Defence budget funds may be used for water pipeline repairs near military ranges

Local municipalities hosting military training grounds will receive €11 million from Lithuania’s defence budget this year, with some planning to use the funds for civilian infrastructure—including water supply improvements—but only if projects also serve military needs, the Defence Ministry has confirmed.

According to LRT, ten municipalities will share the allocation, with sums determined by their size. The largest share—€3.4 million—goes to Šalčininkai district, while Telšiai district will receive the smallest, €70,000.

Pabradė, near a major training range, has proposed using part of its funds to address long-standing water quality issues. Senior official Ana Zingerienė told LRT’s Panorama in April that the money could help finance local infrastructure, including water systems. Social media users questioned whether defence funds should cover such projects, but the ministry clarified that dual-purpose investments—benefiting both civilians and the military—are permitted.

Former Defence Minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas supported local decision-making on fund use, noting that connecting the Pabradė range to the town’s water supply could lower costs for residents while meeting military requirements. “The idea is to show that state defence efforts also deliver social benefits,” he said.

The ministry emphasised that funds may not be spent on general municipal needs. Eligible projects include roads, utilities, lighting, and public spaces—provided they serve both local communities and military operations. Municipalities must submit proposals for ministry approval.