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Economic Times
22-05-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
First time since World War II, Germany sends troops to Lithuania on long-term basis, has it sensed something?
In a move that breaks with decades of post-WWII tradition, Germany has begun its first long-term overseas troop deployment. The country is stationing thousands of soldiers in Lithuania, a NATO ally that borders Russia and Belarus. The decision reflects Europe's growing security concerns as tensions with Russia persist. The deployment is framed as a NATO defence move, with the goal of deterring Russian aggression. Germany's 45th Armoured Brigade "Lithuania" held its inauguration ceremony in Lithuania's capital, Vilnius. The defence ministry of Lithuania declared it to be "the official beginning of this military unit's operations in Lithuania,' as per a report by Business Insider. About 500 German soldiers are currently stationed in Lithuania, according to the country's defence ministry, which announced on Thursday that the German brigade, complete with three manoeuvre battalions and all of its logistics and combat support, will now be permanently moved there. By the end of 2027, the brigade hopes to be fully staffed, with 5,000 German soldiers and civilians working there. There have been warnings that Russia may attack other parts of Europe besides READ: U.S issues travel advisory for Switzerland, one of the world's richest and advanced nations, here are reasons it cited Both Germany and Lithuania have presented the action as a means of defending Europe and NATO as a whole, especially against 45th Armoured Brigade's commander, Brig. Gen. Christoph Huber, stated in April that the unit was being established "for the alliance, for Lithuania, for Europe's security."According to a statement released by Lithuania's defence minister, Dovilė Šakalienė, Germany's troops "are here to defend freedom as well as the entire alliance."She referred to Germany's troop deployment as "a historic example of leadership."For Germany, which has shied away from significant defence spending and actions since World War II, the move is noteworthy. However, since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Germany has increased its defence budget, and this month, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that his government will provide funds to make its army the "strongest conventional army in Europe,' as per a report by Business Insider. Since Russia began its invasion, Ukraine has made Lithuania, a NATO member that borders the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad, and Belarus, a Russian ally, one of its most vocal is among the nations that issue the loudest warnings about potential Russian aggression and one of NATO's largest defence expenditures relative to its stated that Lithuania "will continue to do everything to create all the infrastructure on time, to provide the necessary host nation support, and to ensure that the German soldiers feel at home."Even as President Donald Trump turns away from his longstanding European allies, Šakalienė told BI in February that she hoped the US troops would continue to serve in to Šakalienė, her nation wanted US troops to remain, and she anticipated that the US could work "eye to eye" with nations that make adequate defence is Germany sending troops to Lithuania now?Following the war in Ukraine, NATO will help defend its eastern border and deter Russian aggression. What number of German troops will be in Lithuania? By the end of 2027, an estimated 5,000 soldiers and civilians will be permanently stationed.
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
First time since World War II, Germany sends troops to Lithuania on long-term basis, has it sensed something?
Germany has initiated its first long-term overseas troop deployment since World War II, stationing thousands of soldiers in Lithuania, a NATO ally bordering Russia and Belarus. This historic move reflects growing European security concerns amid persistent tensions with Russia. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Is this move a response to Russia's actions in Ukraine? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Why is this German deployment considered historic? What role does Lithuania play in NATO's defense strategy? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads FAQs In a move that breaks with decades of post-WWII tradition, Germany has begun its first long-term overseas troop country is stationing thousands of soldiers in Lithuania, a NATO ally that borders Russia and Belarus. The decision reflects Europe's growing security concerns as tensions with Russia deployment is framed as a NATO defence move, with the goal of deterring Russian 45th Armoured Brigade "Lithuania" held its inauguration ceremony in Lithuania's capital, Vilnius. The defence ministry of Lithuania declared it to be "the official beginning of this military unit's operations in Lithuania,' as per a report by Business 500 German soldiers are currently stationed in Lithuania, according to the country's defence ministry, which announced on Thursday that the German brigade, complete with three manoeuvre battalions and all of its logistics and combat support, will now be permanently moved the end of 2027, the brigade hopes to be fully staffed, with 5,000 German soldiers and civilians working there. There have been warnings that Russia may attack other parts of Europe besides Ukraine. U.S issues travel advisory for Switzerland, one of the world's richest and advanced nations, here are reasons it cited Both Germany and Lithuania have presented the action as a means of defending Europe and NATO as a whole, especially against 45th Armoured Brigade's commander, Brig. Gen. Christoph Huber, stated in April that the unit was being established "for the alliance, for Lithuania, for Europe's security."According to a statement released by Lithuania's defence minister, Dovilė Šakalienė, Germany's troops "are here to defend freedom as well as the entire alliance."She referred to Germany's troop deployment as "a historic example of leadership."For Germany, which has shied away from significant defence spending and actions since World War II, the move is since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Germany has increased its defence budget, and this month, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that his government will provide funds to make its army the "strongest conventional army in Europe,' as per a report by Business Russia began its invasion, Ukraine has made Lithuania, a NATO member that borders the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad, and Belarus, a Russian ally, one of its most vocal is among the nations that issue the loudest warnings about potential Russian aggression and one of NATO's largest defence expenditures relative to its stated that Lithuania "will continue to do everything to create all the infrastructure on time, to provide the necessary host nation support, and to ensure that the German soldiers feel at home."Even as President Donald Trump turns away from his longstanding European allies, Šakalienė told BI in February that she hoped the US troops would continue to serve in to Šakalienė, her nation wanted US troops to remain, and she anticipated that the US could work "eye to eye" with nations that make adequate defence the war in Ukraine, NATO will help defend its eastern border and deter Russian the end of 2027, an estimated 5,000 soldiers and civilians will be permanently stationed.
