Sinkevičius, Pistorius Discuss German Brigade and NATO’s Eastern Flank
During a working visit to Berlin, Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius met with German Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius to discuss the progress of deployment of the German brigade in Lithuania and the defense of NATO’s eastern flank, with a particular focus on air defense.
Prime Minister M. Sinkevičius assured that Lithuania would meet all its commitments on schedule and create all the necessary conditions for the deployment of a combat-ready brigade by the end of 2027. According to the Prime Minister, infrastructure development is proceeding according to plan, while Lithuania is simultaneously strengthening its national defense capabilities.
“Security begins with preparedness. The German brigade in Lithuania is not only a military capability—it is a clear demonstration of our Allies’ determination to defend NATO’s eastern flank. Together, we must turn this determination into even stronger capabilities and greater readiness,” the Prime Minister said.
The talks covered the security situation on NATO’s eastern flank and air defense capabilities. Lithuania is seeking to ensure that NATO defense plans are backed by real capabilities and that the development of air defense capabilities on the eastern flank is accelerated.
Lithuania stresses that greater European responsibility for its own defense must strengthen NATO and the security of the entire Euro-Atlantic area, while maintaining a strong transatlantic link, which remains an indispensable foundation of collective defense.
“As Europe’s security architecture undergoes transformation, we must avoid capability gaps. Germany’s leadership in strengthening European security is particularly important in this regard,” M. Sinkevičius said.
The talks also underscored the need to continue providing Ukraine with all possible support. Lithuania has committed to allocating at least 0.25% of its GDP to military assistance for Ukraine, with particular attention to air defense, Ukraine’s defense industry and long-range ammunition.