Lithuania approves legal amendments to strengthen crisis management and civil protection

The Lithuanian government on Wednesday backed draft laws proposed by the Ministry of the Interior to improve legal regulations for crisis management and civil protection, aiming to make emergency response more effective, LRT reports.

The amendments, which will now be submitted to the Seimas for approval, introduce measures to enhance the public warning system, expand its coverage, and establish clearer, faster activation procedures. The changes also create a framework for nationwide preparedness—covering state and municipal institutions, businesses, and residents—in planning and executing evacuations.

Key provisions include expanding the network of shelters, bunkers, and collective protection facilities, as well as improving conditions for emergency preparedness by establishing civil protection assistance points to provide humanitarian aid to residents.

The draft laws clarify the responsibilities of ministries for cooperation with non-governmental organisations (NGOs), academic institutions, and business associations. They also formalise a network of preparedness officers and set rules for calculating funding needs for volunteer and NGO training in crisis and emergency response.

Additional changes detail the coordination functions of the Fire Protection and Rescue Department, refine crisis management and civil protection concepts, and introduce new definitions. The amendments propose creating joint rapid response teams and allowing state reserve funds to cover costs for international civil protection assistance involving personnel.

According to the ministry, Lithuania declares an average of 25 new emergency situations annually, based on data from 2020–2025.