Lithuanian defence minister expects parliamentary support for Kapčiamiestis training ground project

Lithuania’s defence minister has expressed hope that lawmakers will back a bill to establish a military training ground in Kapčiamiestis, as the proposal returns to parliament for a second vote this week, LRT reports.

Speaking to journalists on Monday, Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas said he expected understanding from coalition partners and MPs, given the needs of Lithuania’s expanding military division. “The number of soldiers is doubling or even tripling in some cases,” he said. “This is an area intended to enhance the professionalism of our armed forces during peacetime.”

A preliminary vote in late March saw parliament approve the Kapčiamiestis training ground in principle, though 10 MPs opposed the plan and five abstained. Kaunas stated he had engaged with lawmakers both individually and within factions to address their concerns. “I’ve spoken with MPs in the parliamentary chamber, and all answers—whether in discussions with factions—have been and will continue to be provided,” he said. “I don’t know how I could communicate more.”

The bill will be debated in parliament on Tuesday, coinciding with a protest outside the building. Organisers say the rally will voice public opposition to the planned 14,600-hectare training ground in Kapčiamiestis Forest, a site they argue holds significant ecological and landscape value. They demand transparent decision-making, full public consultation, and consideration of alternative locations.

Kaunas indicated he would engage directly with protesters if necessary. “If there’s a need to speak with them, I’m certainly ready to go,” he said, noting he had previously visited Kapčiamiestis to meet locals.

The minister stressed that any forest clearing would be conducted responsibly, with reforestation and conservation measures in place. “After infrastructure is built, the training ground’s forest areas will actually be better protected than they are now,” he said. The project includes commitments to preserve nature reserves and relocate anthills, with no additional logging for commercial purposes.

Under the draft law, the site would be divided into two functional zones: one for manoeuvres and tactical exercises, covering roughly two-thirds of the area, and another for live-fire ranges near the Polish border. The 77 properties in the manoeuvre zone would have the option to remain or sell to the state within 60 months under simplified procedures. The 13 properties in the live-fire zone would be subject to compulsory purchase under the law, with independent valuations determining compensation.

Last December, Lithuania’s State Defence Council approved the establishment of a brigade-sized training ground in Lazdijai Municipality, along with a decision to double the size of an existing facility in Tauragė.