Berlin signs agreement on permanent deployment of German brigade in Lithuania

Lithuania and Germany sign an intergovernmental agreement on the permanent deployment of German troops on Lithuanian territory.

The Lithuanian Ministry of Defense reported about this on Friday, September 13.

The agreement was signed in Berlin by Lithuanian National Defense Minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas and German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. However, it still needs to be ratified by the parliaments of both countries.

The agreement on defense cooperation between the two countries regulates the legal status of German military forces, civilian employees and their families in Lithuania, as well as the provision of civilian services such as health care, transportation and education for children of military personnel.

The document establishes the procedure for the use of designated military territories, the procedure for the arrival and departure of German armed forces, and their movement in the Republic of Lithuania. It also sets out rules for the distribution of jurisdiction, security measures, and the possibility of establishing educational institutions for the German armed forces in Lithuania. As well as the possibility for German soldiers and civil servants to receive medical services, etc.

The intergovernmental agreement also provides for the possibility for German soldiers to set up military warehouses and canteens, a military post office, a radio station, driving schools, and military medical facilities.

It is noted that the military facilities provided to the German brigade would be used only with the consent of the Republic of Lithuania, in compliance with the country’s sovereignty and the requirements of legal acts.

In December last year, Lithuania and Germany signed an action plan that remains the main focus of this project.

In April, the main body of the German brigade was stationed in Vilnius, and in August, construction of a military base began at the Rūdninkai training ground.

It is intended to permanently deploy the 45th Brigade of the German armed forces. It includes three battalions and logistics units.

When completed in 2027, the new military facility is expected to accommodate up to 4,000 combat-ready German troops and their equipment.

Other work on preparing military and civilian infrastructure continued in Lithuania as part of this project.