TALLINN, Estonia — A two-day security summit of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) commenced today in Tallinn, bringing together leaders from across Europe to discuss pressing defense and security issues.
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal is hosting the summit, which includes the Presidents of Lithuania and Finland, the Prime Ministers of the Netherlands, Latvia, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and the United Kingdom, as well as the Foreign Minister of Iceland. Key topics on the agenda include increasing defense spending, enhancing security in the Baltic Sea region, and continued support for Ukraine.
“The JEF plays a vital role in the deterrence and defense posture of the Baltic Sea region,” Prime Minister Michal said. “Recent years have shown how important it is to protect critical maritime infrastructure. We must continuously train with our allies to maintain the ability of our forces to react quickly and decisively.”
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the JEF, offering an opportunity to assess the coalition’s achievements and set future goals. The JEF, a defense cooperation format led by the United Kingdom, includes Estonia, the Netherlands, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Iceland. Its primary mission is to be a first responder in crises before NATO’s Article 5 is invoked, focusing on flexibility and quick-response capabilities in operations ranging from humanitarian aid to conventional warfare.
Last year’s summit was held in Sweden, with previous meetings in Latvia and other member countries.
Editor: Gabriel Ani
