Brunssum, The Netherlands – From 16th and 18th May, the Deputy Commander Joint Force Command Brunssum (JFCBS), Lieutenant General John Mead, participated in the Lennart Meri Conference 2025 in Estonia.
The security of the Baltic Sea Region is vital to NATO’s collective defence.
Under the headline ‘Strengthening Allied Cooperation in a Changing Security Environment’, this year’s iteration of the conference brought together leading policymakers, military officials, academics, and analysts to discuss the evolving security environment and the role of alliances in maintaining global stability. The conference focused on NATO and the EU’s response to the ongoing war in Europe, emphasizing Europe’s responsibility in defence, the importance of maintaining unity in supporting Ukraine, and the growing influence of external actors such as China, Iran, and North Korea in fuelling instability.
The conference also examined the broader implications of shifting global alliances, including the increasing cooperation between NATO and partners in the Indo-Pacific. Discussions highlighted the challenges posed by hybrid warfare, cyber threats, and economic coercion, as well as the need for stronger transatlantic and regional partnerships to counter these risks.
DCOM JFCBS, Lt Gen Mead, participated as a primary member in the panel dealing with Baltic Sea Security, addressing regional maritime security and discussing threats created by shadow fleets in shallow waters. This session also explored NATO’s Baltic Sentry initiative and the strategic measures necessary to safeguard critical infrastructure and deter emerging risks.
“The security of the Baltic Sea Region is vital to NATO’s collective defence,” said General Mead. “Ensuring maritime stability requires strong cooperation among allies, and this conference was an essential forum for shaping our strategic approach to these challenges.”
The Lennart Meri Conference remains a vital forum for advancing solutions to global security issues, fostering dialogue, and strengthening allied cooperation.