Euronews
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Euronews
Germany bolsters NATO's eastern flank with new brigade in Lithuania
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has travelled to Lithuania to formally inaugurate a German brigade stationed there to bolster NATO's eastern flank. Merz was welcomed on Thursday by Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys. The 45th Armoured Brigade's inauguration is set to take place in Vilnius' central square, and more than 1,000 Lithuanian and German troops are expected to attend. This new unit, which consists of 4,800 troops and 200 civilian personnel, aims to strengthen NATO's presence in the region in light of Russia's threat. The stationing of German troops in Lithuania is hoped to discourage potential Russian aggression and provide added protection to the Baltic states. The brigade, which will include infantry and tank battalions, should be fully operational by 2027, according to Lithuania. Around 700 German military personnel are already serving there. The unit's posting abroad is part of a German security policy initiative known as the 'Zeitenwende' (Turning Point), which former Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced at the outbreak of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022. Although Germany has in recent decades participated in worldwide military operations, this move marks Germany's most significant military deployment since World War II. Merz's first visit to Lithuania as chancellor also includes a meeting with President Gitanas Nausėda. Their talks are expected to cover Lithuanian-German bilateral relations, defence cooperation, support for Ukraine and key issues on the EU's agenda.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
German troops start long-term deployment in another country for the first time since World War II
A German brigade has started operations in Lithuania, a NATO state that borders part of Russia. It's the first time Germany has put troops in another country on a long-term basis since World War II. Both countries describe it as a step to protect Europe and NATO. Germany has stationed troops abroad on a long-term basis for the first time since World War II, with a new brigade starting operations in Lithuania on Thursday. The inauguration ceremony for Germany's 45th Armoured Brigade "Lithuania" took place in Vilnius, Lithuania's capital. Lithuania's defense ministry said it marked "the official beginning of this military unit's operations in Lithuania." The move has been framed by both Lithuania and Germany as one intended to protect Europe and NATO at large, particularly against Russia. Some have warned that Russia might not stop at Ukraine, and could attack elsewhere in Europe. Dovilė Šakalienė, Lithuania's defense minister, said in a statement on Thursday that Germany's troops "are here to defend freedom as well as the entire alliance." She also called Germany's deployment of its troops "a historic example of leadership." Brig. Gen. Christoph Huber, the commander of the 45th Armored Brigade, said in April that it was being created "for the alliance, for Lithuania, for Europe's security." The move is a notable one for Germany, which has leaned away from heavy defense actions and spending since World War II. But Germany's defense spending has grown since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, and Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz said this month that his government will provide resources to make its army the "strongest conventional army in Europe." Lithuania, a NATO member state that borders the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad, as well as Russian ally Belarus, has been one of Ukraine's most vocal allies since Russia launched its invasion. It is also one of NATO's biggest defense spenders as a proportion of its GDP, and one of the countries warning the loudest about future Russian aggression. Lithuania's defense ministry said on Thursday that there are already around 500 soldiers from Germany in the country, and that the German brigade will now be permanently relocated to Lithuania, including three manoeuvre battalions and all of its combat support and logistics. The brigade aims to be at full capacity by the end of 2027, which would mean 5,000 German soldiers and civilians operating there. Šakalienė said that Lithuania "will continue to do everything to create all the infrastructure on time, to provide the necessary host nation support, and to ensure that the German soldiers feel at home." US troops are also serving in Lithuania, something Šakalienė told BI in February she hoped would continue, even as President Donald Trump distances himself from longtime allies in Europe. Šakalienė said her country wanted US troops to stay and said she expected the US could see "eye to eye" with countries that pay enough on defense. Šakalienė also told BI that Europe "needs to up our defense spending very fast and very significantly," and that Europe's defense production needs to increase to match Russia's. Russia's invasion of Ukraine has sparked a flurry of defense agreements between countries, and a boost in military spending and production across Europe. Read the original article on Business Insider
Euronews
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Euronews
Chancellor Merz inaugurates German brigade in Lithuania in NATO boost
