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On 2 December, Kęstutis Budrys, Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with Professor Eva-Maria Kern, who is the president of the University of the Bundeswehr Munich, with German officers studying at the university, and other academics. The meeting discussed issues of scientific diplomacy, involvement of universities in global defence, strengthening of societal resilience, research projects promoting the defence industry, and involvement of start-ups, whose technological solutions would contribute to strengthening defence.

The University of the Bundeswehr Munich offers  civilian-equivalent degree programs for German officers after they complete 15 months of military service. The education and specialty knowledge acquired at this university can be applied in their subsequent military career or civil life, if the officers decide to return to it.

‘It is a pleasure to visit the University of the Bundeswehr Munich, which trains not only motivated, professional officers and strong leaders of the future, but also has a connection with Lithuania. It is on the basis of the Bavarian and North Rhine-Westphalia military contingent that the 45th German brigade “Litauen” is being formed,’ said Budrys.

General Christoph Huber, the commander of the brigade deployed on a permanent basis in Lithuania, is also a graduate of the University of the Bundeswehr Munich.  The pattern on the background of the coat of arms of this university is also used in the emblem and patch of the brigade.

According to the Minister, Lithuania highly appreciates the decision of German troops to come to our country for service and contribute to the security and deterrence of the entire eastern NATO region.

The head of Lithuania's diplomacy got acquainted with the activities of the University's Centre for Intelligence and Security Studies and Centre for Crisis Early Warning, and discussed with students the impact of geopolitical challenges facing the European security architecture.

The discussion with the University's community highlighted Russia's long-term systemic threat to Europe.

According to Budrys, regardless of the outcome of the war in Ukraine, Russia will seek to maintain its revisionist policy towards its neighbours, destroy the European security architecture, and use hostile hybrid actions to influence democratic societies. Therefore, according to the Minister, the only way for Europe is to take responsibility for its defence, consistently support and strengthen Ukraine, and maintain a strong transatlantic link.

Photos: Universität der Bundeswehr München/Siebold