Lithuania urged to deepen ties with Germany in education and political cooperation

Lithuania’s foreign ministry has proposed strengthening bilateral relations with Germany in education, party-based diplomacy, and parliamentary cooperation, as reported by public broadcaster LRT.

The recommendations follow a review of Lithuania’s strategic partnership with Germany, presented by Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys during a government meeting. The report highlighted progress in defence collaboration, including the inauguration of a German brigade in Lithuania, infrastructure upgrades at Rūdninkai and Rukla training grounds, and the construction of a kindergarten for soldiers’ families. Germany also remains Lithuania’s second-largest trade partner, with three new direct investment projects worth €90 million coordinated last year.

To further cooperation, the ministry proposed that the Education, Science, and Sports Ministry submit proposals by June 30 to expand German language instruction in schools as a first or second foreign language, pending assessments of teacher qualifications and program feasibility. Additional measures include appointing liaison officers in ministries, increasing flights between the two countries, and fostering ties with German federal states.

The foreign ministry also called for deeper parliamentary and party-level diplomacy, stronger municipal partnerships, and expanded economic cooperation—particularly in defence manufacturing. High-level visits to Germany are planned for 2026 to promote Lithuania’s upcoming EU Council presidency priorities.

The government approved the proposals. Germany has committed to deploying a brigade of around 5,000 troops to Lithuania by 2026, with full operational capacity expected by 2027.