Lithuania ratified yesterday a joint agreement with Germany to deploy German combat brigade in the Baltic NATO member country, and all 88 deputies who attended the vote supported the plan, DPA reported, quoted by BTA.
The agreement concluded in Berlin on September 13 provides for the deployment of both German soldiers and civilians from the German armed forces in Lithuania.
In response to the changed security situation in Europe after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Germany has decided to permanently deploy its combat brigade to Lithuania, which should be ready by 2027. The plan calls for up to 5,000 German troops to be stationed in the country military personnel, 80% of whom will be based at the military base in Rudninkai, and the rest - in the southern Lithuanian city of Rukla.
A German command unit of about 20 military personnel came to Lithuania as early as April 8, and another 120 people are expected to arrive in early October.
Lithuanian MPs began debating the plan last week after German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius addressed parliament. Lithuania's Minister of National Defense Laurinas Kaschunas hailed the step as "another cornerstone of the strategic partnership" with Germany.
German lawmakers must also ratify the agreement, although no date has yet been set. During his recent visit to Lithuania, Pistorius said he expects the ratification process to be completed next year.