Minister of National Defence Raimundas Karoblis met with his counterparts of the United Kingdom, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Poland, Germany, and the Netherlands at a Northern Group video teleconference on May 20 to discuss the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on defence capabilities and readiness, as well as aspects and challenges of strategic communication in the COVID-19 context.
“Despite the COVID-19, conventional threats are still present. Exercises are an element of our readiness and deterrence, therefore we have to get back to the usual exercise schedule as soon as possible. We also must maintain the least of 2% of GDP defence financing to ensure readiness,” Minister said.
R. Karoblis also praised and thanked allies for continuing implementation of deterrence measures, such as the NATO Air Policing Mission in the Baltic states and the NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battalion Battle Group, regardless of the difficulties brought by the COVID-19.
Ministers also discussed the importance of military mobility that had been highlighted by the COVID-19 situation. R. Karoblis underscored the necessity to carry on with the work already underway in NATO and EU formats. Ministers also emphasized the importance of coordinated strategic communication and the need for more proactiveness in the fight against disinformation.
The Northern Group is a forum for informal debate of its members on security and defence issues of common interest to the Nordic Group countries, and for finding opportunities for new activities together. Northern Group countries are committed to security and stability in Northern Europe and beyond and to strengthening the transatlantic bonds.
Photo credit: MoD
