Germany to order soldiers to Lithuania after volunteer shortfall

Germany’s armed forces will order hundreds of soldiers to move to Lithuania after failing to recruit enough volunteers for a new unit on NATO’s eastern flank, mbl.is reports. The first soldiers could receive orders as early as the end of September.

Germany’s Defence Ministry confirmed the compulsory transfers after the German newspaper Bild first reported the plans. About 80% of positions in the 45th Armoured Brigade have been filled by volunteers, but personnel are still needed for several specialist roles.

According to Bild, up to 1,000 Bundeswehr personnel could be required to transfer. The Defence Ministry expects the final number to be several hundred, partly because volunteer applications are continuing.

4,800 German soldiers planned for Lithuania

Germany plans to have about 4,800 soldiers permanently stationed in Lithuania by the end of 2027. The brigade’s main base will be in Rūdninkai, about 30 kilometres from the Belarusian border.

The deployment is intended to strengthen NATO’s eastern flank and the alliance’s deterrence against Russia. Around 40% of the personnel needed for two battalions scheduled to move to Lithuania next year has yet to be recruited. They are Panzer Battalion 203 and Panzergrenadier Battalion 122.

Soldiers ordered to transfer can challenge the decision in court. The Defence Ministry also says it will take their personal circumstances into account as far as possible.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said at a summit in Finland this week that Europe could now be facing decisive weeks or months in defending peace and freedom on the continent.

“If Russia succeeds in achieving its aim, it will have unforeseeable and unprecedented consequences for us all, including Germany,” Merz said.