VILNIUS, Dec. 3 (Xinhua) -- The Lithuanian government decided on Wednesday that it will accept half of the migrants assigned to the country under the European Union's (EU) solidarity mechanism next year, while paying a financial contribution for the remaining share, the Baltic News Service (BNS) reported.
"We propose a proportional model that demonstrates Lithuania's solidarity as an EU member state and acknowledges the help we received when we faced large flows of instrumentalized migration," Interior Minister Vladislav Kondratovic said during a Cabinet meeting.
Lithuania will begin fulfilling this commitment in June 2026.
Under the Migration and Asylum Pact adopted in May 2024, Lithuania is required each year either to take in around 158 migrants arriving in the EU or to contribute 3.28 million euros (3.8 million U.S. dollars).
The Interior Ministry stated that the final contributions from member states will be determined once the European Council adopts its decision. According to Kondratovic, Lithuania's share may end up being lower than previously estimated.
The Ministry also noted that Lithuania will receive 10,000 euros from the EU Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund for each relocated person.
Lithuania would be required to make its financial contribution in 2027, meaning the relevant funds must be included in next year's budget.
The country has historically been cautious about accepting migrants. In October, the Migration Department reported that more than 211,000 foreign nationals with valid residence permits were registered in Lithuania. (1 euro = 1.16 U.S. dollars) ■
