Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia demand a stronger NATO presence in the region/PAP/EPA
Representatives of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia announced their intention to increase their countries' defense spending. In addition, the prime ministers called on NATO divisions to strengthen their presence in the Baltic region.
A corresponding statement appeared on the official website of the Cabinet of Ministers of Latvia on April 22 immediately after the summit of the heads of government of the Baltic states.
< h2 class="news-subtitle cke-markup">Statement Highlights
Earlier, the representatives of the Baltic countries stated that at the summit in Madrid they would support the approval of the NATO Strategic Concept. In addition, their leading interest is strengthening NATO's long-term solutions in the field of deterrence and defense of the eastern flank.
It is noted that in order to prevent any possibility of aggression in the Baltic countries, modern permanent defense solutions are needed.
A greater presence of ground, air and naval forces is needed. To ensure a permanent Allied presence in the Baltic States, three combat-ready divisions, one in each of the Baltic States, dedicated to collective defense and capable of integrating local national defense forces, will be required. – reads the statement.
Lithuanian Prime Ministers Ingrida Simonyte, Latvian Krisjanis Karins and Estonian Kaja Kallas stressed that each division should consist of an Allied Readiness Brigade with the necessary support capabilities based on enhanced combat groups.
At the same time, the governments of the Baltic states intend to increase defense funding to at least 2.5% of GDP.
Representatives of the respective regions stressed that they are working over the purchase of multiple launch rocket systems. Work is also underway to develop a procedure by which states will be able to provide military and non-military assistance to each other or to several Baltic countries at their request.
