Lithuania faces severe shortage of police officers and firefighters as wages rise by just €15 a year

Lithuania is struggling with a critical shortage of nearly 2,000 police officers and hundreds of firefighters, with unions warning the real firefighter shortfall may exceed 1,000, LRT.lt reports. Low wages—rising by as little as €15 annually—and heavy workloads deter recruits, leaving emergency services stretched thin.

According to data from the Ministry of the Interior, the police force lacked 1,894 officers in 2025, up from 1,697 in 2021. The shortage briefly dipped in 2023 but surged again, with major cities like Vilnius, Šiauliai, Panevėžys, and Klaipėda hit hardest. Smaller regions, including Naujoji Akmenė and Raseiniai, also face significant gaps.

Firefighter vacancies fluctuated over the same period, from 540 in 2021 to 412 in 2025, though unions claim the actual need is closer to 1,000. The Fire Protection and Rescue Department (PAGD) reports an 11.3% vacancy rate, with critical shortages in Klaipėda, Vilnius, and Kaunas.

Wage growth has failed to keep pace. The average police officer’s take-home pay rose from €1,154 in 2021 to €1,696 in 2025—an increase of just €540 over four years, or roughly €15 annually. Entry-level officers earn around €1,000 net monthly, while the 2025 average stands at €1,331. Unions demand base salaries match the national average wage, currently higher than public sector pay.

Local municipalities have attempted to attract personnel with bonuses and incentives, but heavy workloads and stagnant wages continue to drive recruits away. Emergency responders warn the shortages risk delays in critical situations, from fires to criminal incidents, while overworked staff face burnout and safety risks.