International Cooperation Increases Resilience and Enhances Population Security
On 16–17 September 2025, a delegation from the Western Rescue Centre of the Estonian Rescue Services Agency led byHead of Crisis Management Bureau, Mr Vaiko Vatsfeld, visited the Fire and Rescue Department under the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania (hereinafter – the Department) and Ukmergė District Municipality. Colleagues from Estonia came to learn about crisis management and civil protection system in Lithuania.
Adviser of the Department Mr Donatas Gurevičius welcomed the representatives of the Estonian delegation and emphasized that this meeting was an excellent opportunity to discuss challenges in the field of civil protection and share experiences. Adviser of the Department Ms Tatjana Milkamanovič introduced the guests to the crisis management and civil protection system in Lithuania and discussed the importance of civil protection in changing and unpredictable conditions. She drew attention to the need to invest more in civil protection personnel by strengthening their knowledge and organizing training and exercises. She also talked about the public warning and information system, introduced various levels of legislation regulating crisis management and civil protection in Lithuania, as well as the structure of the Department. Adviser presented the main objectives and tasks of the Department in the field of civil protection and listed the priorities set out in the Civil Protection Strengthening and Development Program for 2024–2030.
During the meeting Mr Ernestas Trunovas, Head of the Civil Protection Organisation Division of the Civil Protection Board of the Department, spoke about the role of municipalities in the crisis management and civil protection system in Lithuania. Mr Simonas Sokolinskas, Chief Specialist of the Civil Protection Division of Vilnius Fire and Rescue Board, discussed the cooperation and joint work with municipalities.
Delegation from Estonia presented the activities of the Crisis Management Bureau of the Western Rescue Centre of the Estonian Rescue Services Agency and talked about their work with local authorities. Mr Vaiko Vatsfeld reviewed the preparedness of Estonian services to overcome crises and extreme situations, presented the situation regarding the population warning system, evacuation and shelters. He also talked about public education and civil protection training for civil servants on how to prepare for emergencies, as well as cooperation with municipalities.