Deputy Minister Glebovas: Lithuania Seeks More EU Funding for Military Mobility

Following the European Commission’s launch of stakeholder consultations on the military mobility package, Lithuania will actively pursue increased European Union (EU) investment in strategic projects aimed at enhancing transport connectivity across the Baltic region and strengthening military mobility links with the rest of Europe.

On Wednesday, the Ministry of Transport and Communications hosted a meeting with representatives from the Ministries of National Defence, Finance, Foreign Affairs and the Interior, alongside officials from subordinate transport sector companies, to review Lithuania’s preliminary draft position.

Deputy Minister Julijus Glebovas emphasised that the development of strategic transport links – such as Via Baltica, Rail Baltica, the Augustów–Vilnius route, and railway infrastructure at the Rūdninkai training ground – remains a key priority. The forthcoming military mobility package is expected to provide increased EU funding for these initiatives.

“Given today’s geopolitical context, there is an urgent need to advance military mobility in the Baltic region. Strengthening infrastructure—be it roads, railways, ports or airports—not only enhances Lithuania’s defence capabilities, but also contributes to a more resilient transport system for the whole of Europe,” says Deputy Minister Glebovas.

The Deputy Minister also highlighted the importance of reducing bureaucratic barriers and simplifying procedures, thereby enabling allied forces to make use of a logistics system that is both efficient and fully aligned with NATO standards. These objectives were reaffirmed in the joint declaration signed in Vilnius in May by Minister Eugenijus Sabutis and his counterparts from Northern and Central Europe.

A total of EUR 1.69 billion has been allocated to EU Member States for the improvement of military mobility during the 2021–2027 period. However, Lithuania’s military mobility needs alone are estimated to require an additional EUR 3.5 billion in investment.

The European Commission is expected to present its initial military mobility package proposals later this year.

Lithuania has completed three of four sections of the 40 km Via Baltica stretch from Marijampolė to the Polish border, modernising 28.5 km. The final section will be completed this year, while planning is already in progress for the section from Kaunas to the Latvian border.

Construction of the Rail Baltica main line embankment and civil engineering structures is underway along a stretch of more than 46 km between Kaunas and Panevėžys. By the end of the year, the scope of works in Lithuania is expected to expand to 114 km.