Lithuanian parliament advances controversial Kapčiamiestis military training ground law

The Lithuanian Seimas (parliament) has given further approval to a contentious law establishing a military training ground in Kapčiamiestis, with 109 votes in favour, 11 against, and two abstentions, LRT.lt reports.

The bill, which has sparked public division and opposition from local communities, passed its latest reading on Tuesday. The most vocal opposition came from the “Nemuno aušra” (Nemunas Dawn) faction, while the Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union also saw three of its members vote against the measure.

During the debate, Liberal Movement leader Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen and “For the Sake of Lithuania” faction representative Lukas Savickas expressed support for the law. Mixed parliamentary group member Vitalijus Šeršniovas highlighted societal divisions over the project, urging the Ministry of National Defence to better communicate its reasoning for selecting Kapčiamiestis.

Liberal MP Eugenijus Gentvilas stressed the need for a unified system of compensation when the state expropriates private property, while “Homeland Union” representative Dainius Gaižauskas said he lacked sufficient information about affected properties and protected areas. Valius Ąžuolas of the Farmers and Greens faction openly opposed the training ground, questioning both its chosen location and the transparency of funding allocation.

Parliamentarians also approved an amendment extending the decision-making period for some property owners from five to ten years. Under the current proposal, owners of expropriated homesteads would receive both the property’s market value and an additional €52,000 in compensation, while land plot owners would be offered over €5,000. Those in the training area would have a decade to decide whether to relocate, receiving €25,000 plus their property’s value if they choose to leave.

The Ministry of National Defence aims for the Kapčiamiestis facility to be fully operational by 2030, with initial manoeuvres potentially beginning as early as 2028. The project has faced persistent criticism, including accusations of rushed planning and insufficient justification for the site selection.