Lithuania finds Germany increasingly crucial amidst current circumstances.
No doubt about it, Lithuania is locked between threat-posing neighbors. Russia's exclave Kaliningrad looms in the south, while Belarus, Putin's pal, presses in from the east. With all this going on, it's no surprise the topic of a NATO defense bubble has become the talk of the Lithuanian town.
Cue Germany, the crucial partner Lithuania needs now more than ever. Dominic Otto, the deputy managing director for the German-Baltic Chamber of Commerce, has seen it all — from the pomp and circumstance of the 45th Armored Brigade's permanent stationing in Lithuania, to the mutual assurances of support between German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda.
In a nutshell, both sides agreed: "We've got each other's backs." Merz went as far as to liken the defense of Lithuania to the defense of his hometown, Berlin, emphasizing Germany's readiness to defend the NATO eastern flank, should the need arise.
By 2027, 4,800 soldiers and another 200 civilian personnel will be in Lithuania — a fair-sized chunk of the country's population looking forward to the Germans, especially in light of perceived shaky USA support. It seems Germany is being tapped for a more significant leadership role.
Whether discussing trade, culture, or tourism, Dominic Otto always finds the Lithuanians keen on strengthening their connection with Germany. With this trend, economic interdependence is on the rise, bolstering the belief that Germany will step up in case of emergency.
Economy: More than Just Defense
Without a doubt, Lithuania is eager to attract foreign investment, with Germany leading the welcome party. Industries ranging from machinery and IT to finance, fintech, and biotechnology will benefit from this partnership. The focus? Sustainable energy infrastructure, a key point of sovereignty against Russia.
Since February 2025, Lithuania has severed ties with the Russian power grid and joined the European continental network. This is a pivotal step towards independence.
So, what's next for Germany in the global economic scene? Tune in to the ntv podcast "Economy World & Wide" for insights on the new world order, dependencies, and how countries are capitalizing on the changes. Available on various platforms, including ntv's app, and other podcast apps.
Sources: ntv.de
Extra Snippets:
- Trade and Investment: Booming bilateral trade between Germany and Lithuania resulted in Germany exporting goods worth over 5.5 billion euros to Lithuania in 2022, whereas Lithuania exported goods worth over 3.6 billion euros to Germany during the same period.
- German Investments: The Lithuanian Prime Minister has highlighted the importance of German investments in Lithuania, including projects in the defense sector, such as those involving Rheinmetall.
- Diaspora and Labor Market: Over 54,000 Lithuanian citizens living in Germany contribute to the economies of both countries through remittances and cultural exchange.
- Amidst the geopolitical tensions, Germany's Community policy and Employment policy are vital for Lithuania, as they not only ensure mutual defense but also foster economic interdependence in sectors like machinery, IT, finance, fintech, and biotechnology, with a focus on sustainable energy infrastructure.
- In the realm of General-news, the Political significance of Germany's participation in Lithuania is increasingly evident, as it seeks to strengthen its economic ties and provide leadership, especially in the context of Lithuania's severed relationship with the Russian power grid and its shift towards the European continental network.
