Finance Minister of Germany to convene with Baltic counterparts in Lithuania; military personnel stationed in Lithuania.
Lars Klingbeil, the Finance Minister of Germany, visited Lithuania from July 28-29, 2025. The visit focused on strengthening European security through deeper cooperation with the Baltic states and advancing the deployment of a German brigade stationed in Lithuania.
During his stay, Klingbeil met with several high-level officials, including the finance ministers of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, as well as Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda and Defence Minister Dovilė Šakalienė.
In his meetings, Klingbeil emphasized Germany’s commitment to NATO and European security. He highlighted Germany's plan to fully deploy a brigade of about 4,000 to 5,000 troops in Lithuania by the end of 2027. This deployment, Klingbeil stated, sends “an important and unequivocal message” that Germany will stand by the Baltic allies and contribute actively to defense and deterrence against Russian aggression.
The visit included a trip to the German combat brigade's headquarters in Vilnius and a journey to Rukla, where German troops are currently stationed as part of NATO’s multinational battalion. Klingbeil thanked soldiers, civilian staff, and their families for their service, underscoring the significance of Germany’s first permanent overseas troop deployment.
Klingbeil also reinforced Germany’s commitment to supporting Ukraine financially, politically, and militarily in its defense against Russian aggression, aligning with the shared goals of the Baltic states and Germany to enhance European security.
The visit to Lithuania marked a significant step in strengthening the relationship between Germany and its Baltic allies. It serves as a concrete show of solidarity through troop deployment and bilateral partnerships, and it reinforces Germany’s intent to increase defense spending significantly and to accelerate the brigade’s establishment earlier than previously planned, demonstrating firm support for NATO’s eastern flank and the Baltic states’ security.
[1] BNS. (2025, July 28). German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil arrives in Lithuania. BNS News Agency. [2] BNS. (2025, July 29). German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil meets with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda. BNS News Agency. [3] Reuters. (2025, July 29). Germany's Klingbeil reaffirms support for Ukraine in Lithuania visit. Reuters. [4] DW. (2025, July 29). Germany to boost defense spending, accelerate deployment of troops to Lithuania. Deutsche Welle. [5] AP. (2025, July 30). Germany to fully deploy brigade of 4,000 to 5,000 troops in Lithuania by end of 2027. Associated Press.
[1] The discussions between Klingbeil and the finance ministers of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia covered not only finance matters but also the need for greater cooperation to address war-and-conflicts and strengthen European security.
[2] During his meeting with President Gitanas Nausėda, Klingbeil also discussed the political implications of the troop deployment in Lithuania, emphasizing its importance in the context of general-news regarding European defense.
