by ALEXANDER WELSCHER
In response to the changed security situation in Europe and Russia’s aggressive behaviour, Germany is about to station 5,000 soldiers in Lithuania to protect NATO’s Eastern flank. The first permanent deployment of a large German military unit abroad is a historic turning point – for Europe, Germany, and the Bundeswehr. And especially for the small, idyllic village of Rūdninkai, where the infrastructure for the German Brigade will be gradually established.
Only 1.5 kilometres from the centre of the village of 500 people, an entire military town is being built for the Bundeswehr: soldiers’ barracks, weapons and ammunition depots, logistics areas, and storage facilities for tanks and combat vehicles. Work is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2027 – and then almost ten times more soldiers will live and work there than Rūdninkai currently has inhabitants.
How do Rūdninkai residents feel about the German brigade’s relocation to their neighbourhood?
Rūdninkai residents have varied opinions about the German brigade’s relocation to their neighbourhood. Some residents are concerned that the military deployment might increase regional tensions and affect their peaceful way of life. Others find reassurance in the understanding that the brigade will strengthen Lithuania’s security and that their settlement will gain strategic importance. Some believe the brigade’s arrival could bring economic benefits: new jobs will emerge, businesses will expand, demand for housing and services will increase, and Rūdninkai will become better known. Currently, a waiting position prevails in Rūdninkai: planning is ongoing, along with meetings with representatives from the Ministry of National Defence and the local authority.
In 2021, there were protests and demonstrations against accommodating hundreds of migrants in a camp in Rūdninkai. Now there will be even more foreigners coming on a permanent basis.
A few years ago, there were indeed protests and dissatisfaction in Rūdninkai regarding the migrant camp. Residents were concerned about many foreigners arriving, with an uncertainty about how long they would stay, and whether security problems might arise. Now the situation with the German brigade is quite different.
So you are not concerned that a similar resident reaction might occur?
It must be understood that soldiers are coming here as NATO allies, will have their own accommodation, and won’t use local infrastructure as migrants did in the camp. They will be clearly organised and supervised. On the other hand, it might still be difficult for some people to accept that there will be so many soldiers in their village, as they’re accustomed to peaceful living, and a military presence always means certain changes. What’s most important for residents is feeling that their opinions are sought and that they are taken into account. If there is open and timely dialogue with the community, showing what benefits Rūdninkai will gain from this project, it’s likely there won’t be any major protests.
