Lithuanian army to receive most support from residents' income tax

The Lithuanian army will receive the most financial support among organizations supported by residents' income tax, data published Monday showed.

According to Lithuania's State Tax Inspectorate, Lithuanian army is to receive around 276,000 euros (about 303,600 U.S. dollars) from residents' income tax. This is followed by charity fund Bedu Turgus, which is to receive around 159,000 euros.

Lithuanian income tax payers are allowed to choose an organization which receives up to 2 percent of their annual paid income tax.

The figures mark an increased support for the army, with funds directed to the army increasing 7.5 times from a year ago.

The State Tax Inspectorate started to transfer the donations on Monday.

Lithuanian Defense Minister Juozas Olekas earlier said the funds will be used to purchase optical riffle scopes and night vision devices.

"Solidarity with the army and society ensures our country's security," said Olekas.

The Lithuanian army has seen its public and financial support increasing, since the security situation in Eastern Europe deteriorated amid conflicts in Ukraine.

The Baltic country has been increasing its budget spending in recent years. The Lithuanian government proposes to increase allocations for the ministry of national defense for the next year to 574 million euros, or by 35 percent compared to this year's defense budget. (1 euro = 1.10 U.S. dollars) Endit