Lithuania urges NATO-East flank on an ambitious schedule for stationing Bundeswehr soldiers.

Lithuania urges NATO-East flank on an ambitious schedule for stationing Bundeswehr soldiers.

The Lithuanian government has asked the Federal Government to accelerate the stationing of 4,000 Bundeswehr soldiers on the NATO east flank. The Lithuanian Vice Foreign Minister Jonas Survila told the "Welt am Sonntag" that an ambitious schedule for the full station should be agreed. Vilnius is ready to make considerable investments in the required infrastructure for the German troops.

Survila drew a historical comparison to the Cold War and explained: “Today we feel like West Berlin during the Cold War: surrounded by aggressive neighbors from the west, Kaliningrad, Russia, as well as from East, Belarus.” He further explained that security in West Berlin was guaranteed, among other things, by stationing a US army brigade. Therefore, Lithuania asks the Germans both symbolically and practically, to contribute to security by permanently stationing a combined German brigade in Lithuania.

Federal Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) announced the permanent relocation of the Bundeswehr soldiers to Lithuania at the end of June to protect the NATO east flank. The prerequisite for this is the presence of the corresponding infrastructure on site and the compatibility with the NATO plans. Survila emphasized the importance of a quick implementation of the stationing.

The stationing of the German troops in Lithuania is part of the NATO measures to react to the increased security concerns at the eastern border. Lithuania and other Eastern European member states have concerns about their security due to the Ukraine crisis and the growing military presence of Russia. The deployment of the Bundeswehr soldiers in Lithuania should represent a sign of support and solidarity on the part of the NATO members.

It remains to be seen how the federal government will react to Lithuania's demands. However, the time is urgent to ensure effective defense on the NATO east flank. German troops can make an important contribution to ensuring security and stability in the region. Lithuania is ready to contribute its part by making investments in the infrastructure. It is now up to the Federal Government to take suitable measures and to agree on a timely schedule for stationing.