The possibilities for real estate developers to participate in projects for the accommodation of German brigade soldiers and their families were discussed today, February 22, at the Ministry of National Defense and during the event “Industry Day” organized by the Lithuanian Real Estate Development Association (LNTPA). During the event, 19 real estate developers presented to representatives from Germany the current and planned residential projects – from shared living spaces to family-oriented housing.
“With German soldiers coming to Lithuania, civilians and family members will also arrive, so there will be a need for housing and services. Although we have not yet received confirmed needs and requirements from the Germans regarding the accommodation model, we believe that one option to meet the housing needs could be long-term rental. Therefore, today, we presented various accommodation options suitable for both soldiers and their families. The next step is to receive feedback from the German side on which type of projects would best meet the expectations of those arriving,” said Colonel Lieutenant Remigijus Mika, Director of the Logistics Department at the Ministry of National Defense.
Housing for soldiers arriving with their families is being sought for long-term rental possibilities in Vilnius or Kaunas. One of the most important requirements is quick access to future duty locations, and for the families of soldiers, accessibility to educational institutions. In the largest cities in the country, opportunities are being explored to accommodate soldiers arriving both with and without families. Today, planned or already under construction projects in Vilnius and Kaunas were presented to inform the German side about the projects currently being developed by Lithuania’s leading real estate developers.
In Rūdninkai, military infrastructure will be developed most intensively – not only barracks but also headquarters, a cafeteria, technical repair and garage infrastructure, and internal roads will be established. These facilities in Rūdninkai and Rukla are planned to be developed in collaboration with the private and public sectors through public-private partnerships (PPP). Therefore, it is crucial that major Lithuanian construction contractors, who not only have the capability to build but also to finance projects, participate in announced infrastructure development tenders. The majority of the infrastructure in Rukla is planned to be developed through NATO support and the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA).
The German brigade will arrive in Lithuania in stages – this year, Lithuania will host the first soldiers, and by 2027, the plan is to accommodate the entire German brigade. It is estimated that around 5,000 German brigade soldiers and civilians will relocate to Lithuania, some of them with their families. There will be two duty locations – Rūdninkai and Rukla, with soldiers and their families residing in Vilnius and Kaunas, and additional logistical points will be established in other parts of Lithuania.
The presence of German soldiers in Lithuania has a strong deterrent value against potential adversaries and, if necessary, will create conditions for forward defense in Lithuania.