Address by Inga Ruginienė, Prime Minister of the Republic of Lithuania, at the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Spring Session in Vilnius

Press release, 1 June 2026 (News ● Photos ● Broadcasts and videos)

Photos by Viktoriia Chorna, Office of Seimas

Your Excellency President of the Republic of Lithuania,

Your Excellency Speaker of the Seimas, 

Distinguished President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly,

Excellencies,

Members of Parliament,

Honourable Guests, Ladies and gentlemen,

It is a great honour to welcome you here in Vilnius.

Your presence here sends a strong and important message: democracies stand together. Allies stand together. And NATO remains united, strong, and ready to defend our shared security and values.

Today, Europe is facing one of the most serious security challenges in decades. The security environment around us remains unpredictable and tense. Russia’s aggression against Ukraine continues to challenge not only European security but also the principles of freedom, sovereignty, and international law.

In times like these, the importance of NATO becomes even clearer.

For Lithuania, NATO is the key element of our security. But NATO is more than military power. NATO is a community of trust, responsibility, solidarity, and democratic values.

But the true strength of NATO lies not only in weapons, military plans, or capabilities. The true strength of NATO lies in our people. 

In the resilience of our societies. 

In the courage of citizens who refuse to give in to fear.

In democratic societies that stay united under pressure. And in our shared belief that freedom is worth defending.

Lithuania knows well that resilience is essential for security. Our society understands the importance of preparedness, civic responsibility, and national unity. Over the past years, Lithuania has significantly strengthened its defence, civil protection, energy security, and resilience against hybrid threats and disinformation.

We are investing not only in military capabilities but also in the resilience of our state and our people.

This year, Lithuania is allocating a record 5.38 percent of GDP to defence – one of the highest levels in NATO. This is not only a historic commitment – it is a clear political message. It reflects the determination of our Government and our Parliament to ensure that Lithuania is fully prepared to defend itself and contribute to collective defence.

We continue strengthening our national division, developing military infrastructure, expanding training areas, investing in defence industry, and improving host nation support for Allied forces.

Lithuania is proud to host Allied troops, including the future permanent deployment of the German brigade, as well as United States forces that continue to play a vital role in regional security.

Our message is clear: Lithuania is ready to defend itself, contribute to collective defence, and stand with its Allies. At the same time, we believe that collective defence requires collective effort. Europe must continue strengthening its defence capabilities and investing more into security. Strong transatlantic unity remains essential for credible deterrence and defence.

Dear colleagues,

Today, support for Ukraine is also about defending the credibility of the democratic world itself. Ukraine continues to fight with extraordinary courage for its freedom and independence. But Ukrainians are also defending the values we all share – freedom, democracy, sovereignty, and human dignity.

Lithuania will continue standing with Ukraine for as long as necessary. Because peace cannot be built on fatigue, fear, or hesitation. A just and lasting peace can only be achieved through unity, strength, and continued support for Ukraine.

Ladies and gentlemen,

History has taught us that freedom is never guaranteed forever. It must be protected, strengthened, and defended – every day.

That is why NATO remains vital.

And that is why we must continue investing not only in defence capabilities but also in the resilience of our societies, the unity of our democracies, and the confidence of our citizens.

Lithuania deeply believes in NATO and in the strength of Allied solidarity.

Because together, united in purpose and values, we remain stronger than any threat we face. Thank you for your partnership, your leadership, and your commitment to our common security.

I wish you productive discussions and a meaningful session here in Vilnius.

Thank you.