Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia Agree to Remove Bureaucracy for Military Movement Between Countries

The defense ministers of the Baltic states have agreed to create a single military mobility space to simplify troop movements and strengthen NATO’s eastern flank defense.

The agreement was signed on January 30 in Tallinn during a meeting of the defense ministries of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, according to the Estonian Ministry of Defense.

The goal of the agreement is to cut down on red tape when it comes to joint procurement, transferring weapons, and moving military units between the Baltic countries.

Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur noted that even participation in exercises currently requires a significant amount of paperwork.

According to him, the new mechanism should minimize paperwork or eliminate it altogether if necessary.

The military mobility project was launched in 2023 under NATO coordination and provides for the unhindered movement of armed forces between Alliance countries.

In the future, the initiative is expected to cover all of Europe and ensure a rapid response to threats.

Lithuanian Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas stressed that in a crisis, every hour is crucial.

“If necessary, Lithuanian military equipment will be able to move freely to defend Riga, Estonian artillery will be able to support Vilnius, Latvian forces will be able to reinforce Tallinn, and vice versa,” said Robertas Kaunas.

Separately, the ministers discussed strengthening the Alliance’s security and preparations for the upcoming NATO defense ministers’ meeting.

Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds said that investing about 5% of GDP in defense demonstrates the Baltic states’ leadership and the importance of immediately strengthening security.

The meeting participants also confirmed joint arms purchases, including Piorun and IRIS-T air defense systems, the development of strike capabilities based on HIMARS, and cooperation on next-generation CV90 combat vehicles.

Earlier, Europe announced that it was looking for a format for a military alliance without the US, with the possible participation of Ukraine.