Lithuania weighs options under EU Migration Pact Accept or pay penalty

Lithuania must decide by the end of the year whether to accept 158 migrants annually under the European Union’s newly adopted Migration and Asylum Pact, or pay approximately €20,000 for each person it declines to receive. Member states that accept and integrate migrants would be compensated with €10,000 per individual.

According to Interior Ministry officials, the government is considering a hybrid approach—admitting a portion of the migrants while paying the fee for the remainder. Yet the proposal has exposed deep divisions among lawmakers, LRT.lt reports.

Dainoras Bradauskas of the Nemunas Dawn faction rejected any form of relocation, arguing that Lithuania should refuse all arrivals. “It’s better to pay the fee. I don’t think we need them here,” he said, adding that Lithuania’s cities are safe and that the state should protect its families and maintain the “cleanliness” of its urban environment.

Saulius Skvernelis, leader of the opposition Democrats “For Lithuania,” supported a more selective approach. Lithuania, he said, should accept only those who align with national interests and do not pose security risks. “We should have a consistent migration policy and talk about people we truly want to integrate – highly skilled individuals with a similar cultural background,” Skvernelis noted.

Social Democratic Party chairman Mindaugas Sinkevičius offered a contrasting view, emphasizing that Lithuania—bordering Russia and Belarus and frequently appealing to Brussels for support—must demonstrate reciprocal solidarity when southern EU member states face migration pressures. “Solidarity cannot be one-way,” he said.

Members of the National Security and Defence Committee issued further warnings. MP Dainius Gaižauskas argued that migration carries inherent security risks, saying the committee has repeatedly identified a widening “spectrum of threats,” including individuals who could pose national security concerns.

The Interior Ministry stressed that all relocated migrants would undergo thorough security vetting and that Lithuania may request applicants deemed “culturally closer.” Despite this, some lawmakers insist it would be safer to pay the financial penalty than to accept any refugees.

MP Viktoras Fiodorovas, leader of the non-attached group, contended that Lithuania’s integration systems are already under strain. Liberal Movement chairwoman Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen disagreed, arguing that the country provides adequate conditions for newcomers willing to integrate.

The final decision will be taken by the Migration Commission—comprising the ministers of the interior, social security, foreign affairs, and economy—following consultations with the relevant parliamentary committees.

By Vafa Guliyeva