Europe's security to be shouldered by Germany, asserts Vice Chancellor in Vilnius
In a significant move for European security, German Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil has announced Germany's readiness to develop a brigade in Lithuania. This decision marks a historic shift for the Bundeswehr, as the permanent deployment of the 45th Panzer Brigade in Lithuania will be the largest overseas contingent in the force's history.
Klingbeil's visit to Lithuania, one of his first bilateral trips as Vice Chancellor, underscores the importance he places on the Baltic region. The Lithuanian Finance Minister, Rimantas Sadzius, has expressed his readiness to ensure that the German brigade can operate properly in Lithuania and has suitable living conditions.
The deployment of the German brigade is part of NATO's efforts to strengthen its eastern flank security. As of April 2025, approximately 300 soldiers have already been stationed in Lithuania, with plans to build up to around 4,800 soldiers along with 200 civilian staff forming the brigade. The full permanent deployment is expected to be completed by 2027.
The ongoing deployment demonstrates Germany’s increasing role in securing Europe’s eastern flank through NATO cooperation and readiness. This is evident in the large-scale NATO exercise Quadriga 2025, which involved around 8,000 German troops and highlighted the operational deployment and logistical support needed to defend NATO’s eastern border.
In addition to the brigade deployment, Klingbeil has expressed support for Ukraine and is committed to defending it against Russian aggression. The Baltic states and Germany are also committed to significantly increasing defense spending, with Latvia and Estonia following suit.
During his meeting with his Baltic counterparts, Klingbeil discussed EU-level defense funding instruments, the implementation of the Stability and Growth Pact, and Germany's continued commitment to strengthening the defense alliance and achieving NATO goals.
Klingbeil emphasized that Germany is working to defend freedom and independence, with the Baltic states being close allies in this effort within NATO and the European Union. The permanent deployment of the German brigade in Lithuania is described as "a fundamental shift" in European defense strategy, sending a clear message of support to the people of Lithuania and the Baltic states.
References:
[1] Deutsche Welle (2025). Germany to deploy permanent brigade in Lithuania by 2027. [online] Available at: https://www.dw.com/en/germany-to-deploy-permanent-brigade-in-lithuania-by-2027/a-58935281
[2] Reuters (2025). Germany to station 4,800 soldiers in Lithuania by 2027. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/germany-station-4800-soldiers-lithuania-2027-2025-04-01/
[3] The Baltic Times (2025). Germany to station 4,800 soldiers in Lithuania by 2027. [online] Available at: https://www.baltictimes.com/germany_to_station_4800_soldiers_in_lithuania_by_2027/
[4] The Guardian (2025). Germany to station 4,800 soldiers in Lithuania by 2027. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/01/germany-to-station-4800-soldiers-in-lithuania-by-2027
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