Friedrich Merz, current German Chancellor, made this week’s most significant trip to Lithuania. It followed his decision to commemorate Berlin’s first permanent foreign troop deployment since the Second World War. This important step underscores Germany’s commitment to its NATO partners. Doing this shows a bigger picture approach to bolster European defenses, particularly against threats they see coming from Russia.
On the first leg of his trip to Washington this week, Merz pushed European allies to fundamentally raise their military game. He thanked the state’s first responders and law enforcement and called for a united front to strengthen support against tightened tensions in the area. Together with our partners, we remain resolute to protect alliance territory from any threat or aggression. The security of our Baltic allies is not only their security, but our security as well,” he said.
The visit coincided with welcoming ceremony. This event was significant in that it represented the official formation of an armored brigade committed to protecting NATO’s eastern flank. Germany’s 45th Armored Brigade, Panzerbrigade 45, is one such brigade. This strategic deployment marks the beginning of a German heavy footprint, a major transformation in Germany’s military posture in Europe.
Merz’s ambitious pledge hadn’t always seemed in reach. He announced that Germany—Europe’s largest economy—will set a military spending target of 3.5% of its GDP for procurement and 1.5% for military-related infrastructure by 2032. Finally, Lithuania is committed to increasing its defense spending up to 2 percent of GDP. By next year, the country plans to spend at least 5% of its GDP – well above NATO’s target of 2%.
In addition, Merz has already started the process to free up the constitutional debt brake, allowing for an even greater boost in military spending. This dramatic policy shift is meant to create Europe’s “strongest conventional army” after decades of underfunding. His clear and often very powerful rhetoric has been matched by extraordinary support from partners across Europe. This backing marks a continuation and extension of the Zeitenwende, or “turning point,” in Germany’s defense policy.
Merz reassured stakeholders regarding U.S. military presence in Europe, stating, “I have no indication that the US would withdraw troops from Europe.” This comment underscores Germany’s desire to keep transatlantic ties strong while doubling down on its own military preparedness.
The Chancellor’s visit follows a growing consensus among European nations regarding the seriousness of “Russia’s aggressive revisionism,” which he noted poses severe security risks across the continent, extending beyond Ukraine.
Merz underscored the importance of military pledges as well as cooperation within NATO. He highlighted the importance of Germany’s role in defending Germany’s Baltic allies. He reiterated, “We stand firmly by Ukraine but we stand together as Europeans as a whole and we play, whenever possible, as a team with the US.”
Dovilė Šakalienė, a member of the Lithuanian parliament, expressed similar feelings about the changing regional security environment. She remarked, “Every Lithuanian knows: if the Russians come, no one will be spared,” highlighting the urgency felt by Baltic nations in light of current geopolitical tensions. She further added, “We understand the threat and believe that we can face up to the threat with our allies.”
The deployment of German troops to Lithuania is an unprecedented step for the Bundeswehr. This move marks a new era of European military collaboration, with an emphasis on stability in Eastern Europe.