Together with Poland and Denmark, Germany wishes to invite Lithuania to bolster the Multinational Corps Northeast in Szczecin as the fourth framework nation. To this end, the Federal Cabinet has now passed a resolution to that effect. Lithuania’s accession to the Corps is intended to strengthen security policy cooperation on the northeastern flank. The Corps is responsible for conducting operations on NATO’s northeastern flank.

Deterrence and defence capabilities to be strengthened

Lithuania’s accession marks a significant milestone in the further development of the Corps. It also broadens the basis for the sharing of burdens and responsibilities within the Corps. As an ally situated directly on NATO’s eastern flank, Lithuania has a great deal of experience in dealing with security policy challenges in the Baltic region.

The expansion strengthens deterrence and defence capabilities on NATO’s eastern flank and underlines the readiness of the partners within the alliance to jointly address security policy challenges in the Euro-Atlantic area. At the same time, Lithuania’s accession sends a clear signal of unity and solidarity within NATO.

The headquarters of the Multinational Corps Northeast is located in Szczecin and forms part of the NATO Force Structure. It was set up in 1999. There are currently around 400 soldiers and civilian staff from more than 20 countries serving on the Corps’ staff in Szczecin. The headquarters commands the multinational land forces already assigned to it on NATO’s northeastern flank. If necessary, it is designed to be able to command numerous additional troops for the protection of the northeastern flank.