Gabrielius Landsbergis’s statement came as a raft of legislation went before parliament aimed at changing tax laws in order to raise more money for defense.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if we reach 3% this year,” Landsbergis told reporters. “There are such options. The package under consideration, in its entirety, would put us significantly above 3% of GDP.”

The minister explained that the proposed tax amendments would enable significant military procurements in the coming years, which would push Lithuania up the NATO league table in terms of defense spending.

“I think we are approaching 3.5 or 3.2% of GDP,” he said. “That would place Lithuania among the top three NATO countries.”

Vilnius wants to increase its defense budget to fund the creation of a new army division, host a German brigade by 2027, and pave the way for universal conscription.