Ana Burkovskiene has been appointed Lithuania’s new Deputy Minister of Interior, responsible for civil defense, becoming the latest Polish representative in the government.
New Appointment to Lithuanian Ministry of Interior
Ana Burkovskiene, a Lithuanian of Polish descent, has been appointed as the new Deputy Minister of Interior. She will be responsible for civil defense within the ministry.
This appointment adds to the growing representation of the Polish minority in Lithuanian leadership, joining Minister of Interior Władysław Kondratowicz and Deputy Minister Alicja Szczerbaite.
Responsibilities of the New Deputy Minister
Burkovskiene’s duties will include civil defense, protection of critical infrastructure, and the development of civil-military cooperation. She will also oversee the Central Project Management Agency’s administration of defense funds.
Additionally, she will coordinate international cooperation in her areas of responsibility, represent Lithuania within the European Union, and contribute to shaping national positions on EU matters, including preparations for Lithuania’s 2027 EU presidency.
Burkovskiene’s Background and Experience
Ana Burkovskiene holds a Master’s degree in European Public Administration from the Institute of International Relations and Political Science at Vilnius University. Prior to her appointment, she worked at the Ministry of National Defence.
She has also served as a member of the EU customs policy board and as an expert within the European Commission’s CELBET III team. She is fluent in Lithuanian, Polish, English, Greek, German, and Russian.
Polish Representation in the Lithuanian Government
Currently, two ministers of Polish origin serve in the Lithuanian government: Władysław Kondratowicz (Social Democratic Labour Party) as Minister of Interior, and Rita Tamaszuniene (Electoral Action of Poles in Lithuania – Christian Families Alliance) as Minister of Justice.
In total, nine vice-ministers of Polish nationality are working within the government, including Gabriel Gorbaczewski (Energy), Daniel Naumovas (Health), Czesława Lisowska (Environment), Janusz Kizieniewicz (Finance), Renata Kurmin (Culture), Waldemar Urban (Economy and Innovation), and Barbara Aliaszevicziene (Justice).
Governing Coalition and Further Representation
The current ruling coalition consists of the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party, Švyturys Nemunas, the Union of Peasants and Greens, and the Electoral Action of Poles in Lithuania – Christian Families Alliance.
Individuals of Polish nationality also hold positions as advisors to the Prime Minister, ministers, and chancellors of ministries.