Lithuania does not need additional military cooperation agreement with Germany, says defence minister

Lithuania does not need an additional military cooperation agreement with Germany, Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas has said, as reported by LRT.

Following Germany and Poland’s signing of a military cooperation agreement last week, Kaunas stated that joint training with German brigade troops is the priority for Lithuania.

“The most important thing is not agreements—it’s training together. Training and staying on Lithuanian soil,” Kaunas told journalists on Monday.

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, speaking at a press conference, said the deployment of a German brigade in Lithuania is the strongest proof of bilateral cooperation.

“What better demonstrates bilateral cooperation between Germany and Lithuania than the German brigade here in Lithuania, ready to fight until the end of 2027? Therefore, I do not see a need for an additional agreement when it comes to security and collective defence,” Pistorius said.

Last week, German news agency DPA reported that Germany and Poland had signed an agreement to strengthen military cooperation. The deal, signed by Polish Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz and Pistorius, underscores both countries’ commitment to mutual support within EU and NATO frameworks.

Poland’s Defence Ministry highlighted cooperation in military logistics, infrastructure, Baltic Sea regional collaboration, and cybersecurity. Berlin and Warsaw also aim to deepen cooperation in military capabilities, defence industry, and joint military exercises.

ELTA notes that in the summer of 2022, Berlin committed to deploying a brigade-sized military unit in Lithuania. Around 5,000 German brigade soldiers and civilians are expected to be relocated to Lithuania, some with their families. Most of the brigade is planned to arrive by 2026, with full operational capability expected by 2027, according to Pistorius.