Lithuania aims to submit Kapčiamiestis military training ground bill to parliament next week

Lithuania’s defence ministry expects to present a draft law on the Kapčiamiestis military training ground to parliament on Tuesday, LRT reports.

Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas told the national news agency ELTA on Thursday he hoped there would be “no obstacles” to submitting the bill. He added that discussions with the speaker of the Seimas (parliament) had taken place and expressed confidence that lawmakers would support fast-tracking the proposal.

“The goal is for this polygon and other military infrastructure to be established as quickly as possible,” Kaunas said.

The planned training ground in Lazdijai district will be divided into two functional zones: one for manoeuvres and another for live-fire exercises. Around two-thirds of the 1,500-hectare site will serve military training purposes, including tactical movement drills and administrative buildings. This section contains 77 homesteads, whose owners or businesses will have the option to either remain or sell their property to the state within 60 months under simplified procedures.

The remaining zone, designated for live-fire training and located near the Polish border, includes 13 homesteads. Private property and businesses in this area will be acquired by the state under the new law, with independent appraisers determining compensation.

Last December, Lithuania’s State Defence Council approved the establishment of the brigade-level Kapčiamiestis training ground, alongside a decision to double the size of the Tauragė polygon by expanding into Jurbarkas district. The moves aim to accommodate military modernisation, a growing conscript force, the development of a national division, and increased allied troop presence. Local communities have protested the decisions.