PM in Berlin: Lithuania and Germany Share a Common Future
Following a meeting in Berlin with German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius emphasized that Germany and Lithuania are like-minded strategic partners.
The Prime Minister thanked Germany for its historic decision to permanently station a brigade in Lithuania and stressed that the Lithuanian Government’s priority is to create all the necessary conditions for the full deployment of a combat-ready German brigade by the end of 2027.
“Germany’s role is crucial to Europe’s security and to Europe’s future as a whole. The words spoken by Chancellor F. Merz have been inscribed on the wall of Vilnius City Hall: ‘Lithuania’s security is our security. The defense of Vilnius is the defense of Berlin.’ These words are more meaningful than ever, and we are pleased to see the friendship between Lithuania and Germany growing ever stronger. Germany is taking the lead in ensuring a secure Europe, and we greatly appreciate this. I want to make one thing absolutely clear: Germany can count on Lithuania,” Prime Minister M. Sinkevičius said.
Lithuania is currently allocating 5.38% of its gross domestic product (GDP) directly to defense. Including other investments in defense-related projects, Lithuania is investing 6–7% of GDP in national defense. A significant share of this investment is being directed toward preparations to host the German brigade. According to M. Sinkevičius, Lithuania is committed to providing German troops, as well as the forces of any other allies, with the best possible conditions for service.
The Prime Minister and the German Federal Chancellor also discussed the need to further strengthen air defense on NATO’s eastern flank and ensure credible and effective defense capabilities, with the development of air defense given priority.
Prime Minister M. Sinkevičius thanked Germany for remaining one of Ukraine’s largest supporters and stressed the need to increase military assistance to Ukraine and maintain pressure on Russia. With winter approaching, Ukraine’s air defense and energy resilience remain particularly important. The Prime Minister noted that Lithuania supports Ukraine’s faster integration into the European Union.
The talks also covered economic ties and cooperation in the defense industry. Germany is one of Lithuania’s most important economic partners and its largest foreign investor. The two countries seek to expand joint manufacturing, investment and innovation in Lithuania, including the Rheinmetall project in Baisogala and the assembly of Leopard 2A8 tanks in Lithuania.
This is the first such working visit by a Lithuanian prime minister to Berlin, with meetings scheduled with all the key representatives of the German leadership—not only Chancellor F. Merz, but also President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil, Bundestag President Julia Klöckner and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.
Last updated: 06-10-2026
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