Despite concerns about the timeline for the German brigade’s deployment, Lithuania’s new government is committed to meeting the late 2027 deadline. It also calls China a “growing challenge”.
The target is set in the draft programme of the incoming government of Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas.
“We will ensure the permanent deployment of the German brigade in Lithuania in 2027,” the document reads.
President Gitanas Nausėda said last month that Lithuania could be somewhat behind schedule in preparing to host the German brigade, citing some delays in building the infrastructure required for its deployment.
Berlin plans to deploy the 5,000-strong brigade in Lithuania by the end of 2027.
Germany has said the pace of its relocation will depend on Lithuania’s readiness to host the troops and their families by creating the necessary conditions.
The brigade’s initial command element, consisting of about 20 military personnel, arrived in Lithuania in early April, with a total of 150 German troops expected to come to the country by the end of this year.
The government’s draft programme also calls for allocating at least 3.5 percent of GDP to national defence.
'Growing challenge'
The 19th government’s draft programme also calls China a “growing challenge” for Lithuania’s foreign and security policy and vows to develop economic and cultural ties with Taiwan.
“We will strive for a united approach towards China among European and transatlantic partners. China is becoming a growing challenge to our foreign and security policy. China’s strategic partnership with Russia and its growing influence in Belarus is a threat,” the document reads.
The document also includes a promise to strengthen security ties with Japan, South Korea, and other Southeast Asian democracies. “We will further develop economic and cultural ties with Taiwan,” the document says.
Social Democrat Prime Minister-designate Gintautas Paluckas has previously said he would seek to restore full diplomatic relations with China but would not make excessive concessions. He also stated that Lithuania had made a “grave diplomatic mistake” by allowing Taiwan to open a representative office in Vilnius.
As a result, Beijing downgraded its diplomatic ties with Lithuania and imposed trade restrictions.
Last week, Lithuania’s Foreign Ministry said a diplomatic note had been delivered to China regarding the declaration of three staff members of the Chinese mission in Vilnius persona non grata.
The ministry does not disclose the specific actions that led to this decision but said the staff members were not accredited.
China has warned that this decision could lead to certain retaliatory measures against Lithuania.
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