The chairman of the Bundestag Defense Committee highlighted the principles of voluntary service in the German army but acknowledged the possibility of requiring soldiers to serve in Lithuania if current volunteer enlistment levels are insufficient for maintaining security. This statement was made during an interview with the media group RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland (RND). Röwekamp emphasized that those who choose a military profession accept the responsibility of protecting peace and freedom, which extends beyond national borders and includes service in places like Lithuania where deterrence reinforces peace.

Recent reports from Der Spiegel, citing a confidential Defense Ministry document, indicated that the German military is struggling to attract enough volunteers to establish a brigade in Lithuania. By the end of 2027, a total of 4,800 German troops along with 200 civilian employees are expected to be deployed in Lithuania, but the current rates of volunteer enlistment have raised concerns about meeting these deployment goals.

In response to these challenges, the German Defense Ministry reassured that the formation of the brigade is proceeding as planned, despite the recruitment difficulties. This situation reflects broader concerns within NATO and the necessity of maintaining a strong military presence in Eastern Europe in light of ongoing geopolitical tensions, underlining the importance of member nations contributing effectively to collective defense efforts.