The presidency is hesitating whether there is enough will to agree on defense financing: this approach is wrong

“It’s enough to oppose those things. Taxes vs Lending, Defense vs Other Areas, One Defense Capability vs Tanks. We are moving towards opposition rather than concentration. So let’s make those decisions on several things on which there is a consensus,” K. Budrys said to “Žinių Radio” on Tuesday.

Although the president’s advisor believes that it is possible to make decisions before the Seimas elections, he raises the question of whether there is a will to agree on defense funding.

“Looking at the months since the whole discussion took place, it doesn’t look like we’re in a big rush to make decisions.” Because let’s note that such decisions as the profit tax will take only 2026. the revenue generated by its entry into force is anticipated,” he commented.

The President received the petition of the “4 percent” initiative

According to K. Budris, the president has already received and is evaluating the petition of the “4 percent” business initiative, which asks for the establishment of 4 percent. from the gross domestic product (GDP) target for defense financing.

“Yesterday, the president received an appeal from the initiators of this petition and takes it (the petition – ELTA) very seriously,” said K. Budrys.

According to the presidential adviser, it is not strange to talk about 4 percent. before defense has reached 3%, because such a goal is not proposed by the government, but by business.

“If about 4 percent those who cannot agree on 3% would speak, it would be a paradoxical situation. But this time it is necessary to pay attention to the situation, that it is emphasized by an active group of society, which creates enormous added value”, he explained.

ELTA reminds that the financing of national defense in Lithuania will amount to 2.75 percent this year. from GDP, but it is aimed that this amount will reach at least 3% in the coming years.

In order to unite society and encourage politicians to agree on 4% as soon as possible. In defense of the GDP allocation, civic-minded Lithuanian businesses and organizations joined the “4 percent” initiative a few weeks ago.