Lithuanian Interior Minister Vladislav Kondratovic has announced that his country needs an estimated EUR 120 million to ramp up security along its border with Russia.
“The total amount exceeds EUR 120 million,” the minister says. “We’ll be discussing potential funding operations shortly as part of our national budget planning. We’re also seeking funds from Europe and already have some initial insights. Secure funding could be available in the near future.” The minister was speaking to the BNS news agency last week.
“This is a preliminary estimate,” he told the agency. “We’ll definitely prioritise the most important aspects.”
Mr Kondratovic says that the money will largely go toward physical barriers, upgraded surveillance systems, and the purchase of a counter-drone system for this section of the border. He also predicted that the EU might provide financing for a new quay at the Klaipeda seaport.
The minister also called for new hovercraft, because Lithuania’s Border Guard at this time has only two.
The ministry is also looking to buy two more patrol boats to monitor rivers and the Curonian Lagoon, as well as to protect critical infrastructure.
Lithuania’s border with Russia is some 275 kilometres long, and some of the existing infrastructure has already been fortified.
According to Minister Kondratovic, border violations and other incidents along the border with Russia are uncommon.
Source: BNS
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