Ukraine becomes part of European Joint Expeditionary Force: Why this is good news
Photo: Ukraine became part of the European Joint Expeditionary Force (Getty Images)
Ukraine has become a partner of the European Joint Expeditionary Force. This will strengthen support on the front and integrate us into the common security system, according to the Norwegian government website.
At today’s meeting in Oslo, 10 Northern European countries that are part of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) agreed to strengthen security cooperation among themselves.
During the meeting, the countries also decided to include Ukraine in the expanded partnership with the JEF.
It is worth noting that the Joint Expeditionary Force includes representatives from:
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The United Kingdom
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Denmark
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Estonia
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Finland
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Iceland
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Latvia
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Lithuania
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The Netherlands
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Sweden
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Norway
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Finland.
Europe will take responsibility
As is known, the heads of state and government of these countries gathered for a summit in Oslo to discuss common challenges to regional security and closer cooperation to overcome them. After the summit in Oslo, all countries issued a joint statement.
"Europe must take greater responsibility for its own security, and this is happening now. This meeting confirmed our close security ties, and we agreed to strengthen our joint efforts for the security and stability of Northern Europe. The JEF is a good first response to crises and strengthens NATO's defense," said Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
Countries support Ukraine
Continued support for Ukraine was a key topic of the summit. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy participated in part of the meeting at the Oslo City Hall in a digital format.
"We agreed to invite Ukraine into the expanded partnership within the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF). Russia's war against Ukraine has plunged Europe into the most serious security situation since World War II. Our support for Ukraine remains unwavering," Støre added.
According to him, the participating countries also have much to learn from Ukraine's experience.
"Closer ties between Ukraine and the JEF are also important for the security and stability of our corner of Europe," the Prime Minister concluded.
The countries also agree that the JEF will intensify its efforts to optimize coordination and cooperation with NATO.
"The JEF countries have unique experience and will support NATO in areas we know well. The Baltic Sea, the Far North, and the North Atlantic are our region. The JEF is a platform for practical cooperation, shared situational awareness, and the exchange of experience that can help strengthen the defense and readiness of both NATO and individual countries," Støre added.
Joint Expeditionary Force
The Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) is a multinational expeditionary force created by the United Kingdom in 2015.
When needed, the JEF can deploy over 10,000 troops for humanitarian missions or high-intensity combat operations.
A few years ago, Ukraine already cooperated with the alliance. At that time, Ukraine was invited as an observer to the training of Joint Expeditionary Force members.
At the end of last year, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, during a meeting with his Norwegian counterpart Jonas Gahr Støre, emphasized that the UK aims to secure as strong a position as possible for Ukraine in 2025.
At the same time, he noted that the unwavering support for Ukraine from the countries involved had already been strengthened within the framework of the Joint Expeditionary Force.
