Federal Chancellor Merz welcomed Lithuanian Prime Minister Sinkevičius with full military honours at the Federal Chancellery. The two heads of government provided details of their discussions during this working visit at a joint press conference.

Right at the outset, the Federal Chancellor emphasised how important the security of the Baltic states is for Germany’s security. The two heads of government discussed the situation in Ukraine and further support for the country following the Chancellor’s recent visit to Kyiv. In view of Lithuania’s forthcoming EU Council presidency, Merz welcomed the announced focus on security, defence and EU competitiveness.

The most important points in brief:

• Security: With the German brigade in Lithuania, Merz said, Germany is demonstrating just how seriously it takes solidarity within NATO. The aim here, he continued, is to secure NATO’s eastern flank as Moscow tests Europe with increasingly intense hybrid attacks. Russia is hoping to unsettle and divide Ukraine’s supporters: “Which is precisely what we will not allow,” said Federal Chancellor Merz. “We are coordinating closely to jointly fend off these hybrid attacks and, where necessary, to respond clearly and forcefully.”
• Ukraine: Merz stated that his recent trip to Kyiv had also been a key topic of discussion. “The aim is a sovereign Ukraine in a secure Europe,” the Federal Chancellor reaffirmed. After almost five long years of war, Russia must finally enter into peace negotiations, he said, noting that Ukrainians and Europeans would need to be at the table too. Until then, all partners will continue to support Ukraine – alongside Lithuania, which, Federal Chancellor Merz emphasised, is one of Kyiv’s biggest supporters on a per capita basis.
• EU Council presidency: In January 2027, Lithuania will take over the presidency of the EU Council. “This entails a special responsibility for Europe as a whole,” emphasised Federal Chancellor Merz, who welcomed the Lithuanian presidency’s intended focus on security and defence, as well as the EU’s competitiveness. Progress has to be made in this area, he said, noting that the next multiannual financial framework, for which the Federal Government intends to conclude negotiations this year, must also prioritise security and competitiveness.