Quote from Alex bobby on July 7, 2025, 6:22 AM

German President in Vilnius: "Your Security Is Our Security"

On a symbolic and strategically significant visit to Vilnius, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier reaffirmed his nation’s steadfast support for Lithuania, sending a clear message of unity and solidarity at a time when Eastern Europe stands on high alert. The visit, which coincided with Lithuania’s Statehood Day on Sunday, underscored the growing partnership between Berlin and Vilnius in the face of mounting regional tensions stemming from Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Standing alongside Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda, Steinmeier delivered a powerful statement: “Your security is our security.” The remark, while brief, encapsulated the broader message of his visit—one of shared values, mutual defence, and an unyielding commitment to the freedom and stability of Europe’s eastern flank.

A Visit Rooted in History and Urgency

Lithuania’s Statehood Day, celebrated annually on July 6, commemorates the coronation of King Mindaugas in 1253—the only king in Lithuania’s history and a symbol of its enduring sovereignty. Steinmeier’s presence on such a national occasion was deeply symbolic, emphasising not just diplomatic ties but the historical weight of Lithuania’s independence and its right to self-determination.

“Lithuania and Germany stand together for the freedom of Ukraine, for the principle of self-determination, for European unity—as partners in the EU and NATO,” Steinmeier said during a joint appearance with President Nausėda. His words served as a reminder that the unity of the transatlantic alliance is not merely diplomatic—it is deeply personal for nations like Lithuania, which carry the memory of Soviet occupation and understand all too well the price of lost freedom.

A Strategic Military Partnership

Steinmeier’s visit also highlighted the strengthening of military ties between Germany and Lithuania, which have intensified in the wake of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. With fears of Russian aggression spreading across the Baltics, Germany has committed to a long-term military presence on Lithuanian soil.

Beginning in 2027, Germany will station approximately 5,000 soldiers from a permanent armoured brigade in Lithuania. The decision, made under the leadership of newly elected German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, reflects Berlin’s pivot towards a more assertive defence policy—one aimed at reinforcing NATO’s eastern flank and deterring further Russian adventurism.

This deployment is not just a symbolic gesture. It represents a significant strategic commitment, ensuring that Germany is not merely promising security guarantees on paper, but putting real forces in place to defend NATO allies who sit on the front lines.

Lithuania’s Fears Are Real

For Lithuanians, the Russian threat is far from abstract. The country shares nearly 300 kilometre’s of border with Russia, and as a former Soviet satellite state, it remains acutely aware of the stakes. The war in Ukraine has only amplified longstanding fears that the Baltic region could become a future target of Moscow’s imperial ambitions.

President Steinmeier acknowledged these concerns, stating, “Here in Lithuania, you know that neither freedom nor peace is guaranteed. Freedom is not a condition. Freedom is a task.” His words resonated with a public increasingly aware that preserving peace requires vigilance, preparation, and solidarity among allies.

Steinmeier’s speech also reinforced the idea that Europe must stand as one. The struggle in Ukraine, he suggested, is not just about Ukraine—it is about defending the core principles of the international order: sovereignty, territorial integrity, and democratic self-determination.

A Friendship Based on Values

President Nausėda welcomed his German counterpart warmly, both in person and via social media, where he wrote on platform X: “The President's visit is a strong sign of the enduring friendship between Lithuania and Germany, based on shared values and strategic partnership.”

Indeed, the ties between Berlin and Vilnius have evolved far beyond economics or diplomacy. The two nations are bound by a common understanding of what is at stake in today’s Europe—a shared belief in democracy, unity, and collective security.

Lithuania, often seen as a smaller player in global politics, has in recent years become a vital voice within NATO and the European Union—advocating for stronger responses to authoritarian aggression and serving as a bridge between Western Europe and the eastern frontier. Germany, in turn, has begun to recognise the critical role that countries like Lithuania play in securing the broader European project.

A Message to Moscow—and to Europe

Steinmeier’s visit wasn’t just a reassuring gesture to Lithuania. It was also a message to Moscow, signalling that Germany will not tolerate threats to its allies. By echoing the NATO principle that an attack on one is an attack on all, Steinmeier made it clear that Germany’s defence commitments are ironclad.

But perhaps more importantly, it was a reminder to the rest of Europe that freedom is fragile—and that preserving it requires not only military strength, but also political will and moral clarity.

Final Thought

As Europe navigates one of its most volatile security landscapes since the Cold War, President Steinmeier’s visit to Vilnius serves as a timely reminder that true alliances are built not just on treaties, but on trust, shared values, and a commitment to one another’s safety. In pledging that “your security is our security,” Germany has made clear that the defence of Lithuania—and by extension, Europe’s eastern frontier—is not optional, but essential. It’s a powerful message in uncertain times: when freedom is under threat, unity becomes our greatest strength.

Conclusion

President Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s visit to Vilnius marked a powerful reaffirmation of German-Lithuanian unity and NATO’s collective defence principle. As the shadow of war continues to hang over Eastern Europe, his words—“Your security is our security”—ring out as both a reassurance and a call to action.

In a moment where history and geopolitics collide, Lithuania and Germany are standing together, proving that solidarity is more than a slogan—it’s a shield.

Meta Description:
During a visit to Vilnius, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier pledged unwavering support for Lithuania, reinforcing NATO unity and stating, “Your security is our security,” amid growing regional tensions with Russia.