13 WHITE guarantees for any nation’s independence. To deepen society’s involvement in the defence of the country, the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union (LRU), a voluntary civil defence organisation has to be strengthened. In response to non-military threats, it is necessary, through the joint efforts of society and state institutions, to increase the nation’s resilience to cyber and information threats. For this reason, Lithuania has to further improve its national cyber security system as well as continue its large scale public education campaign on recognising and deconstructing propaganda, disinformation, and other information attacks. The improvement of mobilisation and the Host Nation Support systems are considered essential tasks required to ensure an effective response of the whole state in case of crisis or armed aggression. A successful response to all these challenges depends on the combined efforts of society, the Ministry of National Defence, the Lithuanian Armed Forces and other institutions. The fourth pillar of Lithuania’s defence policy is the contribution to regional and international security with the aim of shaping Lithuania’s, as well as the NATO and EU security environment. Bilateral and multilateral military cooperation with the U.S., Nordic and Baltic countries, Poland, Germany and other Allies is a key instrument in developing Lithuanian defence capabilities and capacities for common efforts, as well as increasing regional and international security. Lithuania supports the reforms of the security and defence sector in Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova, which promotes democratic and European values and brings these states closer to the Euro-Atlantic community. To promote stability beyond NATO and EU borders, Lithuania has to be prepared to continue to actively participate in international operations of NATO, the EU as well as other international organisations, in order to contribute to the fight against terrorism and other security issues. Contributing to international operations not only demonstrates solidarity with other NATO and EU members but it also directly and indirectly increases Lithuania’s security in the globalised world. 2.2. Defence budget growth The size of the defence budget is based on three main factors: threat assessment, political will and economic capacity of the state. At the time Lithuania became a member of NATO and the EU, its security environment was deemed stable and the most secure since regaining independence. Consequently, even with periods of economic growth, the rate at which the defence budget was increased was not sufficient: in absolute terms, defence funding was growing but as a percent of GDP, it was decreasing. As the threat perception began to change, taking into account Russia’s growing military capabilities and outward demonstration of its military power, as well as its aggression against Georgia in 2008, Lithuania began to adjust its defence policy priorities based on the changing security environment. However, a more significant increase in the defence budget was precluded due to the 2009 global financial crisis. PA P E R