Merz: Germany Will Strengthen NATO's Eastern Flank Defense
Xinhua News Agency, Berlin, October 5 (Reporter Zhang Yirong, Li Chao) - German Chancellor Merz stated on the 5th that Germany will continue to strengthen NATO's eastern flank defense and deepen cooperation with NATO allies such as Lithuania to address the "security threats" posed by Russia.
Merz made the remarks at a joint press conference after talks in Berlin with visiting Lithuanian Prime Minister Šimonytė. Merz stated that Germany and Lithuania will further enhance cooperation in areas such as cyber defense, armed forces, and defense industry to jointly counter "hybrid attacks" from Russia. He said the two countries will strengthen deterrence against Russia, continue to support Ukraine, and promote Russia's participation in peace negotiations.
He also mentioned that Germany plans to complete the full establishment of a battalion stationed in Lithuania by the end of 2027. This will be the first large-scale military deployment by Germany abroad for a long term since World War II.
Šimonytė stated that Europe must take on more responsibility for its own defense. Lithuania's defense budget this year reached 5.38% of its GDP, approximately 4.8 billion euros. Lithuania is strengthening air defense, missile, and drone defense, and enhancing other key capabilities.
Germany will strengthen NATO's eastern flank defense and deepen cooperation with Lithuania to counter security threats from Russia. This includes enhancing cyber defense and armed forces collaboration. Germany plans to establish a battalion in Lithuania by the end of 2027, marking its first long-term military deployment abroad since World War II. Lithuania's defense budget has reached 5.38% of its GDP, focusing on air defense and missile capabilities.
- Germany will strengthen NATO's eastern flank defense.
- Germany plans to complete the establishment of a battalion in Lithuania by the end of 2027.
- Germany and Lithuania will enhance cooperation in cyber defense and armed forces.
- Lithuania's defense budget is 5.38% of its GDP, approximately 4.8 billion euros.
- Lithuania is enhancing its air defense and missile capabilities.