Lithuanian parliament considers abolishing state-funded National Family Council

The Lithuanian parliament on Tuesday began debating a proposal to eliminate the National Family Council as a state-funded institution, LRT reports. Lawmakers voted 60–15, with 12 abstentions, to advance amendments that would strip the council of its budgetary status, leaving it to operate solely on a voluntary basis.

The changes, proposed by six Social Democratic lawmakers, argue that the council’s €118,000–120,000 annual budget—allocated under its 2024–2027 work program—primarily covers administrative costs rather than policy analysis or family support initiatives. “The funds are essentially used for staff salaries and office expenses,” said Orinta Leiputė, deputy chair of the Social Democratic faction, adding that resources could be “redirected elsewhere.”

The council has pushed back, warning that losing state funding would undermine its independence, reduce its operational capacity, and weaken long-term policy oversight. “This would be a loss for family policy in Lithuania as a whole,” said acting chair Lijana Gvaldaitė during the debate, presenting the council’s annual family status report.

Established as a public body in 2019, the National Family Council advises the Seimas on family policy implementation. Critics of the reform, including MP Linas Kukuraitis, argue it would diminish parliamentary oversight: “As a non-budgetary body, the council would become purely consultative, lacking resources to evaluate legislation or submit annual reports.”

The amendments also introduce financial awards—funded by the Ministry of Social Security and Labour—for recipients of the Order for Merits to Lithuania medal in categories such as parenthood, guardianship, or care. The proposed €17,000 annual budget for these awards has drawn scrutiny; last year, 59 individuals received such medals. Legal experts note that state decorations alone may not justify material benefits.

Separately, the bill would require all municipalities to establish local family councils. Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė announced in February that the government will prioritise family and demographic policies, designating 2027–2028 as “Family Years.”