Germany and its partners “They are determined to defend NATO territory against any aggression”stressed the Chancellor from Vilnius, where, in a symbolic move, he visits the German forces in the eastern wing of the Alliance.
“Russia’s aggressive revisionism threatens not only Ukraine’s security but also the security of Europe and the Euro -Atlantic space”Mr Mertz said and pointed out that the situation in the Baltic remains “very tense”. “You can rely on us. The safety of our allies is also our own security »assured Lithuanian President Gitanas Naoussa.
The two leaders and defense ministers of the two countries will later visit the German forces stationed in the country. “There has never been a greater and more permanent development of the Bundeswehr in Eastern Europe. And I want to say this to the world: Dear Lithuanians, you can rely on Germany »said the Chancellor.
In Lithuania, about 4,800 Bundeswehr troops and 200 civilian officials have gradually settled in Lithuania by 2023 and will remain there at least until 2027, with the aim of enhancing the Eastern NATO wing and preventing possible Russian aggression.
For the first time Germany maintains such a large base abroad, but the German defense ministry estimates that Lithuania’s geographical location makes it “The most vulnerable state on the east side of NATO”. Due to the Russian threat, the Lithuanian government announced last January that it will increase its defense spending to 5-6% of its GDP by 2030.
