We, Lithuanians, are following the Smetona’s path

 

We know where it leads. Wading through the stream barefoot and to America or Greece. How does this happen?

 

The elite spends all their money on the army and pleasures, while impoverishing ordinary people. In the event of a collapse, the elite has to run barefoot across the stream.

 

What should we do? We should make Lithuania a neutral country, like Ireland. We should reduce military spending, spending on elite entertainment. No firing ranges in the reserves. This allows us to significantly reduce taxes. Businesses are investing, life is improving, we are becoming calm, like the Irish. No one needs to run anymore. Those villas in Greece can be sold.

 

This is a clear historical parallel with June 1940, when President Antanas Smetona waded through the Kybartai stream, leaving the country at a fateful moment. The vision of neutrality and the “Irish Way” model proposed here have their supporters in Lithuania, but in political and economic reality situation now looks very sad for Lithuania:

 

1. Is Ireland a true example of neutrality?

Although Ireland is not a NATO member, it is not completely “cost-free”. Ireland is currently increasing its military budget because it has realized that it is vulnerable to hybrid threats (e.g., the security of submarine cables). In addition, Ireland’s security is unofficially guaranteed by its neighborhood with the UK and its membership in the EU. Lithuania is also a member of the EU. However, the military spending of Lithuania and Ireland as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP) differs dramatically – Lithuania allocates one of the largest shares in Europe, while Ireland allocates the smallest.

Lithuania: In 2025, the defense budget amounts to about 4.03% of GDP, and in 2026 it is planned to increase it to a record 5.38% of GDP. This growth is associated with the aim of strengthening deterrence and readiness to receive allied forces.

 

Ireland: According to data for 2024–2025, only about 0.2–0.24% of GDP is allocated to defense.

 

This is the lowest indicator among all 38 European countries. Although Ireland allocated a record amount of 1.35 billion euros in 2025, this share remains minimal in percentage terms due to the country's large GDP.

 

Key differences:

 

NATO membership: Lithuania is a NATO member and aims to significantly exceed the alliance's 2% standard, while Ireland adheres to a policy of military neutrality.

 

2. Military training areas and nature

 

This is the most sensitive part of this message. There are active discussions in society regarding the development of military infrastructure in ecologically sensitive areas. Information about existing projects and their impact on the environment can be followed on the website of the Ministry of the Environment of the Republic of Lithuania.