Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz travelled to Lithuania. Together with Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius, Merz took part in the ceremonial roll call of Armoured Brigade 45 “Lithuania” in Vilnius.

By stationing a Federal Armed Forces brigade there, Germany also wanted to send a signal to its allies: “Let's invest in our own security now,” said Federal Chancellor Merz at a joint press conference with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda.

Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the German government decided to strengthen NATO's north-eastern flank and establish a combat brigade in Lithuania. The brigade is set to grow to around 4,800 soldiers and 200 civilian employees by 2027.

Read the most important facts in brief here:

• Security: “The security of our Baltic allies is also our security. We stand firmly by the side of our partners in the Baltic States,” emphasised Merz with regard to the ongoing tense security situation in the Baltic States, which are on NATO's eastern flank. In partnership with Lithuania, Germany has thus created the conditions for stationing an entire brigade in Lithuania “at record speed”.
   
• Defence capability: In order to increase security throughout Europe, it is necessary to strengthen European defence capabilities in the long term. “Our defence industry must grow its capacities. It must produce more for Europe and in Europe,” declared the Chancellor.
   
• Peace: A ceasefire and lasting peace for Ukraine remain the goal of the Europeans' collective efforts. The Federal Chancellor emphasised: “Whenever possible, we seek to work together as a team with the US.” Pressure will continue to be exerted on Moscow, emphasised Merz, because: “It's not Ukraine's fault if negotiations don't move forward.”