Lithuanian government approves Ruginienė’s priorities: defence, family support, fraud prevention, and Rail Baltica

The Lithuanian government on Wednesday endorsed four key policy directions proposed by Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė, focusing on national security, family welfare, fraud prevention, and the expansion of the Rail Baltica rail link, state news agency BNS reports.

Ruginienė emphasised that a “secure state, secure families, and secure individuals” remain the government’s core objectives. Defence and the development of Lithuania’s defence industry—backed by record funding—were highlighted as critical for both national security and economic growth, alongside the strategic Rail Baltica project.

“We will continue combating financial and digital fraud, which costs citizens billions annually, by empowering institutions and strengthening public resilience,” the prime minister stated. She added that long-neglected family policies would be reinforced through comprehensive measures, including improved access to housing, childcare, and work-life balance solutions.

With cabinet approval, relevant agencies will now draft specific project plans under these priorities, to be reviewed by the government’s Strategic Projects Portfolio Commission. The defence and security priority includes bolstering Lithuania’s defence manufacturing, testing infrastructure, innovation incentives, and EU external border protection, as well as enhancing operational and technological readiness.

Family welfare initiatives aim to improve conditions for raising children, reduce social inequality, and expand access to public services—covering social support, housing affordability, education quality, and family-oriented healthcare. The fraud prevention focus targets both digital and in-person scams, while the Rail Baltica priority aligns with broader goals to strengthen transport connectivity, economic competitiveness, and military mobility.