Lithuania asks European Commission to finance strengthening of border with Russia

This is stated on the Lithuanian Interior Ministry's website.

In the letter, the minister noted that it is urgent to modernize and update the border monitoring systems with Russia.

"Security challenges remain - the geopolitical situation is worrying, and the range of hybrid threats is expanding. Today, strengthening the security of Lithuania's 275 km long border with Russia is our priority. A significant part of the border surveillance infrastructure needs to be updated in order to properly inform us about the situation at the border and ensure the security of the EU's external borders. We look forward to further support from the European Commission in addressing this important issue," the minister said.

The cost of such modernization is expected to reach almost €16 million, and the required funding is €13.7 million. In addition, €65 million will be needed to upgrade border surveillance systems by 2030.

The minister expressed hope that the list of reserves would be reviewed urgently and Lithuania would be able to receive the necessary EU contribution.

• Last October, Lithuania reported €9.3 million in EU support, which allowed it to upgrade its border surveillance systems along the entire border with Belarus. Since the beginning of the illegal migration crisis, the European Commission has provided Lithuania with about €100 million in support to strengthen its border with Belarus.