Prime minister confident Rūdninkai construction will be completed on time and to standard

Lithuanian Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius has expressed confidence that the construction of the second phase of the Rūdninkai military town, intended for German troops, will be completed on time and to a high standard, LRT reports.

The ceremony marking the start of construction for the approximately €1.3 billion project took place on Friday. “Visiting this town, I am certain that we will complete all constructions with quality and, most importantly, on time,” Sinkevičius said during the event.

He emphasised Lithuania’s duty to provide the best possible support to allied forces defending the country. “We are firmly committed to fulfilling this duty,” he added.

The prime minister noted that expanding military infrastructure is essential to ensure allies have optimal training conditions and are prepared to repel any aggressor attack. He described every euro invested in the project as a significant contribution to current and future security, as well as to the preparedness of Lithuanian and allied troops.

Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas stated that construction on the second phase had already begun before the official ceremony. “Progress is clearly visible—within a couple of months, we’ve managed to build structures from an empty field, and the pace is enormous,” he said. The first phase is nearing completion, while the second phase, comprising projects A, B, and C, has already started.

Kaunas explained that current efforts focus on critical infrastructure, including soldier accommodation, training facilities, and engineering solutions necessary for German troops to fully operate in the town by the end of 2027. Additional, less critical facilities will be developed in parallel once soldiers are already stationed there.

He confirmed that construction is proceeding according to schedule, though weather conditions could pose challenges. “Of course, we cannot control the weather. If we have an extremely harsh winter or heavy rains, it may disrupt some technological processes. However, everything is planned, and deadlines are set so that Lithuania will fulfill its main commitment—there are no alternatives,” Kaunas said.

Sinkevičius added that he personally monitors the construction process and sees no current need for additional oversight. Both Lithuania and Germany are making “maximum efforts” to ensure the project’s timely completion, he said.

Earlier this year, Rudina—a company managed by Conres, INVL Asset Management, and Fegda—was awarded the contract for part of the second phase, while Estonian-owned Merko Ehitus secured contracts for two other sections under 15-year public-private partnership agreements.