A government agreement and an interim solution for infrastructure: Germany and Lithuania seal further steps towards the permanent stationing of 5,000 German soldiers in the Baltic States.
Germany and Lithuania have signed a government agreement detailing the stationing of a combat-ready brigade in the Baltic NATO country until 2027. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) and his Lithuanian counterpart Laurynas Kasciunas also agreed at a working meeting in Berlin to station the first forces of the unit at Lithuanian locations in Nemencine and Rokantiskes – both located near the capital Vilnius – from 2025 until the planned infrastructure is finally completed.
“Our goal, which we are all working on together and at full speed, is and remains the stationing of an operational German brigade in Lithuania by the end of 2027,” Pistorius said on Friday. He spoke of a “milestone on the way to the permanent stationing of the brigade.”
After the signing, Kasciunas assured that some of the Lithuanian sites were newly constructed and met NATO standards. His country wanted to do everything it could to make rapid progress and create attractive conditions. He thanked Germany again for the commitment to station troops and the increased military protection on NATO’s eastern flank. Recently, doubts had arisen as to whether Lithuania was on schedule with its commitments to the promised construction of infrastructure.
Legal status of German soldiers in Lithuania has now been clarified
According to the Ministry of Defense, the government agreement supplements the NATO Status of Forces Agreement for residence and thus specifies the legal status of German soldiers and civilian employees in Lithuania. This is intended to create legal certainty.
The agreement regulates the right of residence, tax law, the school system, public health supervision, road traffic and public safety, it said. The agreement thus creates favorable conditions for the basic and training operations of the brigade and incentives for working in the Baltic country.
Brigade to be operational in 2027
In response to the changing security situation in Europe and Russia’s aggressive behavior, the German government has pledged to station a combat-ready and independently capable combat unit in Lithuania. The brigade is to be operational by 2027.
A permanent presence of up to 5,000 soldiers is planned, with their permanent bases in Rudninkai and Rukla. The advance command of around 20 soldiers arrived in Lithuania on April 8. According to the Bundeswehr, around 120 more soldiers are expected to arrive at the beginning of October.
The Bundeswehr is breaking new ground with its permanent stationing abroad and is striving for simple procedures. According to the agreement, a status certificate will make it easier for German personnel in the brigade to open a bank account or rent accommodation in Lithuania.
The integration of accompanying family members into working life in Lithuania is to be made easier by the recognition of professional qualifications. The legal basis for the establishment of German schools and daycare centers in Lithuania is being created. Security regulations enable close cooperation between the German and Lithuanian military police and mutual support in protecting the personnel, property and equipment of the German armed forces.
Source: Stern
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