Lithuanian parliament to vote on controversial Kapčiamestis military training ground
The Lithuanian parliament is set to hold a final vote Thursday on the contentious law establishing a military training ground in Kapčiamestis, with opposition leader Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen accusing some lawmakers of deliberately delaying the process to the detriment of national security, LRT.lt reports.
Čmilytė-Nielsen, leader of the opposition Liberal Movement, expressed hope that concerns over the project would ease once the law passes. She stressed her party’s support for the training ground, citing its importance for local communities and national defence.
“We are thinking of the people who live there, who own property there,” she told reporters before the session. “Of course, we will support the establishment of the Kapčiamestis training ground.”
The law has faced resistance within the ruling coalition, particularly from members of the “Nemuno aušra” (Dawn of Nemunas) faction and some representatives of the Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union. Two of the latter’s lawmakers have since left the faction.
Čmilytė-Nielsen criticised opponents for employing procedural tactics—such as calling for breaks or postponements—to obstruct the vote. “Security and defence aren’t just about actions but also about timing,” she said. “Lithuania is already lagging behind in some areas, and these delays are causing harm.”
She accused ruling-party lawmakers of intentionally withholding support despite having access to extensive information through the Seimas National Security and Defence Committee. “I believe this is a deliberate tactic, partly linked to the upcoming municipal elections,” she added.
Dainius Gaižauskas, a lawmaker from the Farmers and Greens Union who previously abstained from voting, claimed the proposed law lacks proper documentation and transparency. He cited unresolved issues such as the impact on protected nature reserves—five in total, not two as initially stated—and alleged violations of the Espoo Convention, which governs cross-border environmental impact assessments.
Gaižauskas also noted that Poland has filed a complaint with the UN Economic Commission for Europe over Lithuania’s failure to comply with the convention, following appeals from three local elderates (administrative districts).
The training ground, intended to strengthen Lithuania’s defence capabilities, has become a polarising issue, with opponents raising environmental and procedural concerns while supporters argue it is critical for NATO readiness in the region.