Prime Minister Schoof visits Dutch troops in Lithuania for the holidays

Prime Minister Dick Schoof on Tuesday paid a visit to Dutch troops stationed in Lithuania, where they are contributing to NATO's mission to bolster the alliance's eastern border defense. The visit comes as the soldiers prepare to spend the holiday season away from home before being relieved of duty in January.

Schoof joined the troops at the Rukla military base for a Christmas lunch, where he expressed his appreciation for their dedication and sacrifice. "It asks something of all of you to be here during the holidays instead of with your families. For that, I want to sincerely thank you," he told the gathered soldiers.

The visit also included a meeting with Lithuanian Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas, with whom Schoof discussed regional security and the importance of NATO's presence in the Baltic region. Schoof further held an introductory meeting with Lieutenant Colonel Bas Schillemans, who commands the NATO forward-deployed battlegroup in Lithuania.

The NATO battlegroup stationed in Lithuania is composed of over 1,300 soldiers from six countries: the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, the Czech Republic, Belgium, and Norway. The Dutch military has led the unit since earlier this year, marking a significant role in NATO's strategy to deter aggression in Eastern Europe.

The enhanced forward presence in Lithuania was established in 2017 in response to increased tensions following Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014. NATO's initiative includes battlegroups in several Eastern European nations, with the mission of reinforcing the alliance's defensive posture and demonstrating solidarity among member states.

While speaking with the troops, Schoof emphasized the strategic importance of their mission in maintaining stability in the region.

Schoof's visit coincided with ongoing preparations for a rotation of troops in January, when the current contingent will be relieved by fresh units. Despite the upcoming transition, the soldiers will spend the holiday season in Lithuania, far from their families in the Netherlands.