Germany’s role on NATO’s eastern flank is indispensable, Sinkevičius says

Germany’s role in strengthening NATO’s eastern flank and Europe’s security is indispensable in the face of current threats, Lithuanian Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius said in Berlin on Tuesday, LRT reported, citing the ELTA news agency.

Sinkevičius met German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Vice-Chancellor Lars Klingbeil and Bundestag President Julia Klöckner. He said Lithuania valued and firmly supported Germany’s leadership, and that the countries’ strategic partnership extended beyond security to close economic, cultural and political ties.

He said security on NATO’s eastern flank should remain a top priority, with greater political attention and adequate funding. The talks also covered bilateral relations, regional security, Ukraine’s future in the European Union and support for its integration.

Sinkevičius said Lithuania would seek tangible progress on Ukraine’s EU membership by 2030 during its presidency of the EU Council.

Germany confirmed in autumn 2023 that it would permanently station a combat-ready brigade in Lithuania. About 5,000 German military personnel and civilians are expected to move to the country, some with their families. Most of the brigade was planned to be relocated by 2026, while German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has said it will reach full operational capability in 2027.