Lithuania is not ready to counter terrorism

Following the terrorist attacks in Paris on November 13, the Lithuanian prime minister summoned Interior Minister Saulius Skvernelis and State Security Department Minister Darius Jauniškis for an urgent meeting on security. According to Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevičius, the meeting focused on ways to contribute to international efforts against terrorism as well as measures to ensure domestic security. The question therefore arises concerning the country's readiness to cope with a similar situation.

It's generally known that the national security strategy of the Republic of Lithuania is noting international terrorism as one of the factors forming Lithuania‘s security policy agenda. Yet, it is believed that this threat to Lithuania is more hypothetical. The Lithuanian ministry of foreign affairs stated on its website that “the current internal environment and historical experience do not create conditions for terrorist groups to be formed". In light of recent events, I would say this is a very controversial statement. Even more – it's a dangerous delusion.

Though Lithuania is actively participating in the international counter-terrorism framework, this hasn’t made our country’s security stronger. After the tragic terrorist attacks in Paris, Lithuanians are afraid and are not sure about the government's ability to defend them at home.

In society there is a radical shift in thinking about the directions needed to counter terrorism. One part is sure about the necessity to unite US, Russia and France's efforts in the face of one common enemy. The other side doesn't accept this idea at all.

It seems as if our authorities more often rely on outside help in making decisions instead of taking separate steps to ensure domestic security. It is high time to develop our own anti-terrorist strategy.

Understandably, our government faces a very difficult choice: to continue strengthening our armed forces, engage more and more foreign troops to counter the threat from the East or switch to another activity – to enhance efforts against terrorism. For at least two years, the Baltic States have feared an enemy with trained troops, fighters and tanks, but the recent attacks show another even more real threat – terrorism.

According to Lithuania's National Defence Minister Juozas Olekas, Lithuania at the moment would be ready to accept 6,000-8,000 NATO troops without any major logistical issues. If even not to take into account the fact that according to Article 137 of the Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania “there may not be any weapons of mass destruction and foreign military bases on the territory of the Republic of Lithuania”, I would like to see common sense prevail. In other words, we have made every effort to repel a possible military attack but have done nothing to counter terrorism. Thus, Lithuanian authorities are acting illogically and not properly prioritizing their activities.