2026-01-22
Kay Scheller, President of the German Federal Audit Office, and his delegation are visiting the National Audit Office. During this bilateral visit, the main focus is on cooperation in the field of defence audits, strengthening institutional partnership and exchanging audit experience in response to the fundamentally changed security situation in Europe.
During the visit, the delegation held meetings with representatives of the Office of the President of the Republic of Lithuania, the Government, the Committee on Audit of the Seimas, and the Ministry of National Defence. Kay Scheller, President of the German Federal Audit Office, presented the German experience in auditing the activities of the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces) and specific challenges related to conducting audits, managing confidential information, and training specialized auditors. Representatives of the Ministry of National Defence presented the major capability projects of Lithuanian armed forces and their allies.
During the meeting with the team of advisors to the President of the Republic of Lithuania, the strategic importance of the Rūdninkai Training Area project, the deployment of the German brigade in Lithuania, and related strategic and institutional issues were discussed. Accompanied by representatives of the National Audit Office and the Ministry of National Defence, the delegation from the German Audit Office visited the Rūdninkai Training Area and the headquarters of the German brigade.
During the bilateral meeting, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the National Audit Office and the German Federal Audit Office, marking closer cooperation between the two institutions. It will reinforce the institutions' commitment to systematic cooperation in conducting audits and sharing professional experience.
Auditor General Irena Segalovičienė emphasizes that defence audits are now an integral part of national and European security: "In 2026, Lithuania will allocate historically the largest amount of funding to defence – more than 5% of GDP. However, this is not enough – the efficiency of these funds must be ensured and it must be made sure that every euro is converted into real defence capabilities. The audit of the Rūdninkai Training Area infrastructure and close cooperation with our German colleagues, enshrined in a signed Memorandum of Understanding, are a clear signal that record investments in the security of the country and NATO's eastern flank will be managed responsibly, in a timely manner, and with a view to creating long-term benefits."
National defence is one of the priority areas of activity for the National Audit Office this year. Five audits are planned in the area of national defence in 2026, covering the strengthening of defence capabilities, investment planning, and the management of national defence system finances and military logistics. One of these audits will also cover the management of the implementation of an infrastructure project at the Rūdninkai Training Area.
Germany is one of Lithuania's most important strategic partners in the field of defence and security. German contribution to strengthening Lithuania's defence, including the deployment of a German brigade in Lithuania, significantly contributes to NATO's eastern flank deterrence and regional security. This cooperation is seen as more than just a military project – it strengthens bilateral political, economic, and social ties and creates a basis for long-term partnership.
During his visit to the National Audit Office, Kay Sheller, President of the German Federal Audit Office, shared the experience of auditing the German armed forces, which showed that increased funding alone is not enough. Decisive and consistent structural reforms, clear prioritization of tasks, and organizational and personnel restructuring focused on the core mission of national and collective defence are also necessary. The head of the delegation also emphasized the need for cooperation: "Just as the German armed forces cooperate with the Lithuanian armed forces, we, as supreme audit institutions, must also cooperate very closely, especially in the area of defence audits. We must all contribute to security and freedom in Europe."
The visit of the delegation of the German Federal Audit Office to Lithuania is considered a significant step in strengthening the dialogue between supreme audit institutions and their contribution to a transparent, accountable, and reliable defence system at national and European level.