WDH/ROUNDUP 2/Merz: Defend every inch of NATO territory

The wording has been clarified. 3rd paragraph, last sentence)

VILNIUS (dpa-AFX) - Chancellor Friedrich Merz has pledged decisive steps by Germany to support military defense within the alliance with the establishment of Panzer Brigade 45 in Lithuania. The German government also agrees with the target presented by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to increase defense spending to 3.5 percent of gross domestic product and allocate an additional 1.5 percent for necessary military infrastructure, the CDU politician said in the capital Vilnius.

"These are two figures that we could approach from the perspective of the federal government. They seem reasonable to us, and they also seem achievable, at least within the specified timeframe until 2032," said Merz. Merz traveled to the Lithuania Brigade for its commissioning.

Merz sees the beginning of a "new era" in Lithuania

"Anyone who threatens an ally must know that the entire alliance will jointly defend every inch of NATO territory," Merz said at the establishment of the armored brigade, nicknamed "Lithuania," which will be the first major unit in the history of the Bundeswehr to be permanently stationed abroad.

Merz also spoke of the beginning of a "new era" for the Bundeswehr. He reiterated his desire to make the Bundeswehr the strongest conventional army. "This is appropriate for Europe's most populous and economically strongest country," he said.

Solemn roll call for commissioning

Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) also traveled from Berlin to the ceremonial roll call with 800 soldiers on Cathedral Square in Vilnius. He described Russia as the greatest threat to peace in Europe for the foreseeable future. "Deterrence and defense are Germany's top priorities," he said.

It's important to be prepared and demonstrate this. "The coming months and years will require coordination, determination, and perseverance. But above all, trust and unity will be necessary," Pistorius said. And: "There can and must be no doubt that we will fulfill our commitments."

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda spoke of a historic day. "A day of trust, responsibility, and trade," he said. This shows everyone that Lithuania's security has become Germany's security.

German history as a justification for stationing

Pistorius announced the move after lengthy discussions during a visit to Lithuania in June 2023. At the time, he recalled that Germany had been located on NATO's eastern flank until the end of the Cold War and had to rely on the support of its NATO partners in times of emergency.

Up to 5,000 soldiers by 2027

The brigade is expected to be fully operational by 2027. A permanent presence of up to 5,000 soldiers is planned, with its main base being a barracks and training area still to be built in Rudninkai, near the border with Belarus. Until completion, interim accommodation will be provided in Lithuanian barracks near Vilnius.

The soldiers and their families will live in the major cities of Vilnius and Kaunas, where a school and kindergarten are to be built in each. The Bundeswehr has been present in Lithuania since 2017. Currently, however, only about 400 members of the military are stationed there.

Strategically important area for NATO

Lithuania borders both Belarus, a close Russian ally, and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad on the Baltic Sea. A narrow NATO corridor runs between these two countries, from Lithuania west to Poland – the so-called Suwalki Gap – around which fighting could break out in the event of an attack. Russia could cut the Baltic states off from the rest of NATO territory by capturing it.

The German troop presence is therefore crucial for the small Baltic state with its 2.8 million inhabitants. The Lithuanian army consists of only 15,000 soldiers, including 3,500 conscripts. By 2030, this number is expected to rise to 17,000 to 18,000 soldiers.

Lithuania plans to spend 5 to 6 percent of GDP on defense

Lithuanians view the war in Ukraine as a direct threat to national security. The government in Vilnius is therefore massively rearming the army. Starting next year, Lithuanian defense spending is expected to be between five and six percent of gross domestic product (GDP).