Lithuania is developing a special app that will allow companies and citizens to donate to the country’s defense, according to a report by LRT. The app is a joint effort of the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Finance and will be developed using “internal resources,” said Defense Minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas. The app will enable individuals and companies to make voluntary and regular donations. Finance Minister Gintarė Skaistė stated that people will be able to set up recurring payments as well as one-time payments. In June, the government rejected a proposal to allow citizens and businesses to support defense through voluntary donations, but it is now proposing its own measures to allow for voluntary contributions.

The app aims to provide an easier way for people to contribute, similar to non-governmental organizations working with Ukraine, according to Skaistė. The Ministry of Defense already has beneficiary status and can accept donations. The ministries of finance and defense are also considering creating a special webpage to provide information on the income of the planned defense fund and the possibility for individuals to make donations to national defense. Furthermore, the Lithuanian government has adopted a military service reform that includes conscription immediately after graduation, and the country will allocate at least 0.25% of its GDP to support Ukraine’s security and defense.

ملخص الأخبار

• The app could be launched by the end of the summer.
• Government previously rejected a proposal for voluntary defense support.
• Ministries considering a dedicated webpage for defense fund information.
• Lithuania plans to allocate at least 0.25% of GDP to support Ukraine’s defense.