According to a domestic document cited by 'Spiegel', Lithuania is experiencing a critical shortage of volunteers for the German brigade stationed there, expected to achieve full combat readiness by the end of 2027. Currently, only about 10% of the necessary 2,000 positions in the main forces, including artillery, intelligence, and engineering units, have been filled. This lack of recruitment poses a significant challenge despite the Lithuanian Defense Ministry's attractive financial incentives aimed at encouraging participation in military service.

In response to the situation, the Defense Ministry plans to implement measures to boost recruitment, such as sending informational letters to 43,000 troops, offering trips to Lithuania, and reducing the minimum service time from two years to one year. The Bundeswehr confirmed the lack of volunteers but emphasized that this is a temporary situation that could change. The deployment plan includes a total of 4,800 German soldiers and 200 civilian workers in Lithuania, with some coming accompanied by their families, marking a significant military presence since the end of World War II.

The shortage of volunteers for the German brigade signifies not only a logistical challenge for military cooperation but also highlights broader issues regarding military willingness and participation in Lithuania amidst evolving security needs in Europe. This situation could have implications for regional security dynamics and NATO's collective defense strategy, particularly as tensions in the region remain high.