Germany’s selection process for the Lithuanian Brigade has attracted a lot of interest from soldiers, Lithuanian Defence Minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas has said.
“When they do this selection in Germany of who could and would like to go here, [...] there are three or four soldiers for one place. We are happy about it and it is very inspiring,” Kasčiūnas told journalists on Thursday.
He made the remarks as the Seimas voted on Thursday to ratify the agreement between Vilnius and Berlin on the rights of German soldiers, families and civilians stationed in Lithuania.
“Yesterday, I met with the commander of the German brigade, who is already in Lithuania. H continues to work, he is preparing for the reception, he is waiting for additional troops to arrive this year. We have a plan for next year as well, as we will have 500 [German troops] next year, and we have worked out how we will do it,” Kasčiūnas said.
The ratification of the agreement marks the strategic partnership between Lithuania and Germany and the irreversibility of the brigade's deployment in Lithuania, he said.
“If we look at the legal significance, it defines the legal status of German troops here in Lithuania,” the defence minister noted.
The agreement was signed by officials of both countries in Berlin in early September. The Lithuanian parliament, Seimas, ratified the agreement on Thursday and the German Bundestag is planning to do it next year.
The agreement, among other things, grants Germany the right to use designated infrastructure in Lithuania, operate within these sites, bring in defence equipment, and set up German schools, military canteens, and shops, which will enjoy tax exemptions. Lithuania, in turn, commits to providing logistical support to the Germans.
Lithuania and Germany have agreed to deploy the brigade by the end of 2027, although officials fear that this date could be pushed back.
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