Majority of Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union council backs Kapčiamiesčio training ground

A majority of the Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union (LVŽS) council members support the proposed law to establish a military training ground in Kapčiamestis, the party’s leader and MEP Aurelijus Veryga said on Friday.

Speaking after the council meeting, Veryga confirmed that while discussions were heated, most members voted in favour of the current proposed location. “Everyone understands there are various questions raised by MPs and our registered proposals, but the majority of those who voted support it,” he said. “This is a signal to our MPs that they must work to ensure people are fairly compensated and receive answers.”

The party still has proposed amendments to the draft law, including standardised compensation for residents forced to relocate immediately and those given a multi-year transition period. Veryga also highlighted requests from forest owners to receive equivalent state-owned land elsewhere as compensation.

The Seimas initially backed the Kapčiamiesčio training ground in late March, with 102 MPs voting in favour, 10 against, and five abstaining. The facility would span 14,600 hectares, divided into two zones: one for manoeuvres and another for live-fire exercises near the Polish border. Of 90 properties affected, 77 in the manoeuvre zone could choose to stay or sell to the state within 60 months, while 13 in the live-fire zone would face mandatory buyouts under the law.

Last December, the State Defence Council approved the establishment of the brigade-sized training ground in Lazdijai district, alongside plans to double the size of the Tauragė facility by expanding into Jurbarkas district. The move aims to support military modernisation, growing conscript numbers, and increased allied forces in Lithuania.

Veryga also expressed hope that coalition partners would act “collegially and honourably” in resolving disputes over promised deputy minister posts for LVŽS.