Joint press statement

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In an increasingly unpredictable and contested security environment, the JEF will continue to develop as a flexible and credible tool for dialogue, deterrence and defence in Northern Europe. We are determined to strengthen our cooperation, and demonstrate our contribution to Euro-Atlantic security and transatlantic burden sharing.

Today, we agreed:

1. To Invite Ukraine to form an ‘Enhanced Partnership’ with the JEF

The JEF nations, following decisions taken at the last Summit in Tallinn, seek a deepening of the relationship between the JEF and Ukraine. The JEF stands with Ukraine. The enhanced partnership may include a number of activities and initiatives, such as:

• Ukrainian participation in relevant military exercises, high level meetings and fora;
• Further develop training assistance for Ukraine’s Armed Forces;
• Increased mutual learning on modern warfare and technological innovation.
• Preparations for deeper Ukrainian involvement in future JEF activity.

2. To further increase the JEF’s deterrence and peacetime activity

The JEF nations are committed to contributing to credible deterrence in peacetime, and to reacting quickly and flexibly in close coordination with NATO in a crisis situation, especially situations of security concern short of Article 5.

We will increase JEF effectiveness by ensuring further harmonisation with NATO planning, exploring closer total defence cooperation, and reviewing JEF’s Joint Response Options.

3. To increase awareness of the strategic dependencies in the whole JEF region

The JEF nations reaffirm the Baltic Sea region, the High North and the North Atlantic as our core, interlinked, geostrategic area of concern and mutual interest.

We will increase awareness, understanding and coordination of activities and efforts across the whole JEF region complimentary to NATO and national operations.

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Today, we reaffirm that the JEF remain united, flexible and relevant to our security.