Lithuania and the Netherlands sign agreement on classified information exchange
Lithuania and the Netherlands have signed an agreement on the exchange and mutual protection of classified information, the Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence announced on Thursday.
The agreement was signed by Dainius Ivoškis, Chancellor of the Ministry of National Defence, and Jack Twiss Quarles van Ufford, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Lithuania.
According to Ivoškis, the agreement establishes the conditions for the secure exchange of classified information between the defence ministries and other relevant institutions of both countries. It outlines the obligations and requirements for the protection of classified information, including procedures for organising visits, transferring classified information, handling breaches, cost-sharing, and other practical aspects.
The ministry stated that the agreement is the result of successful negotiations between Lithuanian and Dutch national security institutions, characterised by constructive cooperation, transparency, and mutual respect. It reflects both countries’ commitment to strengthening European defence cooperation.
Ambassador van Ufford noted that the agreement is another step in enhancing cooperation between Lithuania and the Netherlands in the broader security sector.
Beyond the direct benefits of enabling the exchange and protection of classified information, the agreement creates a solid legal and procedural foundation for secure institutional cooperation. It also lays the groundwork for closer collaboration in implementing future defence programmes, joint projects, and strategic initiatives.
The ministry highlighted that the Netherlands is one of the largest contributors to NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence Battlegroup in Lithuania. The country actively supports the strengthening of Lithuania’s national defence system, including providing a commander for NATO’s Force Integration Unit in Lithuania for a three-year period, deploying integrated air and missile defence systems “Patriot” at Šiauliai Air Base, and regularly cooperating in the procurement of armaments and military equipment, as well as participating in bilateral and multilateral security and defence programmes.