By signing the Memorandum of Understanding, we create a framework for exchange between the two SAIs: this will enable us to support our Lithuanian colleagues with our expertise from audits in the defence sector. In return, we will benefit from the experience of a country on NATO's eastern flank whose population feels particularly threatened. The Lithuanian National Audit Office is currently focusing closely on civil protection and compulsory military service, for example.
The German SAI visited the Lithuanian National Audit Office to discuss the comprehensive military cooperation between Germany and Lithuania. Our President Kay Scheller signed a Memorandum of Understanding with his counterpart Irena Segalovičienė in Vilnius.
The core element of military cooperation is the Lithuania Brigade (45 Armoured Brigade "Lithuania"). This is a brigade of the Bundeswehr that has recently been established and that will be permanently deployed in Lithuania. It serves to strengthen NATO's eastern flank. For the first time since their establishment, the Bundeswehr will permanently base a complete German brigade abroad. It is expected to be operational from 2027. By this time, 4,800 soldiers and 200 civilian staff will be based in Lithuania.
President Kay Scheller was welcomed by Brigade Commander Christoph Huber during a visit to the brigade staff in Vilnius. Source: Bundeswehr/Hausschild.
Multi-billion-euro investment
The deployment of the Lithuania Brigade involves considerable financial commitments. The German government assumes the initial funding demand to hit 6 billion euros. The annual operating costs are projected to amount to approximately one billion euros. Lithuania, as the host country, provides the military infrastructure. It invests over one billion euros in barracks and training facilities. This is the largest single government investment in Lithuania's history.
Construction work has begun at the new Bundeswehr base in Lithuania. Source: Bundesrechnungshof.
Germany and Lithuania work hand in hand – at the military level and in government auditing – for security and freedom in Europe.
