Lithuanian and Estonian Ministers Discuss Border Security and Migration

Lithuanian Interior Minister Martynas Katelynas met with his Estonian counterpart, Igor Taro, to bolster cooperation in security, border protection, and migration management. The two nations share common security concerns and are committed to strengthening their collaborative efforts.

The ministers focused on enhancing border security, especially given the persistent migration threat from Belarus, despite the current stable situation on the border. Lithuania is actively reinforcing its border defenses and allocating funds for new protective measures.

Lithuania has been a frontline state in managing irregular migration, having stopped more than 25,500 individuals attempting to cross from Belarus since 2021. This year alone, Lithuanian officials apprehended over 1,450 illegal migrants entering from Latvia. Lithuania also provides assistance to Latvia in safeguarding the European Union's external border.

Additionally, the discussions addressed the increasing number of incidents involving unidentified flying objects, which pose a risk to critical infrastructure and public safety. Lithuania seeks to improve its services' capabilities in detecting and neutralizing such objects, exploring potential European Union funding for these initiatives.