German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, a member of the CDU, underscored the close cooperation between Germany and Lithuania, especially in the military arena. After meeting with Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginiené, he noted that the two states are not only close friends and partners but also indispensable allies within the European Union.
The discussion took place against the backdrop of the ongoing Russian war in Ukraine. Merz reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to supporting Ukraine, arguing that defending the country also safeguards the broader European political order. He stressed that any peace settlement in Ukraine must be negotiated with the Ukrainian people at its core and must rest on principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and international law.
Merz also addressed security on the northern flank of NATO’s eastern boundary, reminding listeners that Lithuania’s security is intrinsically linked to Germany’s. He highlighted Germany’s role in this context, citing the deployment of a Bundeswehr brigade in Lithuania as a tangible investment in European security.
Finally, Merz spoke about Europe’s resilience in a global competition, calling for technological sovereignty and a stronger economic foundation for security. Germany and Lithuania have prepared joint proposals for the European Commission aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of the European industry. He urged the EU to reduce bureaucracy and to strengthen the single market.