Lithuania could refuse migrant relocation and pay full solidarity contribution

Lithuania could opt to pay the entire financial solidarity contribution instead of relocating asylum seekers from other EU member states, Interior Minister Martynas Katelynas said on Thursday, as reported by LRT.

“I will propose paying for everyone. That is my opinion. It is based on the fact that it is not a large amount of money. In this geopolitical period, society is already anxious, and there are certain things happening that cause concern. We understand that migration is also a topic that causes a lot of controversy. If we can pay two or two and a half million euros and calm society down a bit, I think we should take such measures,” Katelynas told Žinių Radijas.

The Interior Ministry previously confirmed that Lithuania plans to accept 58 migrants and pay €1.14 million as part of the EU solidarity mechanism. In a response to ELTA, the ministry stated that Lithuania has chosen a mixed form of solidarity contribution—half of the commitments will be fulfilled by relocating asylum seekers, and the other half by paying the financial contribution.

ELTA notes that last May, the EU adopted a new Migration and Asylum Pact, aiming to harmonise asylum procedures, migration and return rules, and border control. One of the pact’s key provisions requires EU member states to either accept a set number of asylum seekers or pay a financial contribution to the solidarity mechanism instead.

Katelynas also stated that Lithuania strongly supports restricting tourist Schengen visas for Russians involved in the war in Ukraine. “I think those who have committed these acts certainly do not deserve such a privilege as being able to use our shared achievement—the Schengen area—for any purpose, especially for holidays,” he said.

He acknowledged that some Southern European countries, where tourism from Russia is common, do not support this initiative. However, Katelynas emphasised that free movement in the Schengen area is a special right, not an automatic entitlement.

“There will be many discussions. I hope we can find some agreement and achieve tangible results,” he added. “Access to the Schengen area and the EU is a privilege—not just a right that anyone can use.”

Katelynas attended an informal meeting of EU interior and justice ministers in Dublin on Thursday, where discussions focused on combating organised crime, visa policy, and cooperation with third countries. Lithuania also expressed support for targeted visa restriction measures to strengthen Schengen security, stressing that they must be proportionate and aligned with EU values.

The European Commission is expected to propose a visa restriction mechanism in the near future.