Lithuania’s Ministry of Finance reported remarks by Vice-Minister Januš Kizenevic at the World Economic Forum in Davos arguing that defence investment should be treated as a driver of innovation and that easier access to funding is needed to increase private capital participation in research, development and production for defence projects. Speaking at a Bloomberg Intelligence Leaders’ Roundtable with international finance managers and defence analysts, Kizenevic linked greater funding availability to strengthening Europe’s defence industry, the innovation ecosystem and wider EU resilience. He also positioned the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework 2028–2034 as central to meeting EU ambitions, citing the European Commission’s proposed budget of almost EUR 2 trillion as a basis for negotiations, and said Lithuania supports proposals to raise defence funding including EUR 131 billion earmarked for defence from the Competitiveness Fund, a strengthened Connecting Europe Facility and increased investment in military mobility. Lithuania additionally supports a permanent support mechanism for Ukraine involving EUR 100 billion in loans and grants.
Ministry of Finance (Lithuania) 2026-01-23
Lithuania's Ministry of Finance calls for easier financing for defence innovation and backs higher EU defence allocations at Davos
Lithuania’s Ministry of Finance highlighted Vice-Minister Januš Kizenevic's remarks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, advocating for defence investment as a catalyst for innovation and calling for increased funding access to boost private capital in defence projects. Kizenevic emphasized the importance of the EU Multiannual Financial Framework 2028–2034, supporting proposals for increased defence funding and a permanent support mechanism for Ukraine with EUR 100 billion in loans and grants.