Germany Commits to Maintaining Troops in Lithuania and Increasing Investment in Barracks – Reuters

Germany will invest a total of 110 million euros in improving military bases in Lithuania by 2021, according to the country’s defense minister. This commitment emphasizes Berlin’s ongoing support for its NATO allies in the Baltic region.

Germany leads a NATO contingent of 1,200 troops from ten different nations that arrived in Lithuania two years ago. This deployment is part of NATO’s strategy to strengthen defenses along Eastern Europe’s borders with Russia, following the annexation of Crimea in 2014.

During a visit to German forces, Ursula von der Leyen stated, “We want to make clear that Lithuania is not alone and will never stand alone. It will never again have to sacrifice its freedom and independence.” She assured that the Bundeswehr (German armed forces) would remain in Lithuania as long as necessary, depending on the security situation.

Von der Leyen highlighted that the presence of German troops has enhanced joint training and improved readiness for potential missions. This year, Germany is investing 50 million euros in a shared barracks for NATO forces and other facilities, contributing to the total investment of 110 million euros by 2021.

Lithuania’s Defense Minister Raimundas Karoblis welcomed these assurances, noting that this was the first time such a strong commitment had been communicated from such high political levels regarding Germany’s long-term presence.

Lithuania, along with Latvia and Estonia, joined NATO in 2004, having previously been part of the Soviet Union. The Baltic states were alarmed by Russia’s actions in Crimea and its support for separatists in eastern Ukraine, prompting a heightened sense of security needs in the region.