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In early 2024, Lithuania joined the insider threat mitigating initiative in the field of nuclear security. This initiative was launched in 2016 by the United States of America (US) to draw the attention of the international community to the fact that insiders (personnel or others) with access rights to equipment, materials or systems, and with certain authority and knowledge, can become a threat to nuclear security if they decide to use their knowledge and capabilities to carry out malicious acts. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has communicated this statement as an Information Circular INFCIRC/908 (“Joint Statement on Mitigating Insider Threats”), thus allowing other countries to join it.

By joining this initiative, Lithuania has committed to fully support the IAEA's agenda in this area and to implement insider threat mitigation measures shaping country's nuclear security policy, performing regulatory activities and applying preventive measures at nuclear energy facilities.

A common understanding of insider threats and the application of corresponding preventive measures enable the international community to strengthen nuclear security both nationally and globally. More than 30 IAEA Member States and Interpol have now joined the initiative.

Lithuania has also joined the renewal of the initiative circulated by US later this year. The updated initiative expresses support for the efforts of the International Working Group and its steering committee to improve the international community's practice in applying practical products and tools in the field of insider threat reduction. It also encourages countries to share their experiences.