200 Belgian soldiers to support NATO mission in Lithuania
Starting at the end of July and continuing through January, Belgium will deploy nearly 200 soldiers to Lithuania to support NATO’s defence of its eastern flank. Defence minister Theo Francken (N-VA) announced the deployment in Parliament on Wednesday.
The operation is part of NATO’s “Forward Land Forces,” a series of multinational battle groups stationed in eight Eastern European countries. Belgium is joining at the request of Germany, which is playing an increasingly central role in European defence.
Francken’s proposal is expected to be approved by the Council of Ministers on Friday. Responding to a question from party colleague Peter Buysrogge, he highlighted the importance of the partnership: “It is clear that minister Francken wants to strengthen ties with the Germans, now that they are becoming a leading defence force in Europe.”
The Belgian contingent will include a 100-soldier reconnaissance squadron, an artillery task force of around 70 soldiers, ten staff officers and a small support unit with logistics, medical personnel and military police.
Belgian soldiers in Vilnius, Lithuania. © BELGA PHOTO BENOIT DOPPAGNE
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