The German Bundestag has approved new financial incentives and professional improvements for military personnel as part of the permanent deployment of a Bundeswehr brigade in Lithuania. The vote took place on January 31, 2025, with a majority supporting the multi-level legislative proposal.
Key measures include a more flexible work schedule, simplified overtime pay, and compensation for special national and multinational readiness obligations. The legislation not only applies to Lithuania but also covers various aspects of military service.
According to the German Ministry of Defense, the approved measures encompass a wide range of areas, from operational readiness to additional payments for soldiers who are required to return to service quickly due to national and international commitments.
The legislation also aims to improve relocation conditions, particularly for families, and revises the compensation process for forced separations. Furthermore, expanded opportunities for bonuses related to contract extensions are introduced to enhance the competitiveness of service in the Bundeswehr.
Additionally, a new law prohibits former military personnel from working for foreign states, such as Russia or China, without prior permission, aimed at preventing the recruitment of highly skilled former Bundeswehr employees through lucrative contracts.
In light of the changing security situation in Europe due to Russian military aggression against Ukraine, the German government has committed to establishing a capable and autonomous combat unit in Lithuania, with plans for deployment readiness by 2027. The brigade is expected to maintain a permanent presence of up to 5,000 soldiers stationed in Rudninkai and Rukla.