On March 10 Poland formally became a Framework Nation of the NATO Energy Security Centre of Excellence (ENSEC COE) and the national flag of the Republic of Poland was hoisted in front of the ENSEC COE Headquarters.
“It is a joy to welcome Poland, Lithuania’s main strategic Ally, to the family of the NATO Energy Security Centre of Excellence. Poland was one of the first countries to take decisive action to decrease its energy dependence on Russia because it understands very well the importance of reducing energy vulnerability. I am very glad to see the number of members supporting the ENSEC COE grow and we hope that many others will follow in Poland’s footsteps,” said Vice Minister of National Defence Žilvinas Tomkus at the flag hoisting ceremony.
The ceremony was also attended by representatives of the Ministry of National Defence of Poland, Ambassadors of NATO Allies and partners to Lithuania, Defence Attachés, military personnel of the Polish contingents in Lithuania, etc.
Poland has been contributing to ENSEC COE activity since volunteering and expert to the ENSEC COE Strategic Analysis Department in 2019. Since finalizing the procedure of becoming a Framework Nation late last year, it will continue contributing one expert. As of today, Poland is officially the 13th ENSEC COE Framework Nation.
Established in 2012 and currently headed by Col Darius Užkuraitis, the ENSEC COE is now formed by Framework Nations Lithuania, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Poland, Türkiye, Ukraine, United Kingdom and the United States. The ENSEC COE functions in support of NATO institutions, member states and partners. The ENSEC COE provides expertise in energy security area, contributes to military doctrine development, enhances Resource efficiency, advises on alternative energy sources. It organizes exercises and courses on an annual basis, develops cooperation with different organisations and education institutions.
Photo credit: MoD / Sgt 1st Class A. Čemerka