Lithuania has received the first instalment of a nearly one-billion-euro advance from a new European Union defence lending facility, the finance ministry has announced.
The payment of 956 million euros represents 15% of the 6.375 billion euros allocated to Lithuania under the European Security Action for Europe (SAFE) programme, an EU scheme providing low-cost loans to help member states strengthen their defence capabilities.
Finance Minister Kristupas Vaitiekūnas said Lithuania had been among the first countries to complete the necessary paperwork and sign the SAFE agreements.
"These funds help accelerate the strengthening of our defence capabilities and bring us closer to our goal of forming a division equipped with the most modern weaponry by 2030," he said.
The money is earmarked for the development of Lithuania's national military division, short- and medium-range air defence systems, artillery, howitzers, ammunition, counter-mobility measures and other military requirements. A portion is also planned for support to Ukraine.
