“Lithuania and France are always working together guided by the same values as NATO allies and in the European Union. Both countries have shared interests, build a stronger and more secure Europe, and contribute to peace and security worldwide. However, these uncertain times also present to us the persistent security challenges in the setting of the COVID-19 pandemic. The security situation in Europe has become fragile and unpredictable, therefore we need even more effort and cooperation,” E. Misiūnas said at the ceremony.
“French soldiers are making a significant contribution to deterrence and defence of the Baltic region as part of the NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battalion Battle Group in Rukla and the NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battalion Battle Group – that is a clear message from the allies about how united, ready, and capable to defence NATO we are,” Vice Minister said.
Lt Col F. Lemoine succeeds Col S. Loechleiter as representative of the French Armed Forces in Lithuania after three years in the office. The incoming Defence Attaché of France graduated from the Military Academy of Saint-Cyr, was deployed to the mission in Kosovo, held diplomatic positions in Kyrgyzstan, Republic of South Africa.
Defence cooperation of Lithuania and France
The two countries develop cooperation through various formats: NATO, European Union, bilaterally, etc. France is one of the most active contributors to the NATO Air Policing Mission in the Baltic states: it is conducting its eight rotation at the moment (five rotations have been conducted from Šiauliai Air Base, two from Estonia, and one from Poland) and one augmentation (conducted from Malbork Air Base in Poland).
France also contributes a company-sized reinforced manoeuvre unit to the NATO eFP and the Baltic security. France deployed to the NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battalion Battle Group its fourth contingent since 2017 earlier in July. Currently approx. 300 French soldiers with equipment are deployed to the NATO eFP BG in Rukla : roughly 200 of them form a mechanised infantry company armed with 14 VBCI infantry fighting vehicles and 5 Leclerc tanks, and the remaining 100 are completing administrative and logistical tasks.
In 2014 Lithuanian soldiers with C-27J Spartan transport aircraft were providing logistical support to French national operation Sangaris in the Central African Republic. That is the best instance of cooperation with France in multinational operations so far. France is calling for more contributions to missions in Africa. Lithuania understands the threats from the South well and pays special attention to the region of Africa: half of Lithuanian military personnel deployed to multinational operations are serving there. Lithuania has never throughout our history sent so many forces to serve in international operations in the region of Africa.
The countries also cooperate in military training. Lithuanian soldiers are invited to enhance qualification in courses and apprenticeships in France. Academic student exchange is conducted between the Saint-Cyr Military Academy and the General Jonas Žemaitis Military Academy of Lithuania (French cadets study English while Lithuanians study for one semester at the Saint-Cyr Military Academy). Since 2012, a French language course is delivered at the Gen Jonas Žemaitis Military Academy of Lithuania by a French teacher according to an agreement with the Embassy of France.
France also contributes to the activity of the NATO Energy Security Centre of Excellence in Vilnius as one of the framework nations, a French officer has been the second in command at the centre since 2013.
