Federal President in the Baltic States: Steinmeier: Lithuania’s security is our security

Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has guaranteed Lithuania to support Germany in defending his freedom. “With the stationing of a German brigade in Lithuania, we make a permanent promise: your security is our security,” said Steinmeier at the celebration of the national holiday in the capital Vilnius. Germany knew: “Whoever defends Lithuania defends, defends Europe and defends Europe’s values.” Steinmeier did not mention Russia directly.

Lithuania’s President Gitanas Nauseda had invited his German colleagues to the national holiday as a guest of honor. The Federal President is accompanied by his wife Elke Büdenbender.

German armored brigade is said to be stationed in Lithuania in 2027

Steinmeier later wanted to visit the Panzerbrigade 45 “Lithuania”. This prepares the deployment of the German Fighting Association. At the end of 2027, around 5,000 soldiers are said to be permanently present and fully operational in the Baltic Land to protect it against threats from Russia and to strengthen NATO’s eastern flank.

The Baltic States fear that after the war of attack in Russia, they could become the next victims of Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin.

Steinmeier: Germany is determined on Lithuania’s side

In a military ceremonial for the national holiday, Nauseda called the German Brigade a “powerful signal of European solidarity and responsibility”. He thanked Steinmeier for the determination of Germany to stand together with Lithuania at the border of Europe.

Steinmeier emphasized that he proudly fulfills that Germany is so determined today at the side of the Lithuanians. “Here in Lithuania you know that neither freedom nor peace are a matter of course. Freedom is not a condition, freedom is a task.”