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has travelled to Lithuania for the formal inauguration of a German brigade stationed there to bolster NATO's eastern flank. Merz was welcomed on Thursday by Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys. The inauguration of the 45th Armoured Brigade is set to take place in Vilnius' central square, with more than 1,000 Lithuanian and German troops expected to attend. The aim of this new unit, which consists of 4,800 troops and 200 civilian personnel, is to strengthen NATO's presence in the region in light of the threat posed by Russia. It is hoped that the stationing of German troops in Lithuania will discourage potential Russian aggression and provide added protection to the Baltic states. The brigade, which will include infantry and tank battalions, should be fully operational by 2027, according to Lithuania. Around 700 German military personnel are already serving there. The unit's posting abroad is part of a German security policy initiative known as the 'Zeitenwende' (Turning Point), which was announced by former Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the outbreak of Russia's full-scale invasion. Although Germany has in recent decades participated in worldwide military operations, this move marks Germany's most significant military deployment since World War II. Merz's first visit to Lithuania as chancellor also includes a meeting with President Gitanas Nausėda. Their talks are expected to cover Lithuanian-German bilateral relations, defence cooperation, support for Ukraine and key issues on the EU's agenda. French authorities are exploring a radical option to tackle severe overcrowding in the country's prisons: renting cells in other European countries. But while the idea, floated by French President Emmanuel Macron in a recent televised interview with national broadcaster TF1, has sparked some interest, it's also attracted criticism from some in the prisons system who see logistical, legal and ethical challenges. "Holland rented out its prison beds to Belgium with its own staff but under Belgian law. The Dutch personnel had to be trained to understand how things worked in Belgian prisons," explained Dominique Simmonot, France's Controller-General for Places of Deprivation of Liberty, an independent public body in charge of controlling the country's prisons. "And secondly, family visits were extremely complicated due to visa requirements and the distance," Simmonot added. "In the end, Belgium abandoned the project, so I see no reason to repeat the experiment." With more than 82,900 inmates and just 62,000 prison cells, France is rapidly running out of space. It's also the third-worst performer in Europe for prison overcrowding, behind Cyprus and Romania, according to a study by the Council of Europe published last year. Annabelle Bouchet, Deputy Secretary General of the SNEPAP-FSU prison staff union and a long-serving probation officer, also doesn't believe the idea is realistic. "There are some very concrete elements that, in my opinion, make it very, very, very difficult to implement such an idea," Bouchet told Euronews. "Firstly, from a budgetary point of view, going abroad to rent premises has a cost. And today, the state of French public finances is such that budget cuts have to be made everywhere. I don't see how it could be profitable to send convicts to another facility outside our borders," she pointed out. As a probation officer, Bouchet also mentioned the potential strain on reintegration, warning that placing prisoners far from their families and support networks could affect their long-term rehabilitation. "Deporting people who have been sentenced and incarcerated means they're far from their families, but it also means they're far from the employment areas and actors that will enable them to be reintegrated into society," she explained. Earlier this year, French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin suggested building modular prison units to house inmates serving shorter sentences. Macron has also expressed interest in streamlining the construction of 5,000 new places using faster, lighter structures. But according to those who work in the system, sending inmates abroad or building more units will not fix prison overcrowding. Bouchet believes alternative sentencing and better mental health and addiction counselling could help reduce the prison population. "Today, not all of the people who are sick and who commit offences because of their addiction or mental health issues should be in prison. We need to think of another solution because prison is not the answer to everything," she said. France is not the first country to explore this option. Between 2010 and 2016, Belgium rented 680 prison places in the Dutch town of Tilburg. In 2021, Denmark signed a 10-year, €210 million agreement to lease 300 cells in Kosovo. And Estonia has expressed interest in renting out vacant space in its prisons to other countries, estimating potential annual revenue of €30 million. While the Danish-Kosovan deal amounts to nearly €200 per inmate per day, France's daily cost per prisoner currently ranges from €100 to €250, depending on the type of facility, according to broadcaster TF1. Belgium's previous partnership with the Netherlands amounted to €40 million annually, due in part to staffing costs.
