Lithuania to remain in 5 percent defense spending club next year

Lithuania will maintain its defense budget at no less than 5 percent of GDP next year, Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius said, as reported by LRT.

Speaking after a meeting with President Gitanas Nausėda, Sinkevičius emphasized the importance of transparent and efficient use of defense funds. He noted that only 30 percent of this year’s allocated defense budget had been utilized in the first half of 2026, urging accelerated and clear spending in the remaining months.

While the exact figure for next year’s budget has not yet been determined, the prime minister confirmed that Lithuania will stay in the so-called “5 percent club” of NATO members allocating at least 5 percent of GDP to defense. This year’s defense budget stands at a record 5.38 percent of GDP.

Sinkevičius also highlighted the need for long-term planning, including discussions with party leaders on defense funding agreements. He stressed the importance of investing in defense infrastructure, such as hosting German brigades, air defense, and Lithuanian division requirements, which could amount to nearly €5 billion.

“These are huge sums. We need clarity on where, how, and how much we are spending—both for the public and for my own understanding,” the prime minister said.