During his visit, Minister Klingbeil met with his fellow finance ministers from Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. Their talks focused on defence financing, measures to boost competitiveness, the Savings and Investment Union and the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework.
In addition, he met with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda and Lithuanian Defence Minister Dovilė Šakalienė. His visit demonstrated Germany’s firm commitment to the Baltic states’ security and to the protection of NATO’s eastern flank.
While in Lithuania, Minister Klingbeil visited the German combat brigade that is currently being established there. He also visited the NATO Multinational Battlegroup Lithuania. He thanked the Bundeswehr soldiers and civilian staff, as well as their families, for their valuable service.
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The German government is pressing forward with the Bundeswehr’s first permanent deployment of troops abroad. In so doing, it is sending the clear message that borders cannot be altered by force. Anyone who attacks other countries in violation of international law and threatens them with military force will be met with the full strength and solidarity of the NATO alliance.
By committing to a massive increase in defence spending, the German government is ensuring that the new brigade will be deployed successfully. Germany is investing in the defence of the alliance, and in Europe’s joint security.
