Construction Begins on German Base in Lithuania

Construction of a new German base in Lithuania began on Monday with its completion scheduled for 2027.

• In December 2023, the two countries signed a deal in which 5,000 German troops would be deployed to cover Europe’s eastern flank and deter Russia.
• In April, the first 20 troops were sent over to prepare for construction.

Time to ‘stand up’: German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius likened this move to when the Allies defended Germany from Russian aggression during the Cold War.

We were the ones who could always rely on our nato partners to stand by us in an emergency and to stand up and fight with us for our freedom and security in Germany. … We as the Federal Republic of Germany explicitly acknowledge our responsibility and our obligation as a nato member state, as the largest economy in Europe, to stand up for the protection of the eastern flank.
—Boris Pistorius

Significance: The deployment of a permanent brigade of German soldiers is the first of its kind since World War ii. As global tensions increase, the Trumpet expects Germany’s military to become more involved.

Learn more: Read “Why Germany’s New Military Base Matters.”