Lithuanian parliament rejects customs reform over lack of support

The Lithuanian parliament failed to approve a government-proposed customs reform on Thursday after the vote fell short of the required majority, LRT reports.

Lawmakers rejected amendments to the Customs Law in a 46–31 vote, with 20 abstentions. The reforms would have merged eight regional and specialised customs offices into a single institution, renamed the Lithuanian Customs Service.

Algirdas Sysas, chair of the Budget and Finance Committee and a supporter of the bill, argued the changes would streamline customs management. Opponents, including conservative MP Mindaugas Lingė, warned that ending staff rotations at border posts would weaken anti-corruption efforts. Vitalijus Šerkšniovas of the Mixed Parliamentary Group claimed the reform would disadvantage regions.

The Finance Ministry, which drafted the amendments, proposed easing experience requirements for customs leadership roles to attract more candidates. The reform also sought to maintain a ban on unilateral structural changes by the customs chief—meaning key decisions, such as opening or closing posts, would still require the finance minister’s approval.

Proponents estimated the restructuring could cut institutional costs by up to 30%. Lithuania’s customs system currently employs around 350 people across its central department, criminal service, training centre, laboratory, IT hub, and regional offices in Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipėda. Deputy Finance Minister Lukas Jakubonis previously stated the merger would not reduce staff numbers.

The rejected changes were set to take effect in January 2027.