The Defence Minister gave an overview of the key issues with regard to co-operation between the Baltic States by stressing the unanimous decision to maintain the international essence of the Baltic Defence College, which is located in Tartu.
Within the framework of Nordic-Baltic defence-related co-operation, the ministers discussed further options with the aim of providing defence-related assistance to Ukraine.
In the discussion on operations, the participants agreed that the co-operation between NATO and EU with regard to the planning and conduct of operations was of great importance.
The Baltic States’ overview of the present state and future objectives of air policing received a positive response. The Danish and Norwegian defence ministers acknowledged the Baltic States’ achievements on developing Host Nation Support. Sweden invited Norway, Finland, and Estonia to contribute to the next EU Nordic Battle Group, which will be fully operational by the first half of 2011.
The defence ministers from eight Nordic and Baltic countries meet annually to discuss co-operation and current defence policy issues.