German president reaffirms NATO commitment at Lithuania national day

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier pledged support for Lithuania's security during a visit to Vilnius on Sunday, marking the Baltic country's national day and highlighting Germany's commitment to NATO's eastern flank.

Steinmeier visited the headquarters of the German armoured brigade in Lithuania, which is preparing for the unit's deployment to the country.

"With the stationing of a German brigade in Lithuania, we are making a lasting promise: Your security is our security," Steinmeier said at the national day celebrations.

From 2027, around 5,000 soldiers of the German armoured brigade are to be permanently stationed in Lithuania to counter threats from Russia and strengthen NATO's eastern flank.

The brigade was officially put into service in May. However, the barracks and housing for the soldiers and their families still have to be built before the full German brigade can be deployed to Lithuania.

"This brigade represents mutual responsibility and loyalty to the alliance, as we know that whoever defends Lithuania defends Europe and defends Europe's values. And that is what you do, dear Lithuanians, every day," Steinmeier said.

The German president made no mention of Russia, which is seen as a threat by many in Lithuania - which borders the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad and Moscow's ally Belarus.

Ahead of the visit, Steinmeier's office said his invitation as a guest of honour by Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda was seen in Berlin as a special distinction and proof of the close relations between the two countries. Steinmeier was accompanied by his wife Elke Büdenbender.

Lithuanian president hails 'European solidarity'

Speaking at a military ceremony in front of his official residence in Vilnius, Nausėda described the brigade as a "powerful signal of European solidarity and responsibility," and thanked Steinmeier for Germany's commitment to defending Europe's borders along with Lithuania.

Steinmeier said he was proud that Germany was standing with Lithuanians. "Here in Lithuania, you know that neither freedom nor peace are given. Freedom is not a condition. Freedom is a task," he said.

At a joint press conference, both presidents emphasized that the armoured brigade would bring Germany and Lithuania even closer.

Steinmeier made it clear that Germany's support extends beyond Lithuania to Latvia and Estonia as well. "Germany's strong and growing commitment to protecting NATO's eastern flank is a sign of our reliability as a NATO partner and of our truly deep ties to our eastern neighbours," he said.

German president welcomes debate on military service

Given the heightened security situation in Europe, Steinmeier said he welcomed the debate on a return to compulsory military service in Germany.

This would not be possible overnight, he said. "But we must continue this discussion. Because if there are not enough volunteers to fill the gaps, then, in view of the changed security situation in Europe, we will have no choice but to return to conscription."

The German military aims to recruit at least 60,000 more soldiers to comply with new NATO capability targets.

This has led to renewed debate over whether Germany needs to reintroduce compulsory military service, more than a decade after it was suspended.

The German government under Chancellor Friedrich Merz has committed to seeking voluntary military service as part of its coalition agreement.