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Maintaining security by ensuring our defence readiness: Foreign Minister Wadephul visits Lithuania
Visit to the Bundeswehr 45th Armoured Brigade “Litauen” in Nemencine © picture alliance / photothek
Foreign Minister Wadephul travelled to Lithuania on 5 January. Read on to find out how we are jointly protecting Europe and doing our utmost to support Ukraine.
Lithuania and Germany are the closest of partners in the European Union and in NATO. Not only do we share common values, but we are also united by action as we assume greater responsibility than ever before for the security of our continent. Germany recently stationed two Eurofighters in Malbork, Poland, to further strengthen aerial surveillance along the eastern flank. Moreover, with its brigade in Lithuania, the Bundeswehr is making a key contribution to our Alliance’s security along NATO’s eastern flank.
The fact that Germany is stationing such a brigade abroad for the first time is an indication of how serious the situation is, but also of the strength of our resolve to stand by our friends and allies. The immense trust being placed in us in this connection, also by the people of Lithuania, is both a mark of recognition and an obligation.
-Statement by Foreign Minister Wadephul prior to his departure for Vilnius
“Lithuania’s security is also our security”
The inscription of these words – spoken by Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the military roll call for the German brigade – on a plaque that is now displayed on the town hall in Vilnius strongly underscores our close relationship and our shared responsibility. Germany stands firmly by Lithuania’s side – particularly since, due to its location between Kaliningrad and Belarus, it is very much feeling the security-policy impact of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
Key security partners in the Baltic Sea region
Hardly any other part of Europe is currently experiencing as much geopolitical tension as the Baltic Sea region. Through hybrid threats, cyberattacks, GPS disruptions, disinformation campaigns and acts of sabotage, Russia is testing our resilience on a daily basis. As recently as late last December, Finnish authorities were forced to seize a vessel after an undersea cable was cut. Germany and Lithuania are responding to these challenges with determination and staunch solidarity.
Germany and Lithuania are in complete agreement in this situation: only resolute action can help us to steer Russia away from ever more escalation. In order to achieve this, we are working hand in hand with Lithuania and our partners in NATO and the EU – with more control measures on the Baltic Sea, with greater vigilance and with investment in more robust infrastructure. The NATO operation Baltic Sentry has already proved its worth in this regard.
-Statement by Foreign Minister Wadephul prior to his departure for Vilnius
Also at European level, we are taking strong action by imposing sanctions and closely coordinating our efforts towards enhancing our security and countering hybrid threats through resilience. Russia is also attempting to influence elections and destabilise institutions in our immediate neighbourhood, for example in Moldova or in the Western Balkans. We are decisively opposing this as the EU and supporting our partners, for example by helping them build more resilient infrastructure. Lithuania therefore remains a key security partner for Germany in the Baltic Sea region – firmly rooted in our joint European efforts to promote peace and stability and support Ukraine.