The European Investment Bank (EIB) has completed a €290 million financing package for development of the military campus in Rūdninkai. This marks a significant step in delivering one of the currently principal defence infrastructure projects in the Baltic region.
Financing is secured following the finalisation of contracts for all three main construction phases of the Rūdninkai campus. These agreements establish the construction schedule. The Rūdninkai military campus is planned to become operational in late 2027.
“The EIB decision to finance the development of the Rūdninkai military campus marks a milestone in the implementation of one of the key projects of Lithuania’s military infrastructure. The investment accelerates the delivery of infrastructure needed for stationing the German Brigade, strengthens Lithuania’s defensive capabilities, and contributes to the security on the eastern flank of NATO. This once again underlines how European security is built by concerted effort of the European countries and European institutions,” said Minister of National Defence Robertas Kaunas.
Last week, the EIB signed a €105 million loan agreement, including a €5 million reserve facility, with a Special Purpose Entity (SPE) responsible for developing Lot A in the campus area. The project company is backed by a consortium comprising Lithuanian construction companies Conres and Fegda and the alternative asset manager INVL Asset Management (INVL). The EIB today signed two loan agreements totalling approx. €185 million with two SPEs responsible for Lots B and C, backed by the Baltic construction company Merko.
“Rūdninkai is an extremely important defence-infrastructure project for Europe. We are proud to provide financing that will strengthen NATO’s eastern flank. It demonstrates how Europe is investing in the security, resilience and readiness needed to meet today’s challenges,” said EIB Vice-President Karl Nehammer.
The loan is a testament to the ever-growing EIB role in support of European security and defence. As the European Union strengthens its security capabilities and strategic resilience, the EIB is significantly stepping up its funding for dual-use and defence infrastructure projects.
The Rūdninkai project is one of the largest investment in military infrastructure development since the restoration of independence in 1991.
