Lithuania will seek to establish a regional European Union (EU) civil protection center in the country, dedicated to the liquidation of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear incidents.
On Wednesday, the government approved that Lithuania submit an application to the European Commission to establish a center covering the Nordic and Baltic countries.
Lithuania will try to convince the EU that such a center is needed in the country, as Belarus prepares to launch the Astrav nuclear power plant.
"With specialists and experts, we think that we are real contenders because we are in the EU and NATO part of the external border, due to the fact that we have a dangerous object behind Neris and due to the fact that we have good experience in participating in international exercises and missions," Interior Minister Rita Tamašunienė told BNS.
"Lithuania can certainly ensure and mobilize forces here, at home, and provide assistance to neighboring states as well," she added.
According to the Ministry of the Interior, it was decided to create EU civil defense capabilities last March.
Lithuania would also invite the countries of the region to cooperate in establishing these capacities.
In addition to Lithuania, Estonia and Finland have expressed their desire to become a regional civil protection center.
Author Saulius Jakučionis
