Lithuanian parliament backs new emergency meeting rules

Lithuania’s parliament has unanimously backed proposed changes to how it holds sessions during mobilisation or martial law, LRT reported. A final vote is expected in mid-October.

The amendments, initiated by parliamentary speaker Juozas Olekas, would allow the Seimas to meet only by decision of its Board during such emergencies. If mobilisation were declared, lawmakers would meet at least once a week; under martial law, they would meet at least once a month.

During martial law, no schedule for session meetings would be drawn up or approved. During mobilisation, the Seimas Board would decide whether to set and approve a meeting schedule.

The proposed changes aim to make meetings more flexible and reduce potential security risks from lawmakers gathering frequently in emergency conditions. Current rules require the Seimas to meet at least once a week during either mobilisation or martial law, while meeting schedules are not drawn up or approved.