Lithuania proposes adding cargo transport and postal services to strategic list

Lithuania’s Transport Ministry has proposed adding strategic cargo transport, some postal services and other transport and IT activities to the list of activities important to national security, LRT reported.

The draft government resolution would include maritime transport and the universal postal service, as well as the transport, loading and storage of strategic cargo intended for defence, mobilisation or the state reserve. It would also add centralised state IT services that support government information systems and institutional operations, including services provided by state data centres.

Transport Minister Juras Taminskas told BNS that the changes would define national security-related activities more clearly and help assess associated risks. He said the resilience of the state should be considered as a whole, rather than by looking at infrastructure and sectors in isolation.

The ministry said the proposals would clarify the transport activities covered and reflect the importance of communications and IT services to state institutions. It also proposes classifying the transport of cargo intended for facilities that pose risks to security, the environment or public health as strategically important, regardless of the cargo’s size and based on its purpose and the risks involved.

Other proposed additions include regional railway construction and the transport of passengers, baggage and cargo on all railways. The draft would also clarify provisions on air transport and the repair and maintenance of civil aircraft and spacecraft, and specify public fixed-line, mobile and satellite communications and internet access services.

The changes are proposed to take effect on December 1.