Lithuania and Poland are working on arrangements to help civilians leave the Baltic region during a major emergency or military threat. The proposed framework could allow residents of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia to cross into Poland if evacuation becomes necessary.

The preparations involve assessing transport logistics, infrastructure capacity and border procedures. According to Vilmantas Vitkauskas, who leads Lithuania’s National Crisis Management Center, a detailed joint plan will follow an agreement between the two governments.

A central consideration is the Suwałki Gap, the border corridor connecting Lithuania and Poland. Its roads provide an important land connection between the Baltic states and other European allies, making the area significant for moving civilians, military personnel and supplies during a crisis.

The planning coincides with Lithuania’s annual national mobilization exercise, Vyčio Skliautas 2026. Lithuania’s Interior Ministry gives the exercise dates as 25 September to 3 October. Officials are testing how public institutions would coordinate their response to disrupted communications, damaged infrastructure, cyberattacks and other emergencies.

Approximately 3,000 officials and representatives from public bodies, businesses and other organizations are participating, alongside around 1,000 volunteers. A Polish delegation of about 20 officials is also involved in reviewing cross-border evacuation procedures.

Practical evacuation drills examine the steps needed to move people safely: issuing warnings, registering evacuees, organizing transport and arranging reception at their destinations. Authorities are also testing how to coordinate civilian traffic with military movements.

The preparations come amid wider concerns over regional security. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk recently warned that intelligence assessments indicated a risk of Russian hybrid operations involving drones or missiles against countries supporting Ukraine, including Poland.

Lithuanian authorities have nevertheless stressed that the exercises are planned training activities. They aim to identify weaknesses and improve emergency procedures; they do not signal an imminent attack.