“If EUR 4.8 billion [defence funding allocated] this year would grow to at least EUR 4.9 billion in 2027, estimating based on the projected gross domestic product, this would account for around 5.25 percent of GDP,” said Nausėda.
The president noted that methodology differs in Lithuania and other countries how defence spending is calculated. He says that if defence related funding were to be included in direct defence spending, then Lithuania’s total defence funding would amount to 7 percent of GDP.
Speaking to reporters, the head of state also emphasised the importance of effective use of funding.
The actual amount of defence funding will become clear when the draft of the state budget for 2027 is prepared.
Lithuania has earmarked EUR 4.8 billion or 5.38 percent of GDP for defence in 2026, by 41 percent more compared with 2025, which is the greatest amount in the history of independent Lithuania.