Vice-Minister of Finance J. Kizenevič: 'European defence needs require more active synergy between public and private capital'

The changing security environment in Europe, cyber threats lead to an increasing need to strengthen defence innovation and digital resilience. Therefore, the mobilisation of public and private funds, the development of defence innovations and the financing of Europe's next-generation defence technologies are vital for achieving lasting peace on the continent", Vice-Minister of Finance Januš Kizenevič stressed at the Vienna Security Conference.

"Private investment plays a crucial role in accelerating technological development from the early stages of innovation to final products that can strengthen both national and pan-European defence. Synergies between innovators, public authorities, investors and producers are therefore essential, as is the development of new financial instruments linking all sides. Lithuania's strategic involvement in European defence innovation policy, experience in mobilising defence funds can be useful in strengthening cross-border cooperation between DACH and the Baltic regions", Vice-Minister J. Kizenevič states.

DACH refers to a German-speaking region of Central Europe, spanning Germany, Austria and Switzerland with a population of over 100 million people and very strong economic potential.

The Vice-Minister, who participated in the roundtable "Building a Trans-European Defence Innovation Corridor: DACH-CEE Synergies", states that security across Europe is based on two main pillars: a strong focus on the EU's eastern border and continued and long-term support to Ukraine.

Strengthening the EU's eastern borders is a shared European responsibility, and sufficient defence funding requires a combination of efforts at both national and European level.

The eastern border of the EU should be a priority in all future EU financial instruments, including the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), to ensure coherent and long-term investment in security and resilience.

Military mobility and the protection of critical infrastructure are crucial for defence and deterrence, requiring continued investment in dual-use infrastructure and cooperation in projects such as Rail Baltica, which meet both civilian and military needs.

Ukraine is a key security pillar on the eastern flank of Europe and a key factor in deterring Russia from further aggression.