WDH/Merz bases Lithuania mission on German history

WDHMerz , Lithuania Mission 23.05.2025 - 11:05:41

WDH/Merz justifies Lithuania mission with German history. (Clarification in the May 22 report: Panzer Brigade 45 is the first "large unit" permanently stationed abroad, not a "unit."

The wording has been clarified. 1st paragraph, 2nd sentence)

VILNIUS (dpa-AFX) - Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) has justified the deployment of 5,000 German soldiers to NATO's eastern flank in Lithuania with German history. "During the Cold War years, Germany could rely on our allies to stand by us in every emergency," he said at the formation of Panzer Brigade 45, the first major unit in the history of the Bundeswehr to be permanently stationed abroad. "Today, it is our duty."

NATO will defend "every inch" of its territory

Lithuania has asked for support – and Germany stands ready. Anyone who challenges NATO must know that the alliance is prepared. "Anyone who threatens an ally must know that the entire alliance will jointly defend every inch of NATO territory."

"New era" for the Bundeswehr

Merz described the establishment of the Lithuania Brigade as the beginning of a "new era" for the Bundeswehr. He also reiterated his goal of making the Bundeswehr the strongest conventional army. "This is appropriate for Europe's most populous and economically strongest country."