Kapčiamiestis military training ground law faces mixed local reactions

Lazdijai District Mayor Ausma Miškinienė has acknowledged that opinions on the proposed military training ground in Kapčiamiestis remain divided within the municipality.

The draft law on the Kapčiamiestis military training ground and training area is scheduled to be presented to the Seimas on Tuesday. Miškinienė emphasised that fulfilling promises made to residents of Kapčiamiestis and the broader Lazdijai District is the top priority.

“The decision on the training ground was made by the State Defence Council in December. Many discussions have taken place, and the draft law now reaching the Seimas essentially reflects the expectations of the majority of property owners and residents,” Miškinienė said.

She noted that while there is no unanimous support for the project, the prevailing view is that the final law must ensure all promises are kept. Residents whose property falls within the planned training ground area are particularly concerned about fair compensation, with Miškinienė highlighting the inclusion of safeguards to ensure property is purchased at a price that considers alternative valuation methods and provides moral compensation.

The proposed law would divide the training ground into two functional zones: one for manoeuvring and another for combat shooting ranges, covering a total of 14,600 hectares. Approximately two-thirds of the area would serve military training purposes, including tactical movement exercises and administrative buildings. Within this zone, 77 homesteads are located, and their owners or businesses may choose to either remain or sell their property to the state within 60 months under simplified procedures.

Lukas Savickas, leader of the opposition Democratic faction “For Lithuania,” has announced his party’s support for the draft law, citing its alignment with the faction’s consistent backing of state security and defence initiatives.

“Democrats have always been a faction that consistently supports legislation crucial for state security and defence, so it is natural that we will support this draft law,” Savickas stated.

However, he stressed the importance of the ruling authorities fulfilling promises made to the public, warning that without clear measures, timelines, funding sources, and responsible institutions, there is a risk that implementation could be delayed indefinitely.