R. Tamašunienė: Cooperation between Lithuania and Germany – an important guarantee of security and justice in Europe
Cooperation between Lithuania and Germany, preparations for Lithuania’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) and the response to hybrid threats – these were the topics discussed in Vilnius by Rita Tamašunienė, Minister of Justice, and Stefanie Hubig, German Federal Minister of Justice and Consumer Protection.
“Today, European security and justice are inseparable; hybrid threats and new challenges in the digital sphere require not only robust national solutions but also a unified European response. Lithuania and Germany are partners united by a shared responsibility for Europe’s future, democratic values and the security of its people. We must not only agree on common goals, but also work together to ensure that our decisions have a tangible impact on every individual. As Lithuania’s Presidency of the Council of the EU approaches, we will seek to rally Member States behind common decisions and strengthen Europe’s ability to defend what matters most to us – security, freedom and justice,” said R. Tamašunienė.
The ministers devoted considerable attention to accountability for the international crimes committed during Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Lithuania consistently supports the establishment of a Special Tribunal on the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine and is seeking to expedite the remaining procedures necessary for it to commence its work. They also emphasised the need to ensure effective compensation for Ukrainian victims and to make progress in establishing the International Commission for the Examination of Claims Relating to Ukraine.
In light of the growing hybrid threats, Lithuania’s legal response to hostile activities was also discussed. The Ministry of Justice has drafted amendments to the Criminal Code aimed at criminalising various forms of hybrid attacks against the Republic of Lithuania and acts of sabotage. These amendments are currently being considered by the Seimas.
The ministers also discussed Lithuania’s preparations to hold the Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2027. In the field of justice, during its Presidency, Lithuania will seek to make progress on issues relating to criminal law, judicial cooperation in criminal matters, civil justice, the protection of fundamental rights and the digitalisation of justice.
The meeting also covered the digitalisation of the judiciary and the security of information systems. According to the 2026 Justice Scoreboard, Lithuania is among the EU leaders in the digitalisation of justice systems. In 2025, around 93 per cent of civil and administrative cases in Lithuania were handled exclusively electronically, whilst the number of remote court hearings increased 1.7-fold compared with 2022.
With the number of cyber incidents on the rise, it is becoming increasingly important to ensure the resilience of the courts’ information systems and the uninterrupted operation of the courts, even in times of crisis. Lithuania is keen to strengthen international cooperation in this area and to exchange experience, so that digital technologies can help ensure more accessible, secure and effective justice.