Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda used his annual address on June 16 to warn that the country is entering a more dangerous era, marked by war, hybrid threats, disinformation, political division and rapid technological change.

Speaking to the Seimas, the country’s parliament, Nauseda said Lithuania must strengthen its defence, protect democratic institutions and preserve social unity at a time when peace can no longer be taken for granted.

"The air alert was soon cancelled, but it left us with a clear understanding that we are moving ever more rapidly into a new and dangerous world, where peace can no longer be taken for granted," he said, according to the presidential website.

Much of the address focused on security. Nauseda said Lithuania remains a target of hostile forces and must respond with military readiness, civil defence and resilience.

"We live dangerously close to war," he warned, referring to Russia's continuing aggression against Ukraine and the risk that Nato unity could be tested.

The president strongly reaffirmed Lithuania's Nato commitments, while stressing that the country must also be able to defend itself.

"I believe in Nato – it is not a paper tiger," he said.

Nauseda pointed to Lithuania's decision to allocate 5.38% of GDP to defence this year, calling it a sign of leadership within Nato. He said the country needs a full German armoured brigade by 2027, stronger air defence, more ammunition, drone capabilities, shelters and preparation for nationwide resistance.

"We must move boldly along the path we ourselves have charted into the future," he said.

The president also addressed corruption, warning that Lithuania cannot allow itself to be weakened from within. He referred to recent scandals involving senior political figures and state institutions.

"In Lithuania there are not and will not be people who stand above the law," Nauseda said.

On domestic politics, he said Lithuania needs a new style of governing after the Social Democrats decided to reshape the ruling majority and Mindaugas Sinkevicius agreed to lead the government.

"Today, we need politics of agreement," he said.

Nauseda also highlighted education, demographic decline, energy independence, regional development and the need to protect children from digital harm.

"Our children must be prepared not for exams, but for independent life," he said.

He warned that Lithuania's low birth rate is a strategic problem.

"A welfare state cannot be built in a dying nation," he said.

Ending on a note of determination, Nauseda urged Lithuanians to counter division with responsibility and work.

"To counter lies with truth, anger with light, intrigue and demagoguery with work," he said, emphasising: "I believe this is a mission possible."