„We cannot just fund national defence and not fund, or not fund as strongly, intelligence. It is a fact that we need both more resources and a common approach to the role intelligence plays in our national defence. Because I think it is huge,“ Jeglinskas told reporters at the Seimas on Wednesday.
„Yes, funding for national defence is growing because we are talking about 3.5%, we are talking about 4% (of GDP – ELTA), so perhaps a similar trajectory should be followed to strengthen the activities of intelligence services because the intelligence services are competing specifically with the intelligence services of Russia, Belarus and China. And in that race, without serious resources, funding, and investment in technology, it is tough to win the race“, he said.
However, he said, it is up to the state institutions themselves to identify what the additional funds would be used for.
„We should look at a 3–10-year timeframe – what kind of intelligence do we need? Intelligence should be the first line through which we get the information that prevents sabotage, diversion and other acts. It is in the hands of the DSS to put the ball in the court of the DSS to make those demands as to what they would do with those finances, but the fact is that resources are needed“, said Jeglinskas.
„Our intelligence service must also be technologically ready, and our people must also be trained in the same way,“ added the NSGK Chairman.
ELTA recalls that the draft state budget for 2025 foresees that the DSS's funding next year will amount to 53 million 21 thousand euros, 2.5 million more than this year. However, the Department considers that the appropriations are insufficient and that, in the current geopolitical reality, the maintenance and development of the DSS's capacity is of critical importance.
It is true that the appropriations will decrease significantly in 2026, with a planned allocation of EUR 47 million 605 thousand to the DSS and EUR 47 million 875 thousand in 2027.
