Białystok Strengthens Cooperation with Lithuanian Municipality on Civil Defence and Resilience

Today, Mr Truskolaski, EA First Vice Chair and Mayor Białystok had the honour of hosting Mantas Varaška, Mayor of Kazlų Rūda Municipality in Lithuania and Member of EA Group Bureau, for a high-level meeting focused on public safety and civil protection. The discussions centred on civil defence strategies and the development of infrastructure aimed at enhancing urban resilience in times of crisis. This meeting also provided an opportunity to showcase Białystok’s own initiatives, primarily implemented by the Crisis Management Office.

The Lithuanian delegation presented a financial support model for municipalities hosting military training grounds, developed in collaboration with the Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence and local authorities.

The conversation underscored the vital role of inter-municipal cooperation in strengthening cities’ and communities’ resilience to military threats, natural disasters, and other emergencies. Białystok plays a key role in this process, particularly as Mr Truskolaski representative in the European Committee of the Regions serves as the rapporteur for the opinion on the European Defence Industry Transformation Plan and is a Member of the WG on Defence.