Interior Minister Vladislav Kondratovič says Lithuania needs an estimated 120 million euros to ramp up security along its border with Russia.
“The total amount exceeds 120 million euros. We’ll discuss potential funding options shortly as part of the budget planning process,” he told BNS. “We’re also seeking European funding sources and already have some initial insights. Securing funding could be possible in the near future.”
The minister said the funding would primarily go toward building a “physical barrier”, upgrading surveillance systems and purchasing a counter-drone system for this section of the border.
He also said EU funds could help finance a new quay at the seaport of Klaipėda.
There is a need for a new hovercraft, Kondratovič added. Border guards currently operate two.
The ministry is also looking to buy additional patrol boats to monitor rivers and the Curonian Lagoon and to help protect critical infrastructure.
Lithuania’s border with Russia’s Kaliningrad stretches roughly 275 kilometres. Parts of the existing infrastructure are already fortified.
According to Kondratovič, border violations and incidents along the border with Russia are rare.
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