The two-day conference saw not only the Commanders of the eFP Battle Groups but also the ones being in command of their host-nations’ brigades, NATO Force Integration Units and of Multinational Division Northeast. The aim was to optimize synergy between all activities related to the development and delivery of capabilities of the new NATO forces in the Baltic region, avoid duplication and ensure their overall effectiveness and efficiency.
Our group effort and daily work provides safety and security for not only the Baltic region but for the whole Alliance.
“This meeting is yet another step in enhancing collaboration between a number of NATO troops and units.” – said Lieutenant General Manfred Hofmann, Commander Multinational Corps Northeast – “Our group effort and daily work provides safety and security for not only the Baltic region but for the whole Alliance. For NATO commitment is not just a word. We stand together. All for one and one for all.”
Lieutenant General Manfred Hofmann chaired the 1st Multinational Corps Northeast Commanders’ Conference focused on furthering collaboration between the troops and units deployed by the Alliance to its north-eastern territory.
Starting 2017, the enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) has been a new component of NATO’s broader deterrence and defence posture. In demonstrating its commitment to ensuring security in North-Eastern Europe, the Alliance has deployed four Battle Groups of about 1,000 soldiers each to Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. With their multinational composition and robust combat capabilities, these forces perform the deterrence function – making it clear that an attack on one Ally will be considered an attack on the whole Alliance from the very beginning.
“The unique composition of the eFP Battle Groups highlights the importance of NATO.” – stated Lieutenant Colonel Scott Cheney, Commander eFP Battle Group Poland.
The eFP Battle Groups have been integrated into their host-nations’ brigades and will be functioning under a common division headquarters (Multinational Division Northeast) established in the city of Elbląg in Poland once it reaches Full Operational Capability.