Chairman of the EU Military Committee visit to Lithuania

General Brieger engaged in extensive bilateral talks with the whole leadership of the Lithuanian Armed Forces and the members of Committee on National Security and Defence, before meeting H.E. Mr Gitanas Nausėda, President of the Republic, and Dr Arvydas Anušauskas, Minister of National Defence. Concluding his visit, he also attended a presentation by the regional Cyber Defence Centre, and had the opportunity to meet local press representatives.

In all his meetings, General Brieger discussed relevant security and defence priorities for Lithuania, within the EU and NATO frameworks, the latest developments in Ukraine, and the medium-long term effects on EU security.

Addressing the grave situation at the eastern flank of Europe, he took the opportunity “to reiterate the gratitude by the EU institutions on Lithuania’s outstanding support and donations to Ukraine. In particular, Lithuania’s readiness to fully support our latest initiative, the EU Military Assistance Mission in Ukraine, is vividly appreciated, including the offer for some training modules.” He also underlined how more cooperation between EU and its partners, starting with NATO, is paramount in confronting Europe’s security challenges. In reference to the EU Strategic Compass, General Brieger underlined the importance of the current implementation phase, especially the development of the Rapid Deployment Capacity, which is a true spearhead of the EU’s ambition to project security where and when needed.

“On behalf of the 27 Chiefs of Defence I represent – said General Brieger before leaving – I would like to express all my appreciation for what Lithuania is doing in supporting the ambitions of the EU Common Defence project, including our CSDP missions and operations”.