Lithuania's defence minister has said the government is expected to consider draft legislation for a new military training area at Kapčiamiestis next week, after a brief delay caused by the March 11 public holiday.
"Today it [the draft bill] is finished. March 11 was a non-working day, so there was a slight delay, but all procedures are moving forward, nothing is stuck," Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas told reporters on Thursday.
The draft law and an accompanying government resolution for submission to the Seimas (Lithuanian parliament) were both registered on Thursday.
Compensation packages
Under the proposed legislation, landowners and property owners affected by the training area will be compensated at full market value, with non-pecuniary losses also covered. Residential properties in residential areas would receive more than €51,000, whilst agricultural, forestry or commercial plots would receive more than €5,000.
The thirteen homestead owners required to relocate would each receive €51,000, and owners of other property within the training area would be entitled to compensation for non-pecuniary losses equivalent to 22 minimum monthly wages, or more than €25,000.
Kaunas stressed that independent valuers would be instructed to assess properties as if no training area were being established, ensuring that planned military use does not depress valuations.
"The property valuer for those territories should not consider the establishment of a training area or any restrictions that arise, but should value it as a homestead sold under completely market conditions," he said.
Faction member Viktoras Pranckietis suggested that residents could swap private land or forest for state-owned land as an alternative to cash payments. Kaunas said such an arrangement could be discussed but warned it would lengthen procedures and risk eroding public confidence if the process takes too long.
"When money is transferred, everyone will have it. Maybe they won't want to buy that forest, maybe they'll change their mind, but they will already have the finances and can decide for themselves," he said.
Strategic importance
Kaunas expressed confidence that the Seimas has sufficient votes to pass the legislation, despite shifting positions from Remigijus Žemaitis, leader of coalition partner Nemunas Dawn.
The Kapčiamiestis training area in the southern Lazdijai district was approved by the State Defence Council in mid-December. The ministry said its location near the Suwalki Gap makes it strategically well-suited to strengthening Lithuania's defensive capabilities.
The facility would be capable of accommodating between 3,500 and 4,000 soldiers training simultaneously. Larger exercises, lasting up to ten days, would take place approximately five times a year, with smaller drills conducted on a continuous basis.
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