Lithuania approves construction of schools for German troops' children

The Lithuanian government has given the green light for the construction of schools in Vilnius and Kaunas specifically designed to accommodate the children of German soldiers and their families who will be stationed in Lithuania. This decision addresses the anticipated needs arising from the deployment of a German military brigade.

The Ministry of Education, Science and Sport highlighted that the existing educational infrastructure is insufficient for the incoming German military personnel and their dependents. To bridge this gap, a new school is planned for construction in Vilnius, located at Drujos Street 11, which will cater to an estimated 500 to 600 students. Additionally, a school in Kaunas, at Verkių Street 30, will undergo reconstruction to accommodate approximately 200 students.

The state has allocated €56,619,000 for these educational projects. The arrival of the first German soldiers is anticipated as early as this autumn. Construction for the second phase of the Rūdninkai military town, intended for the German brigade, began in mid-July, with the first phase expected to be completed sooner.

Lithuania aims to establish all priority infrastructure for the German brigade by the end of 2027. The Rūdninkai base, situated about 23 kilometers south of Vilnius and 35 kilometers from the Belarusian border, will eventually house several thousand German soldiers and civilian personnel, many of whom will relocate with their families. Germany confirmed in the autumn of 2023 its intention to permanently deploy a combat-ready brigade in Lithuania, with the full brigade expected to reach operational capacity by 2027.

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According to the project developers, the construction of a new school in Vilnius, Drujos St. 11, for about 500–600 students and the reconstruction of a school in Kaunas, Verkių St. 30, adapting it for the education of about 200 students, are required.