At the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) Summit in Tallinn, leaders of 10 NATO member states, including Baltic and Nordic countries, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands agreed on additional measures to support Ukraine and closer JEF cooperation in the future.
"Together with the leaders of JEF member states, we coordinated positions on the necessary support for Ukraine and aligned the needs of the region's joint defence capabilities," emphasized Prime Minister Evika Siliņa. During the summit, all member states emphasized that allocating more than 2% of GDP to defence spending is essential to jointly implement the new regional defence plans, and continue to invest effectively in the strengthening of defence capabilities. JEF nations also agreed on the need for joint coordination to deter and impede Russia's "shadow fleet" and to support the introduction of new sanctions against Russia, limiting the amount of resources available to the aggressor and its ability to finance the war. We will also continue training Ukrainian soldiers and providing them with modern equipment. All countries also pointed out to the need to strengthen the defence sector by increasing the production capacity of the military industry in the region and accelerating the development of the European defence industry.
A joint statement by JEF member states following the working session in Tallinn reaffirms that Russia remains the most significant, immediate and long-term threat to security, peace and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area.
"All leaders of JEF member states shared the view that Ukraine’s victory is crucial for our security and affirmed their unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine on its path to NATO membership. This Thursday we will also meet at the closing European Council meeting to further discuss security and support for Ukraine," noted E. Siliņa.
Total military assistance from JEF countries to Ukraine is expected to exceed EUR 12 billion in 2025.
The Joint Expeditionary Force is a UK-led initiative launched in 2015. This was the tenth annual meeting of JEF countries and the third year that Heads of State and Government and presidents participated. The JEF aims to develop a force that is responsive, trained and equipped to respond quickly to conflicts of all kinds. The JEF member states include Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.
JEF’s goal is to develop rapid-reaction forces, trained and equipped to respond quickly to various types of conflicts. The JEF member states include Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.
