"Unfortunately, the GDP share allocated to defense, which dropped due to the crisis in 2009, does not allow developing military capabilities. Therefore, the Committee on National Security and Defense calls for allocating at least 1 percent of the country's GDP to national defense in the 2013 state budget, and is ready to look for wider political agreement for this share to grow to at least 2 percent in the long-term," the Committee said in a statement on Wednesday.
Lithuania has been criticized for insufficient defense funding as the country allocates less than 1 percent of its gross domestic product for defense, although NATO member countries are committed to allocate at least 2 percent.
According to government estimates, Lithuania plans to allocate 0.95-0.97 percent of GDP for defense, but taking into account assignations for the Ministry of National Defense alone, the share will drop to 0.75 percent.
Lithuania's Defense Minister Rasa Juknevičienė stated at a press conference on Monday that the current level of defense funding may force the country to consider reduction of its Armed Forces in a few years, although the army is already too small. Lithuanian Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius later said he hoped more funding for the country's national defense system would be taken out of the 2013 budget.
Lithuania marks the 8th anniversary of the country's NATO membership on 29 March. On this occasion, the Committee said that "this date marks a turning point in Lithuania's history and is a great opportunity to once again stress the importance of NATO membership."
"Membership in the Alliance has provided real and effective security guarantees that have never raised doubts. The Lithuanian public realizes the benefits of NATO membership and supports the chosen strategic direction," the statement said.
