HCSS was very honored to have hosted the three Baltic Ministers of Defence, together with Dutch Minister of Defence Ruben Brekelmans, for a symposium on the ‘Baltic Defence Line’ on January 15, 2025.
During the symposium “Baltic Defence Line: Strengthening the Defence of NATO’s Eastern Flank”, Hanno Pevkur (Minister of Defence of Estonia), Andris Sprūds (Minister of Defence of Latvia) and Dovilė Šakalienė (Minister of Defence of Lithuania) gathered at HCSS to discuss the topic of eastern flank defence, NATO’s forward defence strategy in Europe, and the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Featuring a keynote by Dutch Minister Brekelmans and a panel with defence experts from the three visiting Allies, moderated by HCSS director of research Tim Sweijs, the central message conveyed at the symposium was: “Preparedness is Key, Deterrence is the Best Defence.”
The Baltic Defence Line
In response to the resurgent Russian threat to Euro-Atlantic security, NATO has taken a strategic approach to reinforcing its deterrence and defence, especially on the Eastern Flank. In turn, the Baltic States have dramatically increased their defence spending to above 3 percent and taken unprecedented steps to strengthen their territorial defence, including by developing complex fortifications and border facilities (also known as the Baltic Defence Line).
Fortifications such as the ones to be built by Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, are becoming a more common feature in contemporary politics and warfare, not least of which during the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. The Baltic Defence Line, will be a key feature of what is becoming a reinvented European security and defence architecture.
Baltic Ministers: “Ukraine is Fighting for Us Too”
During a press briefing at the Hague Centre for Strategic Studies following the event, the four ministers expressed unity on critical issues, including support for Ukraine and the strengthening of NATO’s eastern flank to enhance its deterrence capabilities. They emphasized that the Russian threat is acutely felt in the Baltic states.
Estonian Minister Pevkur stated that support for Ukraine also benefits other nations along NATO’s eastern border. “Otherwise, Russia will simply reposition its troops,” he warned. Pevkur underscored the importance of exceeding NATO’s 2% defense spending benchmark, calling it insufficient for the current security climate.
Latvian Minister Sprūds urged the European Union to play a greater role. “The EU must significantly contribute to strengthening the defense industry. Don’t forget, Ukraine is fighting for us too,” he emphasized.
Lithuanian Minister Šakalienė shared a personal story during the HCSS “Baltic Defence Line” meeting. She recounted the fate of a relative who was imprisoned in Siberia for distributing leaflets proclaiming “Lithuania is free.” “He was captured and tortured. Russia shows no mercy—whether you’re a man, a woman, an adult, or a child. We must prepare ourselves as best we can. Deterrence is our strongest defense,” she said.
Dutch Contributions to Baltic Security
The ministers also expressed gratitude for the Netherlands’ efforts in enhancing Baltic and NATO security. Dutch F-35 fighter jets operate from Estonia to deter Russian aircraft from encroaching on NATO territory. Since 2017, the Dutch Army has stationed troops in Lithuania as part of NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence. The Dutch Navy, meanwhile, ensures the security of critical seabed infrastructure in the Baltic Sea and surrounding areas.
The ministers agreed that these contributions significantly bolster security for the Baltic nations and NATO as a whole.
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