
“Although Russia is trying to rebuild its spy network, hostile intelligence in Lithuania is very difficult. We have cleaned up our own backyard, but it is time to move on,” he said.
The VSD has strongly consolidated its activities in response to emerging threats and counter-intelligence activities, he continued.
“Intelligence is another area that we have a legal obligation to implement, and we need to up our game significantly. We are developing a certain system, we are cooperating with foreign partners, we have a good reputation, but I would see this area as one of the areas that needs to be improved,” Bridikis said, adding the need for technological armament.
“Today we state that we have entered the age of artificial intelligence. [...] Without devoting adequate intellectual and financial resources to mastering new technologies, we would risk not only falling behind our rivals, but also failing to communicate with our allies,” Bridikis said.
On the VSD’s performance, the candidate said that the success of the service requires consistent and predictable funding.
Bridikis joined the VSD in 2015.
In Lithuania, the VSD head is appointed by the president for five years, subject to the approval of the parliament, Seimas.
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