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Pevkur in Lithuania: Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania jointly propose an initiative for allied capability development

22. May 2024 - 16:14

Today, at the meeting of the Baltic States' defense ministers in Palanga, Lithuania, Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur emphasized the need to significantly accelerate the development of capabilities to implement NATO's new defense plans. To achieve this, Estonia together with the other Baltic States jointly propose an initiative for capability development to the Allies for the NATO Washington Summit.

“For us, the executability of NATO’s defense plans is critically important. Therefore, we jointly propose a capability development Initiative –  the Allied Capability Delivery Commitment (ACDC), which is easy to remember. Understandably, additional funds are required for its realization, which is why the minimum defense spending level of 2% of GDP last agreed in Vilnius is not sufficient, and all Allies should move towards at least 2.5%. I am glad that the Baltic States are setting an example for the Allies. In addition to Estonia, both Latvia and Lithuania are soon set to join the 3% club,” Pevkur commented on the discussions.

The defense ministers also discussed possibilities for strengthening regional cooperation. “We have good examples where we jointly procure, for instance, air defense systems or vehicles, but we need to further intensify our cooperation. Our navies will need new vessels in the future, we are jointly developing the Baltic defense line, and we consistently need armaments. Joint procurements help everyone save money, ensure better interoperability, and provide for common spare parts, maintenance, and training,” the Estonian defence minister illustrated the benefits of joint procurements.

The ministers also discussed the ongoing assistance to Ukraine, received an overview of the developments of the Baltic Defense College, and the joint activities of the navies within the cooperation framework “Naval Vision 2030+”.

The defense ministers of the three Baltic States meet regularly twice a year, and this year Lithuania chairs the Baltic defense cooperation.

Additional information: [email protected]

Photos: 2024-05-22 Baltijos šalių gynybos ministrų komunikato pasirašymas. | Flickr

Full text of the joint communique (443.54 KB, PDF)